Everyone driving to the marsh walk today must have wondered if we would see anything in the low-lying fog blanketing the area. It quickly cleared, however, to reveal still vibrant fall foliage. Twelve participants tallied 33 species, five more than a year ago and more than our October average of 31.
One of the early sightings of the morning and one of the most striking, was a belted kingfisher. It appeared white and ghost-like in the fog as it hovered over the marsh.
Numerous American robins were in the trees near the boardwalk along with one hermit thrush. A swamp sparrow sang briefly from the cattails. In a shrub nearby we spotted a Lincoln’s sparrow. A few cedar waxings were also spotted.
We glimpsed an eastern towhee along Marble Street, but we were soon distracted by a palm warbler. It was feeding in a bare tree so everyone could get a good look.
Palm WarblerA group of turkey vultures was flying over Marble Street. Interestingly they were flying in a straight line rather than their usual spiral. Also, over Marble Street was a very vocal family of common ravens, which kept us entertained for several minutes as they swooped and soared overhead.
Numerous ruby-crowned kinglets were seen and a few were singing. Yellow-rumped warblers were spotted here and there.
Our only raptor of the day and the last bird of the day was a red-tailed hawk.
The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 16.
Today's list: