Today’s monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh, our 162nd consecutive monthly walk, started out on the chilly side. The temperature soon rose to the mid-20s and, with sunshine and no wind, turned into very pleasant day. Four participants tallied 22 species, three more than January last year and well above our average of 18 for this month of the year.
A Northern Shrike was seen in the same vicinity it was last year, no doubt attracted by the birds coming to the feeders at the kiosk and the house up the road.
Three Red-tailed Hawks and a Cooper’s Hawk were noted. Two Common Ravens were quite vocal.
Highbush Cranberry, Viburnum opulusBlack-capped Chickadees and Blue Jays were abundant. Eight Downy Woodpeckers was an unusually high number. Seven Red-winged Blackbirds were seen.
Although fruit supplies seem to be dwindling, about 20 American Robins and a couple of Cedar Waxwings were observed.
The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, and is being held in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Today's list:
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Mourning Dove 23
Downy Woodpecker 8
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Shrike 1
Blue Jay 31
American Crow 5
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 45
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
American Robin 20
European Starling 10
Cedar Waxwing 2
American Tree Sparrow 7
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 7
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 5
House Sparrow 3