Nineteen birders turned out on a balmy October 20 morning for the 135th consecutive monthly marsh monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. Thirty-four species were tallied, two less than last year this time, but above our October average of 31 species.
As might be expected, Red-winged Blackbird was the “bird of the day” with large groups seen streaming over the adjacent ridge. A fair number of Common Grackles were observed as well. American Crows were seen in high numbers. Two Sharp-shinned Hawks appeared to be having a dispute with the crows. A third Sharpie and a Cooper’s Hawk in migration mode were also observed.
A single Hermit Thrush was seen skulking in the underbrush along Whipple Hollow Road.
Canada Goose 28
Wood Duck 6
Mallard 18
Great Blue Heron 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Rock Pigeon 6
Mourning Dove 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 15
American Crow 183
Common Raven 6
Black-capped Chickadee 28
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 29
European Starling 4
Cedar Waxwing 1
Song Sparrow 6
Swamp Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 33
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 2685
Common Grackle 91
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 1