Seven birders joined our monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh on July 13. Despite our quicker pace than normal to beat the increasing heat, we tallied 49 species.
Fewer individual birds were detected as singing has diminished a bit. Marsh Wrens were fairly quiet. No waterfowl were seen and a single wading bird, a Great Blue Heron, was flying over the marsh. Several Swamp Sparrows, probably family groups, were observed around the Marble Street boardwalk.
Swamp Sparrow on the Marble Street boardwalk. Photo by Joel Tilley.
Willow and Alder flycatchers were singing, however, so we were able to clinch those identifications. And Eastern Kingbirds are still active. A single Yellow Warbler was seen.
Along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Sue Elliott.
It was a bit of relief to reach the shady Whipple Hollow Trail where the birding was quite good. Two Canada Warblers were seen at the beginning of the first boardwalk. Other birds along the trail included a Winter Wren, a Wood Thrush, an Eastern Wood-Pewee, a Northern Waterthrush and two Pine Warblers, all singing.
Although they haven’t been heard singing recently, a male Canada Warbler was spotted foraging in the dense Hemlock and Cedar foliage along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Joel Tilley.
Our next walk is scheduled for August 10 at 7 a.m.
A list of the day’s birds can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/259954
Castleton River at Pleasant Street. Photo by Sue Elliott.