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.
Song Sparrow. Photo by Ralph Nimtz.