Wow! Birding in May at West Rutland Marsh! Rutland County Audubon saw or heard 75 species at the marsh on May 16. Thirteen people gathered to enjoy the sights and sounds of the best time of the year at the marsh.
Morning mist over the marsh.
Nesting activities are underway. Canada geese are on nests, an Eastern Kingbird and a Swamp Sparrow were carrying nesting material, an Eastern Bluebird was carrying food for young and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak was spotted building a nest. And birds were singing everywhere, advertising for a mate or announcing their territory.
Thirteen warbler species were counted including several Tennessee Warblers, a species passing through and singing on its way. Other warbler species included Nashville, Magnolia and Blackburnian. Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers were everywhere!
Raptors for the day were limited to a Merlin flying over Pleasant Street and an Osprey was spotted at the end of the walk.
The Whipple Hollow Trail was fairly quiet, but a Canada Warbler was singing at the beginning of the first boardwalk, its usual spot. And several Northern Waterthrush were heard at several points along the boardwalks. The plaintive ‘PEEaweee’ of the Eastern Wood-Pewee, one of our latest migrants, was heard. Yellow-throated Vireos and Purple Finches were also singing along the trail.
An eBird trip report with the complete list can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/240217
Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, at 7 a.m. meeting at the Marble Street boardwalk.