The last monitoring walk of 2014 proved to be very enjoyable for five participants. After the unprecedented storm that kept many Vermonters indoors (some in the cold and dark) for several days, the snowy landscape, fresh air and hint of sunshine were very welcome.
Today’s outing, our 161st consecutive monthly walk, tallied the highest number recorded for this month of the year. Last year’s December walk came in at 19 which is also the December monthly average.
The feeders at the boardwalk were very active. Species there included American Tree Sparrow, House Finch and one male Purple Finch. Six Red-winged Blackbirds were in the nearby trees. Last winter a small flock of blackbirds spent the winter along Marble Street. Perhaps today's will do the same.
Wild TurkeysWoodpeckers were represented in good numbers and included a Red-bellied Woodpecker. Although this species has been seen at the marsh before, this is the first time it has been recorded on the monitoring walk. A Pileated Woodpecker was also observed.
A flock of Wild Turkeys was in its usual spot in the cornfield at the corner of Pleasant Street and Whipple Hollow Road.
A tight flock of Pine Siskins flew over Whipple Hollow Road. Two Red-tailed Hawks were seen and later presumably one of the two was interacting in the sky with a Common Raven.
Our next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, at 8 a.m.
Today’s list:
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 27
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove 25
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 9
Hairy Woodpecker 4
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 19
American Crow 5
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 38
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
American Robin 1
European Starling 17
American Tree Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 6
House Finch 5
Purple Finch 1
Pine Siskin 16
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 10