Marsh Walk - March 16, 2024

     Our latest West Rutland Marsh monitoring walk was both amazing and exciting! Amazement arose at first because we knew immediately that many birds had already returned from migration and were in high numbers for this time of year. Excitement followed when we saw some species no one could recall ever having seen at the Marsh before.

      The band of ten birders set out in gloom and some low-hanging clouds, with temperatures in the mid to high thirties. Right from the start the voices of Song Sparrows, Cardinals, Titmice, and Red-winged Blackbirds filled the air and unusual spectacles unfolded: a Belted Kingfisher dove and a Wood Duck floated in the midst of nine Ring-necked Ducks. Soon after, while observing a large flock of honking Canada Geese flying over, we heard a strange call and spied the black-tipped white wings of many Snow Geese. Later, a smaller band of these geese flew over .

Canada Geese. Photo by Ralph Nimtz.

      By the time we had reached Whipple Hollow Road, we had already catalogued 36 species, which included not only the afore-mentioned, but some other show stoppers: Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, Red Crossbill, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Winter Wren .

         The Whipple Hollow Trail afforded Turkey Vultures, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Northern Grouse, besides the glorious refreshment of evergreens and the many rich shades of green mosses. 

       Our 4.2 mile journey was a memorable one. Next month promises to be even more so.

See link below for a complete list of the 43 species we saw or heard, and consider joining us at the kiosk at 8 AM on April 11.

https://ebird.org/tripreport/213675

Song Sparrow. Photo by Ralph Nimtz.

Lake Bomoseen Hosts Another Unusual Winter Visitor

Even though most of Lake Bomoseen has been iced over for the past month or more, it has hosted a rare winter visitor, a Pied-billed Grebe, which has been seen mingling with Mallards at the portion of the lake with open water. Hearing this probably brings up questions for those unfamiliar with this water bird. You may ask, "Why Pied-billed?" As in the case of horses and other animals, the term refers to a multi-toned or blotchy coloration. This small bird has this in the wide, black band on its otherwise tan and white bill.

Pied-billed Grebe on Lake Bomoseen. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Another question you might ask is, "What is a Grebe?" Just as the Coot, which visited the lake last winter, was not a duck, neither is a Grebe. It is more akin to a Loon. Birds of both families are expert swimmers and divers (to which I can attest) and spend almost their entire lives on the water, except when nesting.

They both have legs set far back on their bodies, which allows great propulsion, but makes it awkward for them to walk on land. Also, Grebes have longer necks and smaller, rounder bodies than Loons. A Pied-billed Grebe is one of six Grebe species known as Podicipedidae and is the most frequently seen.

Why is this bird at Lake Bomoseen now? We will probably never know, but Grebes can be found throughout North America, but usually only in our area in the summer. Perhaps the milder winter brought him in or he somehow got thrown off course. Bays, ponds, and open water provide him with the aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish he needs.

Our little Grebe has been spending his time in the open water at the mouth of Lake Bomoseen. He is solitary, as is customary for his ilk, but has been swimming with and near the Mallards that have congregated there and which seem to accept his presence there, as does the Muskrat which has been swimming nearby, too. None of us has heard him vocalize, but if he did, it would sound like gulping or cooing.

If you have a chance to look for this special visitor, don't let him see your shadow or you'll see how quickly he can submerge and how far he can swim underwater before coming up again! Nevertheless, getting a quick glimpse of this unusual winter visitor is worth the trip.

—by Kathleen Guinness

West Rutland Marsh - February 2024

Along Marble St. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Despite the snow, which fell for a good portion of our walk around West Rutland Marsh on February 17, we tallied 56 American Robins and 65 Red-winged Blackbirds They are not really predictions of spring as both species can be found in Vermont in winter if there is a food supply.

The feeders at the Marble Street boardwalk were busy with a high number of Mourning Doves sheltering in the old cellar hole. Black-capped Chickadees, American Tree Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows were taking advantage of the feeders.

The Whipple Hollow Trail was fairly quiet except for a small flock of chickadees, both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches and a Dark-eyed Junco feeding along the ‘pine island’ section.

A single Pine Siskin was heard along Whipple Hollow Road.

The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, at 8 a.m.

Today’s species:

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Common Raven

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch

American Robin

Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch

American Tree Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Red-winged Blackbird

Northern Cardinal

There is much less snow on the ground under the dense Eastern Hemlock canopy on “Pine Island.” Photo by Sue Elliott.

West Rutland Marsh – January 2024

Five RCAS members tallied 26 species on our monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh. Although Marble Street was icy, the Whipple Hollow Trail slushy and there was some fog, the weather was pleasant with temperatures in the upper 30s and no wind.

The ‘usual suspects’ were taking advantage of the feeders at the Marble Street boardwalk – Black-capped Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, American Tree Sparrows and two White-throated Sparrows among others.

A large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds, around 100, was seen along Marble Street and later, presumably the same flock, along Pleasant Street. Nine American Robins were seen as well as two Golden-crowned Kinglets.

Ruffed Grouse tracks near boardwalk. Photo by Sue Elliott.

We saw Ruffed Grouse tracks along one of the Whipple Hollow Trail boardwalks.

Ruffed Grouse tracks. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Other highlights were Cedar Waxwings and Eastern Bluebirds in the meadow on the Whipple Hollow Trail and a single Purple Finch at a feeder on Whipple Hollow Road.

Next month’s walk will take place on Saturday, February 17, at 8 a.m. The walk is scheduled to coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count, running from February 16 through February 19. Information about the count can be found here: https://www.birdcount.org/

Today’s list:

Mallard

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Common Raven

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Golden-crowned Kinglet

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

European Starling

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Cedar Waxwing

House Sparrow

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch

American Tree Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Red-winged Blackbird

Northern Cardinal


Castleton River at Pleasant St bridge. Photo by Sue Elliott.

2023 Christmas Bird Count

National Audubon’s 124th and Rutland County Audubon’s 50th Christmas Bird Count is in the books. On December 30, a mix of weather – fog, rain, snow – greeted the earlier birders. Fortunately, the day straightened out, at least a little, weatherwise. A total of 50 species was tallied.

Dark-eyed Junco

No field teams reported Wild Turkey! Fortunately, a feeder watcher reported five at her feeder. A single Ruffed Grouse was seen during the day.

Raptors for the day included Cooper’s Hawk, a record five Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Barred Owl and a Merlin.

Although our species total was on the low side, there were some surprises. Three Common Yellowthroats and a Yellow-rumped Warbler were spotted. Two other species, Winter Wren and Red Crossbill added to the list of those, while not unheard of, but not expected, were seen. A higher number than usual of Red Crossbills have been reported across the state since this summer.

While not in record numbers, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Dark-eyed Juncos were reported by most if not all field teams. A large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds was reported along Otter Creek.

One Northern Shrike, one Great Blue Heron and two Belted Kingfishers helped round out the list.

A Peregrine Falcon, frequently perched on the steeple of Grace Congregational Church in Rutland, was spotted during count week (the three days prior and three days following the actual count day). This brought our CBC total up to 51. In the past few years, we have ranged between 48 and 54 species, count week birds included.

A delicious potluck supper was held at the Proctor Free Library where we counted down the day’s species list.

Thanks to all participants and to Kathleen Guinness for organizing the count!

The day’s list:

Canada Goose 823

Mallard 48

American Black Duck 8

Common Merganser 8

Wild Turkey 5

Ruffed Grouse 1

Rock Pigeon 491

Mourning Dove 109

Great Blue Heron 1

Cooper’s Hawk 4

Bald Eagle 5

Red-shouldered Hawk 1

Red-tailed Hawk 16

Barred Owl 4

Belted Kingfisher 2

Red-bellied Woodpecker 15

Downy Woodpecker 45

Hairy Woodpecker 23

Pileated Woodpecker 6

Merlin 1

Peregrine Falcon (count week)

Northern Shrike 1

Blue Jay 183

American Crow 635

Common Raven 33

Black-capped Chickadee 602

Tufted Titmouse 95

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 27

Red-breasted Nuthatch 20

White-breasted Nuthatch 103

Brown Creeper 16

Winter Wren 2

Carolina Wren 16

European Starling 1044

Eastern Bluebird 42

American Robin 25

House Sparrow 92

House Finch 50

Purple Finch 9

Red Crossbill 5

Pine Siskin 277

American Goldfinch 134

American Tree Sparrow 132

Dark-eyed Junco 546

White-throated Sparrow 45

Song Sparrow 6

Red-winged Blackbird 150

Common Yellowthroat 3

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1

Northern Cardinal 95

Red-tailed Hawk


West Rutland Marsh Monthly Walk, December 7, 2023

Five participants enjoyed a chilly (but sunny and little wind!) morning at West Rutland Marsh on December 7. The number of species was about what we might expect for this time of year – 20 in all.

Few species including the only Red-breasted Nuthatch of the day were seen along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Nonetheless the trail was pretty with patches of snow along the way and coming out into the sunny meadow was a delight.

Elsewhere Black-capped Chickadees ruled the day with most busily feeding to keep up their energy reserves in the colder weather. Many were at the feeding station at the Marble Street boardwalk along with a single White-throated Sparrow and a single American Tree Sparrow. Other tree sparrows were seen along the route along with a handful of Dark-eyed Juncos.

Two skeins of Canada geese were spotted high overhead. Large numbers of migrating geese have been reported throughout the state over the past couple of days. A lone Mallard was seen in flight.

The full report can be found here: https://ebird.org/vt/tripreport/176933

Our next marsh walk is Thursday, January 25, at 8 a.m.

West Rutland Marsh Monthly Walk, September 16, 2023

Windy conditions thanks to Hurricane Lee and the whirring of a nearby helicopter checking the power lines made listening for birds a bit tricky for September’s walk around West Rutland Marsh. Nevertheless 13 observers tallied 28 species.

Warblers were in short supply, but a Magnolia Warbler was spotted just prior to 8 a.m. near the Marble Street boardwalk.

A high number of Cedar Waxwings was noted and the Gray Catbirds are still fairly easy to spot and hear.

The two raptor species were a Cooper’s Hawk and a Merlin.

Another highlight was two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, a species that will be long gone by our October walk.

A complete list of what we saw can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/158166

Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, October 19 at 8 a.m.

West Rutland Marsh Monthly Monitoring Walk, August 26, 2023

Fourteen birders managed to duck the rain for Rutland County Audubon’s August walk around West Rutland Marsh. A total of 40 species was seen and/or heard.

One of the highlights was seeing and hearing Red Crossbills along Marble Street and then again along Pleasant Street. Red Crossbills are having a bit of an irruption this summer. They are being reported throughout Vermont and the northeast. More information about this irruption can be found at the Finch Research Network here.

https://finchnetwork.org/irruption-alert-crossbills?fbclid=IwAR1sG8xJKarZH66yG9mRnILfzRz85wFLQqqPj0GMLlqfl0s4kWcHSc5BhBU

Another observation of note was the number of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds – 15 in all! Hummingbirds are busy preparing for migration which will peak in early September. They can often be seen sipping nectar at Jewelweed or Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis), a plant that is abundant this time year and important for hummingbirds as they begin their journey.

White Meadowsweet (Spirea alba) is abundant in the meadow along the Whipple Hollow Trail.

Although mixed flocks of warblers have been reported throughout the state as migration kicks off, our warbler species were limited to Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and Chestnut-sided Warbler, all breeders at the marsh along with a Canada Warbler that has been present along the Whipple Hollow Trail since spring.

High numbers of Gray Catbirds, Cedar Waxwings and American Goldfinches were noted.

An Eastern Wood-Pewee was singing away along Whipple Hollow Road. Other than a singing American Redstart, vocalizations were pretty much limited to call notes.

No raptors were observed although a few Turkey Vultures were spotted soaring over the ridge.

A complete report of all we saw can be found here: https://ebird.org/vt/tripreport/153583

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, with the start time now at 8 a.m.




The Castleton River after it flows under Pleasant St.

Birding Backpacks Provided for Libraries

Thanks to a grant from Hills and Hollows of Vermont Community Foundation, RCAS has been able to participate in a Backpack Sharing project. Through this, RCAS has purchased a backpack, two pairs of 8.5×32 binocs, a journal, and a Birds of Vermont guide for ten libraries in Rutland County. This is a project that has been sweeping the country and RCAS is pleased to be able to encourage those who might not have access to binoculars to experience the joy of learning about birds. We hope to provide more backpacks to other libraries in the future.

Pitz-aa!

Pitz- aa! The sound explodes in the air and you look up just in time to glimpse a tiny bird darting through dense branches and (alas!) diving out of sight.

What was that? You probably didn't catch enough of the diminutive body to identify him, but that loud, splintery call gave him away. That was the Acadian Flycatcher which visited Sudbury for a few weeks, seemingly following the Otter Creek's flooding of Route 73 this past month and attracting birders from all over the state.

The ACFL is a relative of Vermont's more common flycatchers, such as the Willow, Alder, and Least, all members of the Tyrannidae or Tyrant Flycatcher family known for their fierce insect-catching prowess.

Acadian Flycatcher. Photo by Sue Wetmore.

The Acadian breeds in the Eastern US and Southern Canada in dense deciduous forests located near rivers, brooks, or other wetlands. He winters in sunnier climes, as far away as South America.

If seen up close, he has olive green uppers, a white breast, a distinct eye ring, and bold wing bars. Like a Hummingbird, he can hover and even fly backwards, making it easier for him to surprise his prey.

The ACFL's stay in Rutland County was too short, but long enough for many birders to now recognize that explosive call. If you should hear it, grab your binocs as fast as you can or you may not get a chance to go eyeball to eye ring with this amazing bird.

Kathleen Guinness, author

Photo by Sue Wetmore


Rutland County Audubon Annual Meeting

July 19, 2023

Rutland County Audubon will hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the Proctor Free Library in Proctor, Vermont at 6 p.m. We will begin with a potluck dinner, followed by the meeting, which includes the installation of officers.

All members and friends are invited to attend this, the 50th anniversary of RCAS. Dessert, beverages and utensils will be provided.

Please join us!

Whipple Hollow Trail

by Roy Pilcher

On Monday, May 29, I had the opportunity of walking part of the Whipple Hollow Trail for the first time starting at the trail head. My walking difficulty only allowed me to reach the edge of the McCullough meadow after about 35 minutes. But what a wonderful experience!   

The chorus of Northern Waterthrush, some counter singing only to be interrupted by the cry of a Great Crested Flycatcher was music to my ears!  I did manage to identify twelve bird species all by ear. Ears and eyes are holding up better than my legs after 94 years of sustained activity!

Northern Waterthrush

The boardwalk is a masterpiece. I enjoyed the access to the flowering plants that included Marsh Marigold, Heartleaf Foamflower, Golden Alexander and Miterwort.

Twoleaf Miterwort, Mitella dipyllaI observed a Mourning Cloak, the only butterfly. However, the wetland beyond and the meadow should prove excellent butterfly habitat, especially for Mulberry Wing Skipper and Baltimore Checkerspot, especially during this second butterfly atlas.

Twoleaf Miterwort, Mitella dipylla

Congratulations to you and the board for your efforts in providing access to this magnificent wildlife habitat. I cannot imagine any serious birder or naturalist in Vermont not having West Rutland on his/her bucket list between the Marble Street, Whipple Hollow and the power line habitats.

Note from RCAS: Click here to see all the birds we have seen along the Whipple Hollow Trail. 

West Rutland Marsh Monitoring

A frosty May morning turned into a perfect day at West Rutland Marsh.

With starting temperatures in the 30s, May’s walk certainly didn’t start out feeling much like spring, but sunny skies and warming turned it into a perfect day at West Rutland Marsh.  

Despite not hearing a Virginia Rail or an American Bittern (one person heard a bittern before the official start of the walk), ten participants managed to tally 82 species. This doesn’t include the Blue-winged/Golden-winged Warbler, which we could only identify by sound (neither of these species are reliable voice alone as they can frequently sound like each other and there are many hybrids) along with a falcon, not identified to species. 

The morning started off with Marsh Wrens and Swamps Sparrows singing all around the boardwalk. The Alder Flycatchers returned within the past few days and today was the first time hearing Willow Flycatchers for many of us this season.

A Spotted Sandpiper was standing on the railing of the boardwalk and soon after that a Green Heron flew over, landing and disappearing nearby.

This may be shaping up to be a good year for cuckoos. Four Black-billed Cuckoos were heard and we saw plenty of tent caterpillars for them to eat.

Raptors included a Broad-winged Hawk, a Red-tailed Hawk and a falcon we could identify, a Merlin.

May is warbler month! We tallied 16 species including Tennessee and Bay-breasted. We were fairly sure we heard the Bay-breasted Warbler high in the trees along the Whipple Hollow Trail (it was identified by the Merlin ID app as well). Finally, perseverance paid off and some of us saw enough of the bird to confirm its presence visually. Northern Waterthrushes were singing enthusiastically especially along the Whipple Hollow Trail.

Our next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at 7 a.m., meeting at the Marble Street boardwalk.

A complete list of today’s birds can be found here.

Trip Report: Female Bird Walk

by Joel Tilley

RCAS held a Female Bird Walk at the West Rutland Marsh on a sunny (if windy) Saturday, May 13. Six people participated. We began by talking about the visual, audible, and behavioral clues to identifying female birds of many species, as well as the need for more research into female bird behavior (especially on their wintering grounds).

american redstart

A male American Redstart sings to attract or impress his female partner.

We listened to some recorded songs of female birds: some are very similar to the male songs (Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal) while some are distinct to the females (Mallard, Red-winged Blackbird). Out of 54 species observed, we were able to positively identify females in nine:

  • Mallard (brown overall, quacks, while male sort of grumbles)
  • Northern Harrier (reddish brown, compared to gray males)
  • American Kestrel (reddish wing coverts, vs blue-gray on males)
  • American Goldfinch (greenish-yellow, lacks black cap of male)
  • Red-winged Blackbird (brown striped, sings distinctive clattering song)
  • Brown-headed Cowbird (overall brown)
  • Common Grackle (smaller body, shorter tail than male - best seen when the two are together)
  • Yellow Warbler (lacks reddish stripes on breast)
  • Northern Cardinal (buffy brown tinged with red)

As the breeding season progresses, more females should become visible as they gather food for hungry chicks. Then in the late summer and fall, it gets more confusing, as many immature birds have the same plumage as adult females, and some adult males molt to more subdued plumage. Have a great summer of birding!

Winter Returns! - February West Rutland Marsh Walk

Winter returned after a brief break for today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh with a chilly temperature and light wind. Twelve observers tallied 19 species. The walk was held in conjunction with this weekend's Great Backyard Bird Count which runs through Monday. 

Red-winged Blackbirds returned to Vermont this week. Two were at the feeding station by the boardwalk on Marble Street. We also heard them singing ‘klonkaree.’ Northern Cardinals and Tufted Titmice were also singing.

The only raptor of the day was a Red-tailed Hawk soaring above the marsh and up toward the ridgeline.

Eastern Bluebirds were seen feeding on sumac. Only two American Tree Sparrows were observed and one Dark-eyed Junco.

Seven Downy Woodpeckers were seen and one Pileated Woodpecker was heard.

A complete list of today’s species can be found here.

Our next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, March 16, at 8 a.m.

West Rutland Marsh - January 2023

No snow and mild temperatures! Today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh seemed more like a day in November rather than mid-January. Seven participants tallied 21 species, none of them a surprise and none of the winter irruptives being seen sporadically elsewhere in the state.

The feeders on Marble Street (next to the newly refurbished boardwalk) were busy with a Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadees, a Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatches, American Tree Sparrows and a Northern Cardinal. An American Robin was heard across the way.

The birds were more vocal than they were a month ago and woodpeckers were heard drumming, not a surprise with the lengthening days.

Further down the road we heard a Carolina Wren calling.

The Whipple Hollow Trail was very quiet with only a chickadee and a Ruffed Grouse flushed.

Our next walk is Saturday, February 18, 8 a.m., scheduled to coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Click here for a full list of today's birds.

Rutland County Audubon's 49th Christmas Bird Count

As the days get longer and the temperature drops to single digits, birding may seem less exciting. But not to birders during Christmas Bird Count season! The results from the 2022 Christmas Bird Count are in. This was our 49th annual count and National Audubon's 123rd. 

In addition to our field teams, we have a number of folks doing feeder counts. It’s a lot of work to organize and compile, but the more data we have the better indicator it is of the bird populations for our local area. The reason for the counts is just that - to check on the status of bird populations.

We express a sincere thank you to all field observers and feeder watchers. Your efforts are vital to Rutland County Audubon’s continued mission to preserve and protect birds and their habitats. And have a good time doing it!

Now the review:

The weather this year was even milder than the warm weather we have experienced in the last several years. There was no snow cover and the wind was variable between 5 and 15 miles per hour. The temperature ranged from 38 degrees and 46 degrees. Compared to some past years it was balmy. So how did it affect our bird count?

Golden EagleIn 2022 we tallied 54 species and counted a total of 4,473 individual birds. Looking back at ten years this is a low numbers for individuals. This year’s species count includes three Count Week birds, birds not seen on count day, but on either the three days prior or three days following the count. The number of birds seen may be related to weather. Mild weather and no snow may mean birds are more dispersed to locations where food is available rather than being present along cleared roadsides and at fields. You’ve probably noticed that your feeders are busier when it is cold and snowy.

So here are a few comparisons to the past ten years:

Wild Turkey: 205 this year compared to a high of 227 in 2018

Red-bellied Woodpecker: 16 compared to a high count of 17 also in 2018

Black-capped Chickadee: 460 birds compared to a high of 868 in 2013.

Eastern Bluebird: 63 compared to a high count of 85 in 2019. Last year was second highest in the period.

New Count Species Every year we wait somewhat impatiently to hear if a species was seen that was not seen during prior counts. This year we had none, but there were some highlights nevertheless.

Raptors were well-represented in this year’s count: Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and Rough-legged Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon and Barred Owl.

Northern Flickers are becoming more common in winter and this year we also had a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

Sparrow numbers were fairly low and included American Tree Sparrow (37), Dark-eyed Junco (140), White-throated Sparrow (4) and Song Sparrow (1). A Savannah Sparrow was a nice addition to the count.

Although some winter irruptive species, have arrived in Vermont this winter (Evening Grosbeak, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll), only Pine Grosbeaks were seen during our count with a total of 13 seen.

Yes, effort counts. Maybe next year we will find other surprises. For new birders the time to start preparing is now by feeding birds and learning to ID them. Learn eBird to record the results. Build some time in your life to enjoy nature and contribute to the lifelong need to protect bird habitat starting with your own backyard. If you need help or have questions email us at (add link) enough people are interested, we could do a program in the fall to explain a bird count that is over 100 years old and to learn to ID birds.

Click here for a link to National Audubon’s database of Christmas Bird Count historical results.

by Marv Elliott

Rutland County Audubon CBC results:

 

Canada Goose  234    
Wood Duck  5
American Black Duck  13
Mallard  193
Common Merganser  5
Ruffed Grouse  4 
Wild Turkey  205
Golden Eagle  1  
Cooper's Hawk  4
Northern Goshawk  1
Bald Eagle  3
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  17
Rough-legged Hawk  1
Wilson's Snipe  1
Rock Pigeon  473
Mourning Dove  117
Barred Owl  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  16
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  45
Hairy Woodpecker  17
Northern Flicker  2
Pileated Woodpecker  7
American Kestrel  1
Merlin  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  51
American Crow 
Common Raven  30
Black-capped Chickadee  460
Tufted Titmouse  92
Red-breasted Nuthatch  8
White-breasted Nuthatch  87
Brown Creeper  5
Carolina Wren  9
Golden-crowned Kinglet  5
Eastern Bluebird  63
American Robin  8
European Starling  1226
Cedar Waxwing  7
American Tree Sparrow  37
Dark-eyed Junco  140
White-throated Sparrow  4
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  63
Red-winged Blackbird  6
Pine Grosbeak  13
House Finch  100
Purple Finch  1
American Goldfinch  55
House Sparrow  151

 

 

Duck, Duck, Coot!

It seems that nearly every season RCAS birders delightedly spy an unusual or rare bird in our area. Last summer, the mid-western Sedge Wren caused a big stir in the meadow off our new Whipple Trail in West Rutland. This winter, an American Coot, or actually two coots, arrived at Lake Bomoseen, making the birding news and causing birders to rush to get a gander at them. 

What's a coot and what makes it so special? Although it looks very much like a duck and seems to swim like a duck, it doesn't quack like a duck nor does it fly like a duck. This is because it's not a duck, but a member of the Rallidae or rail and crane family. What you can't see when you're eagerly viewing it through your binocs, is that it has long legs, ending in something resembling flippers, rather than the webbed feet of a duck. Because of these legs, it needs a large expanse of water in which to become airborne. 

Coots summer in the northern U.S. from central New York west through the plains’ states and Canada, but are also found year-round in the western and south-central U.S. and into Mexico. There is only one confirmed breeding record in the first Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Vermont - a brood of young seen in Alburg during the first atlas and none found in the second atlas. Interestingly, according to the first Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Vermont, the only pre-atlas record of nesting was in 1904 at Lake Bomoseen. In winter, coots gather in large flocks, called commotions or swarms, where they feed in water-covered rice fields and wetlands and are sometimes being considered a nuisance. In any season they are not common in Vermont. 

So, what are these two striking birds with gray bodies, darker heads and white beaks doing on Lake Bomoseen now? We can't be sure but think they somehow became separated from their swarms on their trip south and found shelter here where there is, for this time of year, an unusual amount of open water and enough vegetation on which they can feed to keep them satisfied. They're devouring stems, leaves, seeds, and even algae as they cruise the bays, while we happily gawk at them and snap pictures. 

Will they stay all winter? It is unlikely as the lake freezes, they will probably say, ‘coot, coot, coot’ and head to their usual winter havens. We can only hope the coots will remember our waters as they move to their breeding grounds again in spring. Stay tuned or, better yet, get a peek at one or both while you can. 

Check out the boardwalk and beach at Bomoseen State Park or watch along the west side of the lake just south of the Kehoe Fishing Access.

West Rutland Marsh - December 2022

Six birders tallied 27 species during the December 2022 walk around West Rutland Marsh. No snow, no ice and a higher than normal temperature made the walk a bit un-Decemberlike.

Waterfowl consisted of Canada Goose, American Black Duck and one Common Merganser.

Two raptor species were seen: Bald Eagle, an immature circling over the ridge, and a Cooper’s Hawk over the meadow along the Whipple Hollow Trail.

The walk opened with two Carolina Wrens singing along Marble Street. Further down the road a small flock of Eastern Bluebirds was seen and a flock of American Robins flew overhead.

A late Swamp Sparrow was observed at the end of the Marble Street boardwalk. That, along with American Tree Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco, represented the sparrows.

A full list of the species seen can be found here.

Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 8 a.m.