how many birders can you fit in a car?We always say nothing beats the West Rutland Marsh in May (well, June is good too!). Today 26 participants, enjoying a taste of summer, tallied 68 species.
Although neither American nor least bittern was observed (least bittern was reported earlier in the week), both Virginia rail and sora were among today’s numbers. Marsh wrens, swamp sparrows, yellow warblers and common yellowthroat were in full voice.
Both alder and willow flycatchers have returned and a high number of eastern kingbirds – twelve – were busy defending territories. One great crested flycatcher was heard briefly along Whipple Hollow Road and the ‘che-bek’ of four least flycatchers was heard.
Hawks were in low numbers with only two red-tailed hawks and three raptor wannabes - turkey vultures.
Red Columbine along Whipple Hollow RoadA brown thrasher was observed along Marble Street (north of the green house). At least three Baltimore orioles were seen along this area where they have nested in the past.
Warblers, the joy of the season, were seen and/or heard in good number with 11 of those species. A ‘winged warbler’ sang ‘bees buzz’ from the east side of Marble street indicating the presence of a blue-winged or golden-winged warbler or a hybrid of the two. Two northern waterthrush were heard, one along Pleasant street and one along Whipple Hollow and two Canada warblers have returned to Whipple Hollow Road this year. Other warblers were black-and-white, Nashville, common yellowthroat, American redstart, yellow, chestnut-sided and black-throated green warbler.
The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, at 7 a.m.
Today’s list: