Today was the perfect convergence of birds, friends and beautiful Vermont weather at West Rutland Marsh. Fourteen participants tallied 69 species, four less than last year this time, but above our May average of 67.
As expected nesting activities are well underway. An Eastern Kingbird was carrying nesting material, Canada geese and Mallards already have young, and Eastern Bluebirds were bringing food to a nest box. Several of the nest boxes are occupied by Tree Swallows. Crows and ravens were conducting raids over the marsh and being escorted out by indignant kingbirds and blackbirds.
Both Alder and Willow flycatchers have returned as well as Great Crested Flycatcher. A White-crowned Sparrow was singing and the song of a Scarlet Tanager led us to its location, resulting in life bird sightings for some observers. We were also treated to the song of two Wood Thrushes and a Veery.
Roy Pilcher zooms in for a shot of a Spring AzureA good number of warblers were heard along Whipple Hollow Road including two Canada Warblers. Other warblers of note along that portion included Northern Waterthrush and Blackburnian Warbler. A Winter Wren was also singing in its usual spot.
An adult Bald Eagle was spotted soaring high over the ridge. The only other raptor of the day was a Broad-winged Hawk.
Besides birds, there was also time for butterflies including a Spring Azure and a Juvenal’s Duskywing.
Click here to check out the butterfly photos and other pictures.
Today's list:
Canada Goose 8
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 16
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Virginia Rail 2
Killdeer 2
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 12
Chimney Swift 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5
Downy Woodpecker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Alder Flycatcher 3
Willow Flycatcher 1
Least Flycatcher 3
Eastern Phoebe 4
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 6
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 6
Red-eyed Vireo 10
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 9
Common Raven 4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 9
Barn Swallow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 1
House Wren 3
Winter Wren 1
Marsh Wren 8
Eastern Bluebird 2
Veery 2
Hermit Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin 9
Gray Catbird 14
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 5
Ovenbird 10
Northern Waterthrush 1
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Common Yellowthroat 13
American Redstart 5
Blackburnian Warbler 2
Yellow Warbler 14
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Black-throated Green Warbler 3
Canada Warbler 2
Chipping Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 12
Swamp Sparrow 11
White-crowned Sparrow (Eastern) 2
Scarlet Tanager 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Bobolink 2
Red-winged Blackbird 18
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Baltimore Oriole 6
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 12
House Sparrow 1