…happen every day"*, and many of them happen right at the West Rutland Marsh. When we stepped out of our cars there on April 11, many of us heard the loud honking of Canada Geese on the water and the muted vocalizations of Bluebirds overhead, but underneath was a new sound, the "gik,gik,gik,godik" of the returning uncommon and elusive Virginia Rail, one of the birds that help this Marsh qualify as an Important Birding Area. Although few of us saw it, just hearing it and knowing it had returned from its journey south was awesome enough for us.
Canada Goose on nest, near Water St bridge. Photo by Ralph Nimtz.
As we proceeded up Marble Street, we were treated to the sight of two shiny Turkey Vultures, perched in low branches of a deciduous tree. Since we usually only see these vultures flying with wide V- spread wings, high overhead, this was VERY special and a great opportunity for photo taking. Further up the road, both the Golden-Crowned and Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, two sweet, pretty, little birds, called to us, adding to our enchantment. And then, the bird with the most complex melody sang out- the Winter Wren! Another gift of nature.
Crossing over to the Whipple Hollow Road, in the meadow at the end of the Whipple Hollow Trail, we spotted our first-of-year warblers, three Palm Warblers, whose bright golden feathers and rusty caps stood out from the grey, leafless branches. All of us were delighted to also see them pump their tail feathers, just as bird books say they do.
Palm Warbler, and early spring arrival, along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Joel Tilley.
Back on the road, at the top of White Pine trees and in the midst of a multitude of pine cones, where they could have easily been overlooked, were four Red Crossbills, busily feeding on conifer seeds and only allowing us quick glimpses of their red feathers and none of their crossed bills!
We returned to our cars and daily lives sated with beauty and marveling at our wealth on this, now rainy, early April day. (For our complete checklist, please see https://ebird.org/tripreport/222286)
Submitted by Kathleen Guinness
* Line of song from the musical, Flower Drum Song