Winter is not quite ready to release its grip as evidenced at today’s monitoring walk at West Rutland Marsh, our 164th consecutive monthly trip. Seven participants started out at 11 degrees and were facing into a brisk north wind. Nevertheless, 21 species were tallied, one more than last year and one less than our average for March.
Looking back, the records show a wide swing in the number of species that might be seen in the fickle month March. 2009 and 2010 showed species counts of 32 and 31 respectively. With no open water today, the difference is mainly in the number of waterfowl species seen – none today!
Black-capped ChickadeeThe winter birds are still with us. The Northern Shrike that has been lurking along Marble Street was seen just south of the green house. Eight American Tree Sparrows, all near feeders along the route, at least nodded to spring by bursting into song. If you aren't familiar with their song, click here at National Audubon's new online field guide to hear it.
On a brighter note, eight male Red-winged Blackbirds have staked out positions on the cattails out the marsh and were also singing. Are these perhaps members of the small flock that spent the winter in the area huddled over the feeders?
The second half of the route along Whipple Hollow Road was mostly quiet except for two Golden-crowned Kinglets in the hemlocks, two Red-breasted Nuthatches and a single outburst of song by an American Creeper.
American Tree SparrowThe small south-facing depression along Whipple Hollow Road, known for sheltering Mourning Doves in cold windy weather, contained 15 today, all well camouflaged in the brush and fallen leaves. At least they were warm!
Today’s list:
Wild Turkey 23
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Mourning Dove 18
Downy Woodpecker 5
Northern Shrike 1
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 11
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 32
Tufted Titmouse 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
European Starling 2
American Tree Sparrow 7
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 9
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 3