The wind was a factor this morning in our ability to detect birds by sound. It was also no doubt keeping them out of sight as well. Fifteen birders (welcome to our new participants!) tallied 28 species along with a falcon species and an accipiter species. This is quite a bit lower than our September average of 38. Our highest September count was in 2008 with 51 species at approximately this same time of the month.
Despite the wind it was a beautiful day to be out and we did have some interesting sightings. A single double-crested cormorant and then three more were circling very high in the sky. An osprey and an immature bald eagle were also seen in flight though not as high as the cormorants.
The ‘bird of the day’ as far as a count was blue jay with 46 of those. Only two warblers species were seen – common yellowthroat and black-throated green warbler, surprisingly low compared to warbler reports around the state this past week. One warbling vireo was seen briefly.
The day ended with the ‘teakettle’ song of a Carolina wren.
Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, at 8 a.m. If you can’t get enough of birds before then, be sure to stop by Rutland City Hall, anytime from now until October 10, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to see 12 of National Audubon’s annual photography contest award winners. A reception will be held on Friday, September 28, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Today's list: