Only a couple of days into the new season and West Rutland Marsh is alive with the sounds of spring. Thirty-one species were observed during this month’s monitoring walk (still in pandemic mode with two observers). This compares to 27 species one year ago and our March average of 24. The high occurred in 2009 with 32 species.
Turkey VultureMale Red-winged blackbirds have claimed their territories, singing out ‘konk-er-eee’ and displaying their epaulets and awaiting the arrival of the females. Canada geese are standing in pairs on the ice, honking and awaiting the final thaw. A pair of whining wood ducks flew up from a small patch of open water.
One letter can make the difference between winter and spring – American tree sParrows are still visiting the feeding station at the kiosk while a single tree sWallow flew over. The tree sparrows will be gone by mid-April while the swallow numbers will steadily increase.
Two turkey vultures were perched along Water Street no doubt attracted by eau d' dead skunk.
Red-winged BlackbirdSixteen American robins were spotted, the majority foraging for food in the field on Pleasant Street. A male eastern bluebird was perched on one of the new birdhouses along our new trail off of Whipple Hollow Road!
A Carolina wren sang near the boardwalk while two brown creepers were counter-singing along Whipple Hollow Road.
Another sign of spring – song sparrows singing everywhere!
The list: