Minus 5 degrees! We were pretty sure no one would show up for the February West Rutland Marsh walk, but we were wrong. Nine, well-bundled people counted 16 species. Fortunately, it was clear and, with no wind, the sun actually felt warm on our backs.
The number of species was one less than a year ago and two less than our February average. Many of the irruptive species that we see in some years are not present this year.
A good number of the species counted were found near the feeders by the boardwalk including American tree sparrows, white-throated sparrows and a number of American goldfinches, a species being seen in high numbers throughout the state this winter.
No, it’s not spring, not even close, but we counted four American robins and two eastern bluebirds. When fruit is plentiful, those species will stay around. A black-capped chickadee was seen feeding on sumac. With that, highbush cranberry and apples among others, there is plenty available at the marsh. The two bluebirds were beautiful with the bright blue sky.
Black-capped Chickadee feeding on sumacNorthern cardinals were singing, although we couldn’t be sure if they were male or female as both sexes of that species sing. Tufted titmice were singing and white-breasted nuthatches were making their laughing sound.
The next walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 25. Meet at the boardwalk on Marble Street at 8 a.m.