American BitternA stiff north wind dispelled any notion that spring is here to stay. Nevertheless a record 31 participants showed up for the 177th monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. Forty-four species were tallied, more than last year's 37 and two above our April average.
The day was off to a good start when the ‘kidick kidick’ of a Virginia Rail was heard near the boardwalk. Shortly after that sharp eyes spotted an American Bittern lurking along the not yet emerged reeds. Even then it was hard to spot! Wilson’s Snipe was also heard ‘woo woo woo-ing’ and a lucky few spotted it.
If there is any doubt that nesting season is already underway, six goslings were spotted with a Canada Goose. A Blue Jay was seen carrying nesting material and its fellow corvid, a Common Raven, was carrying a sizeable bit of food. Two Belted Kingfishers were spotted near a likely nest hole above one of the quarries.
Raptors were well-represented: Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Peregrine Falcon and American Kestrel. Ten Turkey Vultures were also seen.
No Tree Swallows were seen, but three cold-looking Northern Rough-winged Swallows were huddled in a bare tree.
A Winter Wren was heard deep in the woods along Whipple Hollow Road and Marsh Wrens (2) were heard along Water Street and near the boardwalk.
A lingering American Tree Sparrow was spotted near the feeders at the kiosk. Swamp Sparrows have wasted no time and are singing throughout the marsh.
The next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, May 19, 7 a.m.
Today's list:
Canada Goose 29
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 7
Hooded Merganser 2
American Bittern 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 10
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Virginia Rail 1
Wilson's Snipe 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 10
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 6
American Kestrel 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 4
Common Raven 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 3
Winter Wren 1
Marsh Wren 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
American Robin 9
European Starling 3
Cedar Waxwing 2
American Tree Sparrow 1 near feeders at kiosk; present consisently all winter
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4
White-throated Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 14
Swamp Sparrow 16
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 26
Common Grackle 8
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 24
House Sparrow 3