What could be more perfect than a morning spent at West Rutland Marsh in June? After the seemingly endless rain, it was a treat to be there to witness all the sights and sounds of this special time of year.
New participants and regular attendees gathered to tally 66 species, 10 more than last year and six above our average for June.
Virginia Rails are always a highlight of a marsh walk especially when they have their fuzzy black chicks with them. Nine were seen or heard including three young. There have been numerous reports of young over the past couple of weeks.
A good bit of time was spent on the boardwalk watching the rails and listening to the differences in vocalizations between the Alder and Willow flycatchers. While there the group was treated to a long, satisfying look at a Least Bittern in flight. This was a life bird for many and a thrill for all.
Raptors were represented by a Broad-winged Hawk, four Red-tailed Hawks, and an American Kestrel.
Two Canada Warblers were singing, one on Pleasant Street and one on Whipple Hollow Road. Other warblers included Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart and, of course, numerous Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats.
As with last month, there was much evidence of nesting activities including a Baltimore Oriole with a nest.
The morning ended with Green Heron flying across the marsh.
Today’s list:
Canada Goose 1
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 2
American Bittern 1
Least Bittern 1
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 3
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Virginia Rail 9
Killdeer 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 20
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
American Kestrel 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Alder Flycatcher 6
Willow Flycatcher 6
Least Flycatcher 3
Eastern Phoebe 10
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
Eastern Kingbird 6
Warbling Vireo 5
Red-eyed Vireo 9
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 11
Tufted Titmouse 2
House Wren 2
Marsh Wren 6
Carolina Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
Veery 12
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 8
Gray Catbird 16
European Starling 4
Cedar Waxwing 13
Ovenbird 6
Black-and-white Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 12
American Redstart 5
Yellow Warbler 15
Canada Warbler 2
Chipping Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 7
Swamp Sparrow 15
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 5
Baltimore Oriole 4
Purple Finch 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 9
House Sparrow 1