No snow and mild temperatures! Today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh seemed more like a day in November rather than mid-January. Seven participants tallied 21 species, none of them a surprise and none of the winter irruptives being seen sporadically elsewhere in the state.
The feeders on Marble Street (next to the newly refurbished boardwalk) were busy with a Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadees, a Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatches, American Tree Sparrows and a Northern Cardinal. An American Robin was heard across the way.
The birds were more vocal than they were a month ago and woodpeckers were heard drumming, not a surprise with the lengthening days.
Further down the road we heard a Carolina Wren calling.
The Whipple Hollow Trail was very quiet with only a chickadee and a Ruffed Grouse flushed.
Our next walk is Saturday, February 18, 8 a.m., scheduled to coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Click here for a full list of today's birds.