Well, it could have been worse! With a 100% chance of rain in the forecast, none of the eight participants said they eagerly jumped out of bed to be in time for today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh. Fortunately, it was warm with little wind, and the ‘real’ rain held off until the second half of the walk.
We ended up tallying 28 species, the same number as one year ago, but three below our October average. Here are some of our highlights:
Two marsh wrens were chattering in the reeds along Marble Street. Although they were fairly close to where we stood, we never saw them. Swamp sparrows gave out a few songs as did a few song sparrows.
A sharp-shinned hawk was mobbed by crows bent on murder. A raven joined the crows who then turned on the raven as the sharpie escaped.
One gray catbird was seen as was a single hermit thrush.
A scolding rattle alerted us to a blue-headed vireo which we then saw as it moved along with a flock of sparrows and yellow-rumped warblers. Numerous yellow-rumped warblers were seen among the tall weeds with some hawking insects. Three common yellowthroats were observed.
Three white-crowned sparrows and several white-throated sparrows were noted.
The walk concluded with an American bittern flying up from the corner of Marble and Water streets and flapping low across the marsh.
Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 at a.m. We all love our furry friends, but in order to lessen disturbance to our feathered friends, please leave pets at home.
Today's list: