a perfect day at the marshRCAS celebrated a new year at West Rutland Marsh this morning and a happy one it was. Twelve participants joined us as we began our 13th year of monitoring the marsh. It is worth noting that over the years we have counted 145 species and, albeit with many repeats, have had 1,693 participants. And not to mention walking almost 537 miles!
Fifty-one species were tallied today, six more than this time last year and well above our August average of 45.
Today’s walk couldn’t have been better - a blue-sky day with just a smidgen of fall in the air. Trees and shrubs are showing plenty of fruit. This bodes well for the coming migration. The Cedar Waxwings are already digging in.
A lone Virginia Rail was heard and then put in a very brief appearance. Swamp Sparrows and Marsh Wrens are still being heard.
Several warblers were about, most notably American Redstarts and Black-and-white Warblers and, of course, Common Yellowthroats. One Chestnut-sided Warbler and one Yellow Warbler were a nice addition.
plenty of fruit for migrantsOne of the surprises today was the number of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 13 in all. Many were seen in pairs with what looked like immatures chasing females. Several immature Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were also observed.
A small group of Bobolinks was in the field near the intersection of Pleasant Street and Whipple Hollow Road.
Next month's walk is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 7 AM.
Today's list:
Mallard 4
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 6
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Virginia Rail 1
Killdeer 1
Mourning Dove 26
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 13
Belted Kingfisher 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4
Downy Woodpecker 7
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Willow Flycatcher 5
Eastern Phoebe 7
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 8
Warbling Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 11
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 3
Common Raven 1
Tree Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 7
Black-capped Chickadee 14
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
Marsh Wren 3
Carolina Wren 2
Eastern Bluebird 1
Veery 1
American Robin 6
Gray Catbird 17
Cedar Waxwing 22
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Common Yellowthroat 11
American Redstart 6
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 7
Swamp Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 7
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Bobolink 7
Red-winged Blackbird 72
Common Grackle 1
Purple Finch 5
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 18