Heavy morning fog over West Rutland Marsh quickly evaporated, turning the September walk into a hot, sunny one. Four board members tallied 39 species. This is one more than our September average of 38, but two less than one year ago. Our high count was 51 species in 2008.
Highlights were two Philadelphia vireos and an olive-sided fycatcher, two species that are being seen somewhat regularly this fall in Rutland County.
Olive-sided FlycatcherRaptor numbers were higher than they have been for the past couple of walks. One Cooper’s hawk, an immature, one northern harrier, two red-tailed hawks, one American kestrel and two immature bald eagles were among the day’s numbers.
With birds becoming quieter, it was hard to detect many in the marsh itself. The calls of a marsh wren and a swamp sparrow were heard. Three belted kingfishers were observed including two interacting rather vociferously – perhaps an adult and an immature. Several warbling vireos are still singing in the trees along the marsh.
Purple finch numbers were high as they have been over the state this season. Two red-breasted nuthatches, another species reported regularly recently, were heard along Whipple Hollow Road. Also, along Whipple Hollow we flushed four ruffed grouse when we stopped for a minute to enjoy some shade.
Warbler species were limited to common yellowthroats and one magnolia warbler. One scarlet tanager was seen.