the view from Water StreetDespite what the calendar indicates winter is not quite ready to give up its icy grip. Eight people were determined to prove otherwise on today’s West Rutland Marsh monitoring walk, our 140th consecutive monthly walk.
Today’s tally fell five short of last year’s March walk. It is, however, right on target with our average of 28 for this month of the year.
Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles are showing up in increasing numbers with many of the early bird males starting to take up what they are betting will be the best breeding area. Territorial chasing has already begun.
Two pairs of Canada Geese circled the marsh in a futile search for a place to land. What water had begun to thaw last week is now frozen up again.
Mourning Dove feathersA male Hairy Woodpecker was excavating a hold in a large poplar tree. Much drumming by both Hairys and Downys was heard.
A few feathers of a luckless Mourning Dove were seen along the road, allowing for close examination.
The flock of Wild Turkeys is still present in the field on Pleasant Street, but it won’t be long until they disappear as the nesting season gets under way.
Canada Goose 4
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 22
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 13
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 5
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 22
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
European Starling 5
American Tree Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 5
Northern Cardinal 9
Red-winged Blackbird 32
Common Grackle 20
House Finch 1
House Sparrow 5