Eleven months down – one more to go in this year’s eBird County Quest! November ended with 214 species year-to-date observed in Rutland County. This is one more than in October without a new bird actually being seen, thanks to the approval by the Records of Vermont Birds committee of a Connecticut Warbler seen in early October during the end of the warbler migration.
Kent Pond on a late November dayEighty species were seen in Rutland County in November alone, four more than a year ago. Some of the highlights include a return visit from an American White Pelican to Kent Pond, an eighth state record.
Thanks to warmer than usual weather, a good variety of waterfowl remain on Lake Bomoseen and the county’s smaller ponds and lakes. These include species not seen during the spring migration such as American Wigeon, Greater and Lesser scaup, White-winged and Black scoter, and Ruddy Duck. A lingering Double-crested Cormorant spent the month at Kent Pond.
Winter Wren and Yellow-rumped Warbler put in what may be their last appearance for the year. Pine Siskins are beginning to be seen in good numbers although not many yet at feeders. An Evening Grosbeak was reported only once this fall.
Hopefully with the upcoming Christmas Bird Count on December and its preliminary scouting will produce some rarites.
Current standings: Addison 245; Chittenden 244; Windham 228; Grand Isle 215; Rutland 214; Windsor 210; Franklin 196; Bennington 195; Washington 190; Orleans 186; Orange 176; Lamoille, 166; Caledonia 144; Essex 147