Cooper's HawkCaught somewhere between winter and early spring, 13 participants enjoyed today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh. A total of 23 species was counted, one more than last year this time and well above our average of 17 for February.
We started out at the boardwalk with the winter visitors, a large flock of Common Redpolls and a handful of American Tree Sparrows, taking advantage of the feeding station. In the tree above were 15 Red-winged Blackbirds singing konk-a-ree.
A second flock of redpolls was encountered further down the road with five Eastern Bluebirds and three American Robins nearby. A Hairy Woodpecker was heard drumming.
The usual flock of Wild Turkeys was in the field on Pleasant Street. Near the intersection with Whipple Hollow Road, the group had a long, satisfying look at a Cooper’s Hawk. It was close enough that we could see its red eyes.
Bobcat tracks were seen on the frozen river bed in the light coating of snow – clearly cat and clearly much larger than someone’s pet. On Whipple Hollow Road, a live caterpillar was found in a crack in the pavement.
All of today’s bird sightings were reported to eBird and this weekend’s Great Backyard Bird Count.
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 32
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 26
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 7
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 27
Tufted Titmouse 4
Carolina Wren 2
Eastern Bluebird 8
American Robin 3
American Tree Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 15
House Finch 3
Common Redpoll 132
American Goldfinch 16
House Sparrow 2