Three months down – nine to go! By now most of you are aware there is a state-wide contest, County Quest, to tally the highest number of species in each county and submit those sightings to eBird. So how is Rutland County doing? Not that well actually, but don’t give up! As spring migrants stream in, we’ll have the opportunity to improve to our numbers and move up from fifth place.
And there’s a new offer to sweeten the pot – the coffee pot that is. One of County Quest’s official sponsors, Birds and Beans Coffee, will provide a free bag of coffee to the birder in each county who first spots each of the signature birds that appears on their bags of coffee. For each of Vermont's 14 counties, the birder who initially reports on Vermont eBird the local arrival of Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Chestnut-sided Warbler or Baltimore Oriole will get a corresponding 12-oz bag of Smithsonian independently certified bird-friendly coffee.
American Black Duck in small patch of open water on Lake HortoniaWe’ve already added a couple of early birds such as Wilson’s Snipe and Eastern Meadowlark. Small ponds are starting to thaw so look there for returning waterfowl. Winter Wren has already been reported in Rutland County and a lone Tree Swallow on the 31st. We’re waiting for the first Eastern Phoebe, the early bird of flycatchers.
Think warblers as spring progresses and plan to get out as the trees leaf out. Palms Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers should arrive first. Look for the Palms in weedy fields and forest edges or along hedgerows, and the Yellow-rumps almost anywhere, but particularly in patchy forest.
Hopefully, we’ll pick up a few rarities this year as well. Last year’s Cerulean Warbler at the Rte 4 rest area would be a great addition. Or Orchard Oriole such as the one that was seen at West Rutland Marsh during last year’s Century Count.
As of March 31, Rutland County has tallied 88 species. Last year at this time we had 83. Not too bad considering this year’s winter weather has lasted longer than last with colder temps and more snow cover. Kudos to Addison County, currently in first place with 107 species. To see what's been seen here in Rutland County, click here.
Don’t forget – if you want your sightings to count, submit them to eBird.