A day for ducks and birders! Rain, heavy at times, did not deter seven participants in the 159th monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. Fortunately it was warm and not windy. Nevertheless umbrellas and hoods made it difficult to hear and so, no doubt, some birds were missed.
The total for the day was 23 species, significantly less than our October average of 31 and our high of 39 in October of 2007.
Appropriately, Mallards were seen, 14 in all. Two Great Blue Heron and one Belted Kingfisher were observed flying over the marsh.
Hermit Thrushes, American Robins and Cedar Waxwings were taking advantage of the abundant fruit. Four Yellow-rumped Warblers and two Ruby-crowned Kinglets were moving quickly through the trees despite the heavy rain.
A large flock of approximately 750 Red-winged Blackbirds were alternating between a corn field and the tree tops.
The next walk is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at 8 a.m.
Today’s list:
Mallard 14
Great Blue Heron 2
Mourning Dove 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 9
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Hermit Thrush 3
American Robin 17
Cedar Waxwing 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Song Sparrow 8
White-throated Sparrow 16
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 8
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 750
Common Grackle 3
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 2