Ten birders set out on today’s West Rutland Marsh monitoring walk eager to see birds, but dubious the day would produce much. Cold temperatures and a stiff breeze made the walk more reminiscent of late winter than May. However, the walk produced 62 species, somewhat lower than our May average of 66, but satisfactory nonetheless. Our highest total for this month of the year was 73 in 2012.
The morning started with three Ring-billed Gulls flying high over the marsh – not an unusual species, but not one commonly seen at this location. A stroll down the boardwalk produced Virginia Rails, with a total of four heard during the walk. Marsh Wrens and Swamp Sparrows have claimed their territories and are singing loudly.
Marsh Marigold still in bloomFlycatchers were well represented: Alder, Willow, Least and Great-crested along with several Eastern Phoebes.
Eight warbler species were tallied. They included several Black-and-white Warblers, three Northern Waterthrushes, two American Restarts and a Black-throated Green Warbler. Of course, Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats were everywhere and in full song despite the weather.
Along Whipple Hollow Road, a male Indigo Bunting was singing away and he was soon located in an apple tree. Baltimore Orioles, seen in several spots, added a bright touch of color and there was much territorial chasing among them.
As we walked down Water Street on the final leg of the trip, the distinct “kerwee” of a Sora was heard. Shortly after that a Least Sandpiper flew over. With high water, there are not many places for a shorebird. A Solitary Sandpiper was seen earlier in the morning in the mud under the power line.
The next marsh walk, our 155th consecutive monthly walk, is scheduled for Thursday, June 19 at 7 a.m.
Gray CatbirdToday's list:
Canada Goose 8
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 5
Ruffed Grouse 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Virginia Rail 3
Sora 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Least Sandpiper 1
Ring-billed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Mourning Dove 11
Chimney Swift 12
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Alder Flycatcher 3
Willow Flycatcher 1
Least Flycatcher 4
Eastern Phoebe 5
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Warbling Vireo 8
Red-eyed Vireo 13
Blue Jay 11
American Crow 5
Common Raven 5
Tree Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 7
Black-capped Chickadee 9
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 2
Marsh Wren 5
Eastern Bluebird 1
Veery 6
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin 17
Gray Catbird 16
European Starling 3
Ovenbird 5
Northern Waterthrush 3
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Common Yellowthroat 13
American Redstart 2
Yellow Warbler 9
Chestnut-sided Warbler 5
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 16
Swamp Sparrow 14
Northern Cardinal 6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 19
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Baltimore Oriole 9
American Goldfinch 24
House Sparrow 2