West Rutland Marsh - January 2023

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.

Rutland County Audubon's 49th Christmas Bird Count

As the days get longer and the temperature drops to single digits, birding may seem less exciting. But not to birders during Christmas Bird Count season! The results from the 2022 Christmas Bird Count are in. This was our 49th annual count and National Audubon's 123rd. 

In addition to our field teams, we have a number of folks doing feeder counts. It’s a lot of work to organize and compile, but the more data we have the better indicator it is of the bird populations for our local area. The reason for the counts is just that - to check on the status of bird populations.

We express a sincere thank you to all field observers and feeder watchers. Your efforts are vital to Rutland County Audubon’s continued mission to preserve and protect birds and their habitats. And have a good time doing it!

Now the review:

The weather this year was even milder than the warm weather we have experienced in the last several years. There was no snow cover and the wind was variable between 5 and 15 miles per hour. The temperature ranged from 38 degrees and 46 degrees. Compared to some past years it was balmy. So how did it affect our bird count?

Golden EagleIn 2022 we tallied 54 species and counted a total of 4,473 individual birds. Looking back at ten years this is a low numbers for individuals. This year’s species count includes three Count Week birds, birds not seen on count day, but on either the three days prior or three days following the count. The number of birds seen may be related to weather. Mild weather and no snow may mean birds are more dispersed to locations where food is available rather than being present along cleared roadsides and at fields. You’ve probably noticed that your feeders are busier when it is cold and snowy.

So here are a few comparisons to the past ten years:

Wild Turkey: 205 this year compared to a high of 227 in 2018

Red-bellied Woodpecker: 16 compared to a high count of 17 also in 2018

Black-capped Chickadee: 460 birds compared to a high of 868 in 2013.

Eastern Bluebird: 63 compared to a high count of 85 in 2019. Last year was second highest in the period.

New Count Species Every year we wait somewhat impatiently to hear if a species was seen that was not seen during prior counts. This year we had none, but there were some highlights nevertheless.

Raptors were well-represented in this year’s count: Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and Rough-legged Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon and Barred Owl.

Northern Flickers are becoming more common in winter and this year we also had a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

Sparrow numbers were fairly low and included American Tree Sparrow (37), Dark-eyed Junco (140), White-throated Sparrow (4) and Song Sparrow (1). A Savannah Sparrow was a nice addition to the count.

Although some winter irruptive species, have arrived in Vermont this winter (Evening Grosbeak, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll), only Pine Grosbeaks were seen during our count with a total of 13 seen.

Yes, effort counts. Maybe next year we will find other surprises. For new birders the time to start preparing is now by feeding birds and learning to ID them. Learn eBird to record the results. Build some time in your life to enjoy nature and contribute to the lifelong need to protect bird habitat starting with your own backyard. If you need help or have questions email us at (add link) enough people are interested, we could do a program in the fall to explain a bird count that is over 100 years old and to learn to ID birds.

Click here for a link to National Audubon’s database of Christmas Bird Count historical results.

by Marv Elliott

Rutland County Audubon CBC results:

Canada Goose  234    

Wood Duck  5

American Black Duck  13

Mallard  193

Common Merganser  5

Ruffed Grouse  4 

Wild Turkey  205

Golden Eagle  1  

Cooper's Hawk  4

Northern Goshawk  1

Bald Eagle  3

Red-shouldered Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  17

Rough-legged Hawk  1

Wilson's Snipe  1

Rock Pigeon  473

Mourning Dove  117

Barred Owl  2

Belted Kingfisher  1

Red-bellied Woodpecker  16

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1

Downy Woodpecker  45

Hairy Woodpecker  17

Northern Flicker  2

Pileated Woodpecker  7

American Kestrel  1

Merlin  1

Peregrine Falcon  1

Blue Jay  51

American Crow 

Common Raven  30

Black-capped Chickadee  460

Tufted Titmouse  92

Red-breasted Nuthatch  8

White-breasted Nuthatch  87

Brown Creeper  5

Carolina Wren  9

Golden-crowned Kinglet  5

Eastern Bluebird  63

American Robin  8

European Starling  1226

Cedar Waxwing  7

American Tree Sparrow  37

Dark-eyed Junco  140

White-throated Sparrow  4

Savannah Sparrow  1

Song Sparrow  1

Northern Cardinal  63

Red-winged Blackbird  6

Pine Grosbeak  13

House Finch  100

Purple Finch  1

American Goldfinch  55

House Sparrow  151

West Rutland Marsh - November 2022

Five people made the trek around West Rutland Marsh this morning with the results about what you would expect for mid-November. A total of 20 species was observed. Snow flurries accompanied us for the first half the trip, but fortunately there was no wind. 

Two female Common Mergansers were floating in the open portion of water (yes, ice is forming).

Four woodpecker species were tallied: Red Bellied, Downy, Hairy woodpecker as well as two Northern Flickers.

A dozen American Robins were seen on Marble Street.

Two Golden-crowned Kinglets were observed flitting in the hemlocks along Whipple Hollow Road.

Sparrows consisted of two Dark-eyed Juncos and one White-throated Sparrow.

Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, December 8 at 8 a.m.

A complete list of what we saw can be found here. 

West Rutland Marsh - October 2022

RCAS’s October monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh started on a cold note – one of the few chilly mornings we’ve had despite being well into October. Clear skies, low wind and the rising sun made the morning more pleasant as we went on.

Eleven participants tallied 27 species, about normal for this time of year. The first half of the walk was fairly quiet as was the Whipple Hollow Trail, but, overall, the second half of the walk was the ‘birdiest’ no doubt due to the sun and warming temperature.

Most of the observations on the walk were of the ‘usual suspects’ including Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. One Song Sparrow and three Swamp Sparrows were seen or heard.

Two Gray Catbirds were spotted along Whipple Hollow Road.

While nowhere near as large as in past years, a large number of Red-winged Blackbirds and, to a lesser extent, Common Grackles, flew over.

No raptors or Turkey Vultures were seen.

A full tally of what we saw can be found here.

Our next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, at 8 a.m. 

West Rutland Marsh - September 2022

After being rained out last week, Rutland County Audubon managed to complete September’s monitoring of West Rutland Marsh before month-end. Five people tallied 44 species despite the cloudy and somewhat windy weather. 

After some of us remarked on the low number of raptors we’ve seen this month, we ended up seeing Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel. 

All the expected woodpecker species were seen: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Northern Flicker as well as Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy and Pileated woodpeckers.

Despite the prior day’s reports of warblers around the state, we only saw three species and only one each of those. They were Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-rumped Warbler.

There was a higher number of sparrow species. They included Chipping, White-crowned, White-throated, Swamp and Song. Two, Dark-eyed Juncos, sometimes nicknamed snowbirds, were seen in a yard. No doubt we will be seeing more of those in the months to come.  

There was a high number of sparrows, including this Song Sparrow seen at West Rutland Marsh on Sept. 29, 2022The birding along the Whipple Hollow Trail was slow, but a Ruffed Grouse was observed near the spot where it was seen on past walk. 

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, at 8 a.m.

The list of the birds seen today can be found here.

West Rutland Marsh - July 2022

Swamp SparrowRCAS completed 21 years of monitoring West Rutland Marsh on July 21. Despite the increasing heat of the day and the promise of threatening weather, six participants observed 47 species.

Swamp Sparrows and Marsh Wrens are still very vocal while both Alder and Willow flycatchers have resumed singing after going silent for much of July.

A Barred Owl was heard in the far distance. No other raptors or any vultures were seen.

Several young birds were observed, many with adults near. These included Northern Rough-winged Swallow, American Redstart and Swamp Sparrow. An Eastern Phoebe was seen carrying food.

American RedstartThe cuckoos, heard everywhere earlier this year, were silent. One cuckoo, not identified to species, was seen briefly as it flew across the road.

Numerous Red-eyed Vireos were heard, but no Warbling Vireos. A Yellow-throated Vireo, a species not often reported on this walk, was heard along Whipple Hollow Road near the intersection with Water Street.

It was a relief to get on to the new Whipple Hollow Trail, into the woods on the first half at least, and out of the sun and heat. It was somewhat quiet, however. Only one Northern Waterthrush sang compared to the six or so heard earlier in the season. A Pine Warbler was singing in the white pines in the stretch between boardwalks. The Sedge Wren seen in the meadow since late May was not observed although there have been several reports this week.

Other warbler species than mentioned above included Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler and a good number of Common Yellowthroat (24!)

A trip report of all the species seen can be found here. 

The next walk is scheduled for Saturday, August 13, 7 a.m.

RCAS's First Female Bird Walk trip report

Marsh Wren, sex unknownFollowing Bird Diva Bridget Butler's October 1 talk on Female Birds & The Founding Mothers of Ornithology, RCAS held a Female Bird Walk, open to everyone, at the West Rutland Marsh on Sunday, October 17. Five people participated.

We began by talking about the visual, audible, and behavioral clues to identifying female birds of many species as well as the need for more research into female bird behavior (especially on their wintering grounds).

Out of 20 species observed including a very cooperative Marsh Wren, we were able to positively identify females in only two - a Northern Cardinal and a small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. Fall is not the best time to do this, as immature males of many species resemble adult females as do some adult males. This event was a warm-up for a Spring Female Bird Walk next year, when it will be much easier to differentiate the sexes. Have a great winter of birding!

West Rutland Marsh - September 2021

Was it summer or was it fall? Today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh was a toss-up between warm temperatures and red maples turning red. It was great to have a full complement of birders on today’s walk – 14 in all. Thanks to the new folks that joined us as well as those who traveled a bit to join us!

We tallied 33 species, five fewer than our September average and two few than last year this time. The south wind, which picked up as the walk progressed, which may have kept numbers low.

Raptors are on the move. Two red-tailed hawks, one sharp-shinned hawk and one osprey. Six turkey vultures were seen.

Sparrow-wise, a few swamp sparrows were still singing while the white-throated sparrows have arrived. Several song sparrows and a chipping sparrow were also counted.

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 8 a.m. 

The list: 

Mallard  4

Mourning Dove  8

Turkey Vulture  6

Osprey  1

Sharp-shinned Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  2

Red-bellied Woodpecker  1

Downy Woodpecker  5

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4

Eastern Phoebe  7

Warbling Vireo  1

Red-eyed Vireo  3

Blue Jay  8

American Crow  2

Common Raven  5

Black-capped Chickadee  13

Tufted Titmouse  2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1

Red-breasted Nuthatch  1

House Wren  1    Heard only.

Carolina Wren  3

European Starling  1

Gray Catbird  11

American Robin  3

Cedar Waxwing  20

American Goldfinch  27

Chipping Sparrow  1

White-throated Sparrow  6

Song Sparrow  8

Swamp Sparrow  4

Red-winged Blackbird  28

Common Grackle  1

Northern Cardinal  4

Three Carolina wrens were singing as well as a warbling vireo.

Ruby-crowned kinglets are now passing through.

Part of the group split off to explore the new Whipple Hollow Trail and saw some additional species including a Cooper’s hawk and a yellow-rumped warbler.

West Rutland Marsh - July 2021

July was the first open to the public marsh walk since covid protocols were instituted.

The day began comfortably cool but warmed as the tour progressed. Our group of 13 birders were happy to see each other after such a long hiatus.

Virginia rails were heard, both young and adults, near the boardwalk when I first arrived. Of course, they were silent when our group assembled.

Others birds were actively singing their songs or carrying food to waiting beaks.

An immature and unkempt American redstart sat on a branch hoping for breakfast while a nearby common yellowthroat had beaks full for their young.

A northern waterthrush was heard singing as well as the diminutive marsh wren.

Raptors noted included a pair of American kestrels, a Cooper’s hawk, one red tail hawk, a northern harrier, and one UFH, and one unidentified hawk.

While nothing out of the ordinary was seen, the group tallied a respectable 53 species.

West Rutland Marsh - May 2021

There’s no doubt it’s spring when you visit West Rutland Marsh in May. Seven RCAS board members conducted our monthly monitoring, tallying 65 species. This compares to our May average of 67 species and 51 species one year ago.

With many new arrivals within the past two weeks bird song has increased dramatically. For some species nesting is already underway. An American robin was seen carrying food for young and a gray catbird was carrying nesting material.

Marsh wrens, swamp sparrows, yellow warblers and common yellowthroats have claimed their territories with much singing and chasing of rivals.

Turkey VultureIn addition to yellow warbler and common yellowthroat, warbler species included ovenbird, northern waterthrush (one singing high from a bare tree top), several black-and-white warblers, a Nashville warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, yellow-rumped warbler and a black-throated green warbler. We also heard the ‘bees buzz’ of a winged warbler, but without a visual confirmation we couldn’t determine if it was a golden-winged warbler, a blue-winged warbler or a hybrid.

Virginia rails were heard near the boardwalk and one along Water Street. After the walk ended one of the departing participants spotted a common gallinule.

The beautiful song of wood thrush was heard in a few places, while the newly-arrived veeries were only making their ‘veer’ call.

Raptors included two broad-winged hawks, a red-tailed hawk, a Cooper’s hawk and one falcon species, either a kestrel or a merlin.

A parting gift from this winter’s amazing irruption – a single pine siskin at a feeder and a lone female evening grosbeak calling from a tree in the same yard.

The list:

Canada Goose  12

Mallard  5

Ruffed Grouse  3

Mourning Dove  11

Chimney Swift  3

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5

Virginia Rail  2

Wilson's Snipe  1

American Bittern  1

Turkey Vulture  6

Cooper's Hawk  1

Broad-winged Hawk  2

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1

Red-bellied Woodpecker  2

Downy Woodpecker  6

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2

falcon sp.  1

Least Flycatcher  3

Eastern Phoebe  3

Blue-headed Vireo  1

Warbling Vireo  4

Blue Jay  10

American Crow  8

Common Raven  2

Black-capped Chickadee  18

Tufted Titmouse  8

Tree Swallow  19

Barn Swallow  4

swallow sp.  13

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1

Red-breasted Nuthatch  1

House Wren  4

Marsh Wren  9

European Starling  10

Gray Catbird  19

Eastern Bluebird  3

Veery  7

Wood Thrush  3

American Robin  20

House Sparrow  2

Evening Grosbeak  1

House Finch  1

Purple Finch  3

Pine Siskin  1

American Goldfinch  23

Chipping Sparrow  3

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2

White-throated Sparrow  1

Song Sparrow  13

Swamp Sparrow  19

Eastern Towhee  1

Baltimore Oriole  1

Red-winged Blackbird  18

Brown-headed Cowbird  1

Common Grackle  12

Ovenbird  10

Northern Waterthrush  4

Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler  1   

Black-and-white Warbler  9

Nashville Warbler  1

Common Yellowthroat  24

Yellow Warbler  24

Chestnut-sided Warbler  2

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1

Black-throated Green Warbler  1

Northern Cardinal  10

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1

West Rutland Marsh - April 2021

The April morning greeted us with overcast skies and a temperature of 37 degrees making it a chilly start for the monthly marsh monitoring. Snow dusted the nearby mountains with what is hopefully winter’s last hurrah. Forty-two species were tallied.

In spite of this, some migrants have returned to the marsh. Along the boardwalk a Virginia rail was calling. An American bittern was heard then seen as it took flight north.

Eastern PhoebeNumerous swamp sparrows were singing as was one marsh wren.

Several woodpecker species were noted with some couples getting down to the business of guaranteeing a new generation.

Male red-winged blackbirds proclaimed territorial rights, while a cold looking Eastern phoebe hunted for insects.

Bloodroot, early saxifrage, and marsh marigold were wildflowers seen along the road on the west side.

A Cooper’s hawk glided silently and low near the tree line setting off alarm calls from blue jays and chickadees. The raptor disappeared into the trees without snatching any prey.

The lovely golden-green hue on the trees that is ephemeral is aptly written by Robert Frost:

Nature’s First Green is Gold,

Her Hardest Hue to Hold.

Time to enjoy this season and the coming wave of more migrants.

The list:

Canada Goose  14

Wood Duck  2

Mallard  5

Hooded Merganser  1

Ruffed Grouse  3

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2

Mourning Dove  7

Virginia Rail  1    

Wilson's Snipe  3

American Bittern  1

Turkey Vulture  5

Cooper's Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4

Red-bellied Woodpecker  2

Downy Woodpecker  5

Hairy Woodpecker  2

Pileated Woodpecker  1

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  7   

Eastern Phoebe  4

Blue Jay  6

American Crow  10

Common Raven  2

Black-capped Chickadee  16

Tufted Titmouse  3

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  5

Red-breasted Nuthatch  3

White-breasted Nuthatch  1

Marsh Wren  1

Carolina Wren  2

European Starling  8

Eastern Bluebird  1

American Robin  16

House Finch  2

American Goldfinch  2

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  4

Song Sparrow  14

Swamp Sparrow  24

Red-winged Blackbird  28

Brown-headed Cowbird  1

Common Grackle  9

Northern Cardinal  5

West Rutland Marsh - March 2021

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:

Canada Goose  31    

Wood Duck  2

Mallard  6

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3

Mourning Dove  12

Turkey Vulture  2

Red-bellied Woodpecker  2

Downy Woodpecker  6

Hairy Woodpecker  1

Blue Jay  15

American Crow  8

Common Raven  3

Black-capped Chickadee  26

Tufted Titmouse  7

Tree Swallow  1

Red-breasted Nuthatch  4

White-breasted Nuthatch  9

Brown Creeper  2    counter singing

Carolina Wren  1

European Starling  19

Eastern Bluebird  3

American Robin  16

House Sparrow  2

American Goldfinch  4

American Tree Sparrow  3

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  3

White-throated Sparrow  1

Song Sparrow  14

Red-winged Blackbird  33

Common Grackle  15

Northern Cardinal  13

West Rutland Marsh - February 2021

The February sun did little to warm the two of us as we made our way around West Rutland Marsh on our monthly survey.

Feeders at the boardwalk were busy with a gang of chickadees, some titmice and tree sparrows. A downy woodpecker vied with a Carolina wren for the suet. The boardwalk was snow covered but manageable, however, no bird was seen. The recent pruning back of the vegetation will allow easier views of the marsh. The bush was encroaching onto the boardwalk making it difficult to view the marsh.

Heading north on Pleasant Street a brisk breeze made for a cold start. However, the sight of five eastern bluebirds checking out sumac berries was a treat. The flock also was singing their plaintive song. A murder of crows was heard harassing something far up on the powerline, but we never could see the source of their displeasure.

Eastern Bluebird on Staghorn SumacMourning doves, blue jays and starlings were seen as we headed south on Whipple Hollow Road.

The wind was now at our backs making walking more pleasant. Feeders provided a junco and the ever cute red-breasted nuthatch as well as a small flock of chickadees.

A total of 15 species were tallied.

The list: 

Mourning Dove  12

Downy Woodpecker  2

Blue Jay  16

American Crow  5

Common Raven  1

Black-capped Chickadee  21

Tufted Titmouse  5

Red-breasted Nuthatch  2

White-breasted Nuthatch  4

Carolina Wren  1

European Starling  24

Eastern Bluebird  5

American Goldfinch  1

American Tree Sparrow  2

Northern Cardinal  7

Great Backyard Bird Count and Seed Sale

Tufted TitmouseBetween the pandemic and winter weather, many of us are hunkered down watching nature from our windows. Here are a couple ways to revitalize our winter bird watching!

On Saturday, February 6, RCAS will hold a bird seed sale at Brandon Blue Seal Feeds (Route 7 south of town) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by, stock up and support the birds and RCAS! Cash or check only please.

Once you’ve refilled your feeders get ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Birdwatchers across the globe can report sightings between February 12 and 15. Count for any or all four days for as little as fifteen minutes. It's easy! Click here to find out how.

The GBBC is a great activity for families and everyone who spends time watching their feeders. And if you want to venture further afield, you can report your sightings from any of your favorite spots, whether it’s a walk in your neighborhood, a favorite hike or a stop at a state park.

Christmas Bird Count Results

Northwood Park Walking LoopWhen we set the date a year ago for this year's Christmas Bird Count, little did we know the challenges we would face. It may not have been exactly as we planned, but, despite adversity, Rutland County Audubon completed its 47th (National Audubon's 121st) annual CBC on January 2.

Planning was hampered by the uncertainty around the pandemic and the state’s Covid guidelines. A few regular participants could not join us due to quarantine requirements. Fortunately, volunteers stepped up to fill in the void. Past team leaders were up to the task of dividing their count areas to meet the changing Covid guidelines. All our sections were completed to varying degree. Twelve feeder watchers around the count circle, a 15-mile diameter circle centered in Center Rutland, also contributed to the effort. 

Common RedpollCount day began with inclement weather. With morning snow, sleet and rain, many participants were delayed starting the count. The roads cleared, but then fog set in around mid-day.

So how did we do? The species total was 48. This compares to 49 species in the prior two years and 52 and 53 for 2017 and 2016 respectively. Individual numbers were down with 4,335 birds counted, but not too badly compared to 4390 one year ago. CBC numbers have shown a decline in bird populations. You can track those changes in bird populations here.

This is an irruption year so fortunately all but bohemian waxwings were noted. These irruptive species included common redpoll, pine siskin, red crossbill and pine grosbeak. Fortunately, evening grosbeaks were reported as a Count Week bird (a species seen either the three days prior to count day or three days following, but not on count day itself).

Two great blue herons and one belted kingfisher, two species, sometimes gone for the season were observed.

Raptors included six Cooper’s hawks, one bald eagle, 25 red-tailed hawks, one peregrine falcon (on its usual perch on the Grace Congregational Church steeple), and one merlin in a Rutland City neighborhood.

A northern mockingbird rounded out the count as a Count Week bird seen the day following. 

A big thank you to all who organized and participated! We look forward to seeing you in a healthy and better 2021 Christmas Bird Count!

The list:

Canada Goose 54

Mallard 27

Common Merganser 9

Wild Turkey 50

Ruffed Grouse 1

Rock Pigeon 578

Mourning Dove 252

Great Blue Heron 2

Cooper's Hawk 6

Bald Eagle 1

Red-tailed Hawk 25

Barred Owl 2 

Belted Kingfisher 1

Red-bellied Woodpecker 15

Downy Woodpecker 27

Hairy Woodpecker 16

Pileated Woodpecker 4

Peregrine Falcon 1

Merlin 1

Blue Jay 153

American Crow 463

Common Raven 31

Black-capped Chickadee 386

Tufted Titmouse 123

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1

Red-breasted Nuthatch 37

White-breasted Nuthatch 101

Brown Creeper 7

Carolina Wren 6

European Starling 1360

Northern Mockingbird -count week-

Evening Grosbeak - count week-

Pine Grosbeak 22

Cedar Waxwing 110

House Finch 20

House Sparrow 140

Common Redpoll 4

Red Crossbill 28

Pine Siskin 2

American Goldfinch 56

Snow Bunting 18

American Tree Sparrow 12

Dark-eyed Junco 65

White-throated Sparrow 1

Song Sparrow 3

Northern Cardinal 76

West Rutland Marsh - January 2021

The pandemic continues, but so does Rutland County Audubon! Now halfway into our 20th year of consecutive monthly monitoring, two board members conducted the count in lieu of our usual contingent of birders. Twenty species were tallied by both sight and sound. This compares with 18 species one year ago and our January average of 19. 

With temperatures in the 20s and little wind, it was a pleasant day for a walk despite the cloud cover.

Several species are irrupting into the northeast this year. Only one of them, common redpoll, was seen on the walk.

Black-capped ChickadeeSeveral black-capped chickadees were counted, 39 in all. Quite a bit of their activity was centered at the feeders near the boardwalk. Three American tree sparrows, the only ones of the day, were also present here. 

Both red-breasted nuthatch and white-breasted nuthatch numbers were high, 6 and 9, respectively. Red-breasted nuthatches have been particularly abundant this year.

Four woodpecker species were seen: hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker and red-bellied woodpecker. No raptors were observed.

The list:

Mourning Dove  7

Red-bellied Woodpecker  1

Downy Woodpecker  3

Hairy Woodpecker  1

Pileated Woodpecker  1

Blue Jay  17

American Crow  7

Common Raven  1

Black-capped Chickadee  39

Tufted Titmouse  4

Red-breasted Nuthatch  6

White-breasted Nuthatch  9

Carolina Wren  1

European Starling  4

House Finch  2

Common Redpoll  5

American Goldfinch  7

American Tree Sparrow  3

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2

Northern Cardinal  2

West Rutland Marsh - December 2020

Winter has not quite closed in at West Rutland Marsh. The leaves are gone and there are hints of ice on the water, but there is no snow on the ground yet.

With one pair of eyes and only a chip note here and there as a clue, perhaps more observers would have detected more birds. Nineteen species were noted by one observer in this pandemic world. This compares with 15 species in December 2019. Our December average is 19.

Two of our winter visitors were observed: a flock of common redpolls flying over and three American tree sparrows lurking in the shrubs.

Four woodpecker species were seen including two red-bellied woodpeckers. Four red-breasted nuthatches, a species being seen in Vermont in higher numbers for the past few months, were heard along Whipple Hollow Road.

Black-capped chickadee numbers were high (36) while tufted titmouse numbers were low (1).

Several ravens were heard during the walk and blue jays were everywhere. 

The list:

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3

Red-tailed Hawk  2

Red-bellied Woodpecker  3

Downy Woodpecker  5

Hairy Woodpecker  3

Pileated Woodpecker  1

Blue Jay  16

American Crow  6

Common Raven  3

Black-capped Chickadee  36

Tufted Titmouse  1

Red-breasted Nuthatch  4

White-breasted Nuthatch  5

European Starling  6

Common Redpoll  16

American Goldfinch  10

American Tree Sparrow  3

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  1

Northern Cardinal  4

West Rutland Marsh - November 2020

November has come to the West Rutland Marsh with its palette of rusts, browns, and grays across the remaining vegetation. The morning had the sun struggling to rise above the low clouds which kept the temperature in the cool range. Happily, little wind was present but the lack of birds for the first part of the walk was evident. For a time only blue jays and crows were making themselves know.

Finally, some of the other regulars began to become active and the feeders we watch along the way in fall and winter were busy. Red-breasted nuthatches were very vocal with their tooting calls high in the evergreens on the west side with white-breasted nuthatches joining in the chorus.

Cardinals dashed through the trees and a surprised grouse flushed from the roadside. The only woodpecker seen was a downy woodpecker.

The wind began to blow briskly on the last part of the tour sending any remaining birds into cover.

Chickadees edged out blue jays for the top spot in the count that had a total of 15 species.

It will be interesting to see what the winter months bring to the marsh.

The list: 

Ruffed Grouse  1

Mourning Dove  6

Downy Woodpecker  1

Blue Jay  16

American Crow  6

Black-capped Chickadee  17

Tufted Titmouse  2

Red-breasted Nuthatch  2

White-breasted Nuthatch  6

European Starling  8

American Robin  1

American Goldfinch  1

American Tree Sparrow  3

Dark-eyed Junco  1

Northern Cardinal  5

passerine sp.  2

West Rutland Marsh - September 2020

Heavy morning fog over West Rutland Marsh quickly evaporated, turning the September walk into a hot, sunny one. Four board members tallied 39 species. This is one more than our September average of 38, but two less than one year ago. Our high count was 51 species in 2008.

Highlights were two Philadelphia vireos and an olive-sided fycatcher, two species that are being seen somewhat regularly this fall in Rutland County.

Olive-sided FlycatcherRaptor numbers were higher than they have been for the past couple of walks. One Cooper’s hawk, an immature, one northern harrier, two red-tailed hawks, one American kestrel and two immature bald eagles were among the day’s numbers.

With birds becoming quieter, it was hard to detect many in the marsh itself. The calls of a marsh wren and a swamp sparrow were heard. Three belted kingfishers were observed including two interacting rather vociferously – perhaps an adult and an immature. Several warbling vireos are still singing in the trees along the marsh.

Purple finch numbers were high as they have been over the state this season. Two red-breasted nuthatches, another species reported regularly recently, were heard along Whipple Hollow Road. Also, along Whipple Hollow we flushed four ruffed grouse when we stopped for a minute to enjoy some shade.

Warbler species were limited to common yellowthroats and one magnolia warbler. One scarlet tanager was seen.

Ruffed Grouse  4

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3

Mourning Dove  6

Northern Harrier  1

Cooper's Hawk  1

Bald Eagle  2

Red-tailed Hawk  2

Belted Kingfisher  3

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1

Downy Woodpecker  6

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2

American Kestrel  1

Olive-sided Flycatcher  1    

Least Flycatcher  2

Philadelphia Vireo  2    

Warbling Vireo  4

Red-eyed Vireo  4

Blue Jay  21

American Crow  7

Common Raven  1

Black-capped Chickadee  19

Red-breasted Nuthatch  2

White-breasted Nuthatch  6

House Wren  1

Marsh Wren  1

European Starling  6

Gray Catbird  22    

Veery  1

Cedar Waxwing  38

Purple Finch  18    

American Goldfinch  29

Song Sparrow  8

Swamp Sparrow  1

Red-winged Blackbird  7

Common Yellowthroat  8

Magnolia Warbler  1

Scarlet Tanager  1

Northern Cardinal  3

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  9

West Rutland Marsh - August 2020

Six socially-distanced RCAS board members conducted the monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh this morning, marking the start of our 20^th year of monitoring. Forty-three species were tallied. This compares to 48 species one year ago and our August average of 45 species. Our first walk in 2001 tallied 45 species and featured a least bittern and a brown thrasher.

As summer progresses and with bird song diminishing, we needed to be extra alert for the presence of birds. Young of the year are growing rapidly with some still chasing parents for food. A group of yellow-bellied sapsuckers, probably a family, was seen along Whipple Hollow Road. Ten sapsuckers were seen in total for the morning. 

Virginia RailA highlight of the morning was two Virginia rails along the boardwalk, one appearing to be an immature. A couple of swamp sparrows were also seen along that spot, but no marsh wrens were heard or seen during the walk.

Several red-eyed vireos, with a few warbling vireos thrown in, were seen along the route, especially along Marble Street. Among the vireos there was at least one Philadelphia vireo. Gray catbird and American goldfinch numbers were also high.

A daring ruby-throated hummingbird chased a belted kingfisher for quite a distance at a high altitude. And at a feeder along Whipple Hollow Road, three, maybe four hummingbirds were chasing each other.

The only raptor of the day was an American kestrel sitting on a snag out in the marsh off Pleasant street.

Warblers included black-and-white warbler, yellow warbler, American redstart, chestnut-sided warbler and common yellowthroat.

The list:

Mallard  3

Common Merganser  3

Mourning Dove  12

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5

Virginia Rail  2

American Bittern  2

Belted Kingfisher  2

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  10   

Red-bellied Woodpecker  1

Downy Woodpecker  6

American Kestrel  1

Eastern Wood-Pewee  2

Alder Flycatcher  1

Eastern Phoebe  4

Eastern Kingbird  3

Philadelphia Vireo  1    

Warbling Vireo  4

Red-eyed Vireo  13

Blue Jay  12

American Crow  2

Common Raven  2

Black-capped Chickadee  10

Tree Swallow  1

Red-breasted Nuthatch  3

White-breasted Nuthatch  7

House Wren  2

Carolina Wren  1

Gray Catbird  18    

Veery  2

American Robin  10

Cedar Waxwing  11

House Sparrow  4

Purple Finch  2

American Goldfinch  54    

Song Sparrow  2

Swamp Sparrow  5

Red-winged Blackbird  2

Black-and-white Warbler  3

Common Yellowthroat  6

American Redstart  1

Yellow Warbler  2

Chestnut-sided Warbler  3

Northern Cardinal  4