Bohemian Waxwings graced us with their presence during the CBC With nearly a foot of snow on the ground, the forecast of another day of snow on Saturday, December 29, while welcomed by ski enthusiasts, was of some concern to those who had planned and committed themselves to Rutland’s 39th annual Christmas Bird Count. Despit snow all day as forecast, the full roster of 8 teams nevertheless took to the field while 5 feeder watchers from the comfort of home tallied all and every bird bold enough to show itself or be heard.
Under the circumstances it was to be expected that relatively fewer miles would be traveled on foot in comparison to miles traveled by car. However, a nice diversity of species was observed, 49 to be exact, only two species less than the running ten year average of 51. Six thousand four hundred seventy-one individual birds were tallied, a significant decrease from the 8,884 running ten year average.
Two new numerical records were set for the count, namely 78 Common Raven and 775 Common Redpoll. The former was attributed to a carcass upon which the ravens were feasting on the Clarendon Flats and the latter reflecting the predicted implosion of the species into Vermont this winter. Unusual, but not unique to the Rutland CBC, was a single Great Black Back Gull at the Rutland transfer station, two Wilson’s Snipe in a drainage ditch, a single Rusty Blackbird and a single White-winged Crossbill observed at a feeder.
At day’s end several brave souls made it to the countdown gathering and potluck supper at the Proctor library, and, more importantly, safely home again! An elegant sufficiency of food appeared for a balanced meal while all 8 teams each had a representative to report the day’s observations!
Well done, Rutland! Here’s to next year’s fortieth count.