Canada GeeseThere were several highlights at West Rutland Marsh this morning (the weather was not one of them). Temperatures in the 20s and a bit of wind did not deter 12 birders and a good number of incoming migrants however.
Thirty-nine species was the total for the day, a bit less than last year’s 44 and our average of 40 for April. This was our 153rd consecutive walk. The number of observers is now over 1,760 (albeit with many repeats).
Now that the water is open, Great Blue Herons and American Bitters are returning. Belted Kingfishers have plenty of places to fish. Swamp Sparrows have begun singing, adding to the growing chorus. Canada Geese are claiming their spots for nesting.
Ruby-crowned Kinglets were seen (and one heard!) at several spots along the walk. One was cooperative enough to flash his red cap.
Fox SparrowA singing Fox Sparrow along Whipple Hollow Road delighted observers and three Hermit Thrushes were a ‘first of the year’ bird for many. The ‘bird of the day’ was a male Eastern Towhee scratching the ground under a shrub.
Raptor-wise, four Red-tailed Hawks were soaring high above the mountain ridge while a Northern Harrier swooped over the marsh. A Merlin along Whipple Hollow Road gave us a less than satisfactory look.
Two American Tree Sparrows are lingering at the feeding station near the boardwalk.
The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at 7 a.m.
Today’s list:
Canada Goose 9
Wood Duck 8
Mallard 20
Common Merganser 1
American Bittern 2
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 2
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Mourning Dove 5
Belted Kingfisher 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Merlin 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 6
Common Raven 2
Tree Swallow 11
Black-capped Chickadee 11
Tufted Titmouse 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6
Hermit Thrush 3
American Robin 26
European Starling 1
Eastern Towhee 1
American Tree Sparrow 2
Fox Sparrow (Red) 2
Song Sparrow 8
Swamp Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 11
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 43
Common Grackle 13
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 16
House Sparrow 1