A Common Tern sits atop a buoy on Lake BomoseenAs hoped, south-bound migrants have increased Rutland County’s Quest numbers to 213 as of the end of October. Seven species have been added since the previous month. Five were on Lake Bomoseen: American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, White-winged and Black scoter, and Red-necked Phalarope. The lake, until freeze up, remains one of the best places for migrating waterfowl.
A Dunlin was seen at Kent Pond in Killington, only the second time this species has been observed at that location, the previous being in June of 2008.
A 30 flock of American Pipits was seen in Tinmouth on October 14 and then a flock of 50 on the 23rd.
Unfortunately, the hoped for Nelson’s Sparrow was a no-show at Pomainville WMA, possibly due to flooding throughout the year and a delay in mowing. The area did produce a Black Scoter on November 3 and, although not a first for the year for Rutland County, an unusual sighting for Pomainville.
So what’s ahead? The annual Winter Finch Forecast by Ron Pittaway gives some predictions on what we may or may not see this coming winter. While the report focuses on Ontario, it gives some hints we may expect here. Details of the forecast can be seen by clicking here.
Keep your fingers crossed for crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks and keep eBirding!
The standings to date: Addison 241; Chittenden 241;Windham 227; Rutland 213, Grand Isle 212; Windsor 207; Washington 190; Franklin 195; Bennington 194; Orleans 183; Orange 174; Lamoille 166; Essex 144; Caledonia 144