Canada Lilies grace the marshYou couldn’t ask for a better day to complete 13 years of monthly monitoring at West Rutland Marsh. Fourteen observers brought the number of people who have participated over the years to 1,811. The species total for the years stands at 146 (Least Sandpiper was our newest addition in May).
Great weather and the results of the nesting season brought the number of individual birds up with 56 species observed. This is six above our average for July and four more than what was seen or heard one year ago.
One of the highlights of summer time birding at West Rutland Marsh is seeing a Least Bittern. One was observed from the boardwalk to the north. Not to be outdone, five American Bitterns, four Green Herons and three Great Blue Herons were seen flying over the marsh.
On Marble Street, where the power line crosses, there were oohs and aahs over three young Virginia Rails, still black puffs of feathers. No adult was seen, but no doubt one was nearby (another rail was heard from the boardwalk).
A Wilson’s Snipe was seen in flight. Although we know they are present at the marsh, we don't see them often.
Alder and Willow flycatchers have become quiet with only one and two heard, respectively. The Eastern Kingbirds, however, are still quite vocal.
Many birds were carrying food for young or feeding young, including a Veery, a species that has been well-represented at the marsh this year. Wood Thrush and Hermit Thrush were also heard.
The raptor count was low today with one Northern Harrier.
The next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, at 7 a.m.
Today’s list:
Mallard 1
American Bittern 5
Least Bittern 1
Great Blue Heron 3
Green Heron 4
Turkey Vulture 2
Northern Harrier 1
Virginia Rail 4
Wilson's Snipe 1
Mourning Dove 14
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Belted Kingfisher 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 8
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Alder Flycatcher 1
Willow Flycatcher 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Eastern Kingbird 12
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 6
Red-eyed Vireo 10
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 4
Common Raven 4
Tree Swallow 28
Barn Swallow 7
Black-capped Chickadee 20
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
House Wren 2
Marsh Wren 14
Eastern Bluebird 2
Veery 14
Hermit Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 6
Gray Catbird 13
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 1
Cedar Waxwing 24
Ovenbird 4
Common Yellowthroat 22
American Redstart 5
Yellow Warbler 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 20
Swamp Sparrow 16
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 17
Common Grackle 5
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow 1