field trips

Winter Regulars & Rarities

Horned LarkAfter a week's delay due to extreme cold and winter, RCAS’s annual Winter Regulars and Rarities field trip was off and running. We still had frigid weather, but sunshine and no wind made being outdoors almost bearable.

Our first stop, after traveling through Brandon and Sudbury where we spotted a handful of horned larks and a couple rough-legged hawks, we made a stop in Orwell, where 24 bald eagles were feasting on the remains of turkey processing. Another visitor from the north the northern red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis abieticola) was spotted in the same area as well as numerous common ravens.

Lake Champlain being mostly frozen over, our primary destination for the day was Nortontown Road in Addison where a Harris’s sparrow had been seen for several days. After waiting in the cold, we were treated to a brief, but clear look – a life bird for some. A small flock of snow buntings entertained us while we waited for the sparrow to appear.

Several trip participants departed for the day, but later on two savannah sparrows were spotted at the Dead Creek WMA and an American Pipit not far from Nortontown Road.

An eBird Trip Report can be found here where you can see all our stops and what species we saw.

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!

Field Trip: Winter Regulars & Rarities

After a few milder days for our past annual Winter Regulars & Rarities field trips, this year’s trip was definitely NOT. The day started at about four degrees. Despite the chill, 12 participants showed up, bundled up beyond recognition.

Our first stop was a farm in Orwell where bald eagles are known to congregate. We were not disappointed with the nine adult and four immature eagles perched in trees and interacting with the ravens on occasion.

Waterfowl were in somewhat short supply except for two stops. The Tri-Town Water Plant had a plethora of ducks. Most prominent were large rafts of scaup, too distant to distinguish whether they were greater or lesser scaup, and a high number of common goldeneye. The highlight here was a male tufted duck, its tuft prominent in profile. Two more eagles were spotted across the lake on the New York side. A lone cormorant was seen flying south low along the water.

Arnold Bay, Lake ChamplainCharlotte Town Beach, one of our last stops, had a lesser number of waterfowl. We picked up our only Canada geese of the trip. A small group of bufflehead were fairly near shore. We were also able to spot a horned grebe, the only one of the day, before the promised snow moved in.

A good number of rough-legged hawks were spotted along our route as well as red-tailed hawks. Among the redtails, were several were the northern red-tailed hawk subspecies, which are only seen in Vermont in winter. You can read more about distinguishing this subspecies here.

We spotted flocks of snow buntings and horned larks here and there in the farm fields. At one spot, along Greenbush Road in Charlotte, there was a mixed flock which we could observe from the comfort of our cars. The snow buntings clung to swinging weed heads while the horned larks seemed to dig themselves into the snow.

A northern flicker, a pileated woodpecker and American robins were seen at various points along the route.

Thirty-three species were tallied.

Many thanks to C. J. Frankiewicz for leading a fun field trip.

 

The day's list:
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Tufted Duck
Greater Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Horned Grebe
Rock Piegon
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed hawk
Rough-legged hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Horned Lark
European Starling
American Robin
American Goldfinch
Snow Bunting
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Brown-headed Cowbird
Northern Cardinal

 

 

 

Trip Report: Century Count XXIV - May 18

Prairie WarblerBy all accounts, it was the best of all spring days in Vermont. The internet birding world was buzzing with reports of warblers and other migrants on Saturday night.

Eleven birders gathered at 6 a.m. in West Rutland, the weather chilly and clear, ready for the day’s offerings.

After a brief stop on Sheldon Avenue, near the marsh, we headed to the Pleasant Street power line. As we exited our cars, we could hear the rising song of the prairie warbler followed by the descending song of the field sparrow. Eastern towhees called and sang while the song of the wood thrush floated from the woods. A bay-breasted warbler was spotted in the flowering apple trees. We had good looks at both a blue-winged warbler, the more dominant of the winged warblers at this location, and a prairie warbler as it belted out its song.

Then on to West Rutland Marsh. One of the late-to-arrive this season flycatchers, an alder, was heard along Marble Street. A northern parula was also heard along this stretch. At the end of the boardwalk a sora called and a Virginia rail as well. We also heard a black-billed cuckoo along Marble Street. On Water Street two tree swallows were busy propagating the species.

Several warbler species were singing along Whipple Hollow Road including blackburnian, northern waterthrush and black-throated blue warblers, but the usual Canada warbler was a no-show. We all had good looks at a Swainson’s thrush.

Our first raptor of the day, an American kestrel was spotted along Route 4.

Of the 23 warbler species seen throughout the day, the Route 4 rest area/Blueberry Hill WMA, produced the greatest number including Cape May, magnolia, Tennessee warblers and another northern parula and three more bay-breasted warblers. A brilliant scarlet tanager was seen as well as a glow-in-the dark Baltimore oriole with its less flamboyant mate nearby.

birding is hard workAs the lunch time approached, we headed to Crystal Beach on Lake Bomoseen for a quick picnic. Bonaparte’s gulls had been spotted several times in April and May and two lingered for us to include on our Century Count. We also added solitary sandpiper and double-creasted cormorant at this spot.

Stops at Loves Marsh and the north end of Lake Bomoseen yielded wood ducks, a pair of ring-necked ducks, a pine warbler and a yellow-throated vireo.

We then swung around the north end of Lake Bomoseen and down Black Pond and Moscow roads. We had excellent looks at a pine warbler and finally spotted our first hummingbirds of the day.

A loon was seen at Glen Lake along with an osprey with fish ‘in hand’ and two Canada geese with young. An occupied osprey nest was spotted down the road.

Pine WarblerThe stop at Bomoseen State Park was worthwhile as we picked up a Canada warbler, had good looks at a magnolia warbler and saw one of the few raptors of the day, a broad-winged hawk. We also enjoyed looking at two northern watersnakes near the wetland boardwalk at the park.

There was quite a bit of warbler action at the upper lot of the Kehoe Fishing Access aka the Green Dump. We could hear a Louisiana waterthrush singing and a Tennessee warbler while we saw both a black-and-white warbler and northern parula. One of the most stunning sights of the day was the sun shining on a male Cape May warbler. We also saw two somewhat out of place field sparrows at this spot.

The next stop was the Fair Haven airport where we heard and saw several bobolinks.

The day ended in West Haven. We saw a pair of American kestrels on a wire along with an eastern meadowlark. A golden-winged warbler, true to form, although silent, was seen at its usual spot on Ghost Hollow Road. On Cogman Road we picked up some of the day’s misses – indigo bunting, killdeer and bald eagle. And the very last bird of the day was a handsome male orchard oriole, a perfect end to a perfect day of birding in Rutland County. The total for the day was 106 species!

The list:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Wild Turkey 
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Black-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Virginia Rail
Sora
Killdeer
American Woodcock
Spotted Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Broad-winged Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpcker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbler Vireo 
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow 
Cliff Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Marsh Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Bobolink
Eastern Meadowlark
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Louisiana Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrush
Golden-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
House Sparrow
 

Winter Regulars & Rarities Field Trip

The temperature for this year’s Winter Regulars and Rarities in the Champlain Valley was brutally cold with the day starting around one degree. Fortunately, there was no wind for most of the day and the sunshine made for spectacular scenery along the route.

A quick stop at a turkey farm in Orwell yielded nine bald eagles and a very large number of ravens. We also saw a rough-legged hawk, a dark phase bird, which looked beautiful in flight against the bright blue sky.

Then it was on to find open water along Lake Champlain and hopefully some ducks. Although the water was open at the Champlain Bridge, it had frozen overnight so our first stop was at DAR State Park. There we observed a large number of common goldeneye with a few scaup and American black ducks mixed in along with a handful of mallards.

Lapland LongspurAt the Tri-Town Water District in Panton we found more goldeneye, about 750 with uncounted number around the corner and mostly out of sight. We also saw an immature bald eagle at this spot.

On Walker Road in Ferrisburgh we spotted a large flock of horned larks, some flying in fairly close and landing. We were able to pick out at least three Lapland longspurs in the group and a single snow bunting. A large flock of about 150 snow buntings were seen early on Schoolhouse Road in Vergennes.

At Converse Bay we found a belted kingfisher, Canada goose, mallard, including a mallard x American black duck hybrid, bufflehead, and more goldeneye.

The Charlotte Ferry Landing was mostly frozen, with no birds in the water. At Charlotte Town Beach we encountered our first wind of the day so we did not stay long. There were mallards, ring-billed gulls, bufflehead and goldeneye present.

We ended the day at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area and, in the fading light, saw two northern harriers, a rough-legged hawk, a red-tailed hawk and two short-eared owls.

A total of 10 eBird checklists were submitted for the day, representing 35 species.

Thanks to C. J. Frankiewicz for leading the trip. It was great to be out in the sunshine despite the cold temperatures. The list:

Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Mallard x American Black Duck hybrid
Greater/Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Wild Turkey
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird
European Starling
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
House Sparrow

 

 

 

Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Mallard x American Black Duck hybrid
Greater/Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Wild Turkey
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird
European Starling
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
House Sparrow

 

 

Century Count XXIII

First the bad news. We didn’t get 100 species on our annual Century Count. But now the good news! The birds we did see were wonderful Eleven participants tallied 93 species on 21 eBird checklists.

Prairie WarblerThe early morning stops at West Rutland Marsh and the Pleasant Street power line provided us with more than half of the day’s species. Despite the impending bad weather, the prairie warblers were in full song and we had good looks at them. We were alerted to the presence of a winged warbler by a ‘bees buzz’ song. Fortunately, we were able to see the bird and determine it was a blue-winged warbler and not one of the increasing number of hybrids. Several other warbler species were noted here including a Tennessee warbler. Tennessee warblers were heard at several locations during the day. Chestnut-sided warblers and eastern towhees were very vocal Chestnut-sided Warbleron the power line.

We had the expected species at West Rutland Marsh, Virginia rail, American bittern, marsh wren, yellow warbler and swamp sparrow. Despite two sweeps through the marsh we did not hear or see sora or least bittern. 

The Blueberry Hill WMA was the highlight of the day for us. Our goal was a cerulean warbler, but we ended up with 12 warbler species including two bay-breasted warblers and another Tennessee warbler, as well blackpoll, magnolia, black-and-white, Blackburnian, and yellow-rumped warblers. Ovenbirds and especially American redstarts were everywhere. A mourning warbler was singing in the large clearing east of the wildlife management area. After much searching we all had good looks at it.

We had a thrush trifecta at this location. First a wood thrush hopped onto the trail ahead of us, then a veery and finally a Swainson’s thrush.

By the time we left our lunch stop at Crystal Beach on Lake Bomoseen, a few drops began to fall. The one bald eagle of the day was seen atop the tallest white pine on Neshobe Island. As we made our way north and then looped around to the west side of the lake the rain became steadier and the temperature dropped.

Three male ring-necked ducks were a nice surprise at the Lake Bomoseen/Hubbardton marshes north of the float bridge road. Wood ducks and a great blue heron were there as well.

Black-capped ChickadeeWe decided a brief walk around the campground at Bomoseen State Park might be worth it and indeed it was. A silent Canada warbler was lurking in the brush while a Wilson’s warbler was hopping in the trees along the small marsh. Another Tennessee warbler was singing at the park as well.

The only black-throated green warbler of the day sang once near ‘the Green Dump’ above the Kehoe Fishing Access on the west side of Lake Bomoseen. One common loon was seen out in the lake.

A swing through the West Haven area proved to be worthwhile as we saw and heard our first bobolinks of the trip along with wild turkey, eastern bluebird and savannah sparrow. Two Louisiana waterthrushes were singing along Cogman Road and a green heron was spotted briefly. The day ended with an eastern meadowlark perched on a fence rail at a small cemetery on Main Road in West Haven.

Some odd misses for the day included white-breasted nuthatch, red-bellied woodpecker, hairy woodpecker and hermit thrush. Raptor numbers were very low, no doubt due to the weather.

Thanks to C. J. Frankiewicz for leading a great trip!

The day’s list: 

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Common Merganser
Ring-necked Pheasant
Wild Turkey
Common Loon
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Virginia Rail
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Alder Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay American Crow
Common Raven
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
House Wren
Marsh Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Ovenbird
Louisiana Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cerulean Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Eastern Meadowlark
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

 

 

Field Trip Report: Winter Regulars & Rarities

We could not have asked for a better day for our Winter Regulars and Rarities in the Champlain Valley field trip on January 20. Temperatures pushed up to 46 degrees and the light breeze made standing on the shores of Lake Champlain better than just bearable. The winter scenery was spectacular.

Spotting waterfowl is one of the goals of this annual trip. The morning kicked off at Shelburne Point which was rather quiet with several American black ducks, a few mallards and a single common goldeneye. Shelburne Farms was more productive as we added several passerine species including a flock of snow buntings, one of our winter visitors, and eastern bluebirds. A sharp-shinned hawk was also spotted (coincidence?). We saw our first common loon of the day. A total of eight loons was seen during the day.

Gadwall at Charlotte Town BeachThree gadwalls, along with horned grebes and three more common loons, were seen at Shelburne Town Beach at Meach Cove.

No doubt the best stop of the day was at Charlotte Town Beach. A group of birders was already there and had the anticipated pair of harlequin ducks staked out. Gadwall were also present at this stop including one right below us on the shoreline. There was a large raft of common goldeneye and five red-breasted mergansers. The harlequin ducks were the real treat and a life bird or state bird for many of us. The two, a male and a female, were constantly diving, but with patience everyone had a look.

Our first bald eagle was spotted at the Charlotte Ferry Landing. A very handsome pair of hooded mergansers was also present. There were nine buffleheads as well. We saw six bald eagles during the trip.

The rest of the stops along the lake included Converse Bay, Ft Cassin, Kellogg Bay, Button Bay and Arnold Bay. More eagles, common and hooded mergansers, and common loons were seen among other species. The only concentration of gulls was at Kellogg Bay with 90 plus ring-billed gulls and a handful of herring and great black-backed gulls. 

Snowy Owl at Dead Creek WMAThe other highlight for the day was seeing THREE snowy owls, one on Walker Road in Ferrisburgh, one at the goose viewing area at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area and a third on Gage Road in Addison. The last stop had the added bonus when we heard a great horned owl hooting in the distance. This really is turning out to be another snowy owl year. On a side note, Roy Pilcher spotted one near Post Road in Rutland Town on his way to meet the field trip.

The day ended on Gage Road with a beautiful sunset and many happy birders.

Thirteen checklists were submitted for the trip. A total of 35 species was reported plus a rough-legged hawk, 16 wild turkeys and a pileated woodpecker seen along the way.

Many thanks to C. J. Frankiewicz for leading a great trip.

winter regulars & rarities field trip

Barred OwlMaybe standing on the shores of Lake Champlain in mid-January when the temperature is in the 20s is not everyone’s idea of a good time. But it was for sixteen participants in Rutland County Audubon’s annual Winter Regulars & Rarities field trip held on January 14th.

Fourteen stops at key birding hotspots yielded 29 species. The day's count of bald eagles was six with four of them, three adults and one immature, at Shelburne Bay.

Most of the day was concentrated on winter ducks and other water birds. Numerous horned grebes were tallied, 13 in all, at Shelburne Point, Shelburne Beach, Charlotte Town Beach and at the Charlotte Ferry Landing. And five common loons were seen at these locations.

Waterfowl consisted of common goldeneye, throwing their heads back in courtship display, bufflehead and common merganser. One female red-breasted merganser was seen on the lake off Shelburne Point and four hooded mergansers, three males and female, were diving in the bay.

A single snow goose was among the thirty-one wild turkeys, 150 American crows, and 300 Canada geese frantically feeding in a cornfield on Greenbush Road in Charlotte. The geese included one leucistic goose, its head partially white and its neck a speckled black and white. This group of geese had flown from McNeil Bay at the Charlotte Town Beach while we were at that previous stop.

The highlight of the day turned out not to be ducks, but owls! A barred owl was spotted along the road to Kellogg Bay in Ferrisburgh. An eastern screech-owl was enjoying the view from the entrance hole of a wood duck box on Basin Harbor Road. And the final stop yielded a short-eared owl on Gage Road while a great horned owl hooted in the distance.

Thanks to Nate Dansereau for organizing and leading the trip and to C. J. Frankiewicz for assisting.

The full list for the day (14 eBird checklists submitted): 

Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Wild Turkey
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Eastern Screech-Owl
Barred Owl 
Short-eared Owl
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Dark-eyed Junco

 

 

un-hawk watch - september 17

Of all the bird outings, hawk watches are probably the hardest to plan. Not because of difficult birders, but because migrating hawks are so subject to weather conditions.

So it was on September 17 as we sent off for our annual trip to Mt. Philo State Park. As soon as we settled ourselves on the rocky promontory, we realized the gusting south wind was not in our favor. After sighting three immature bald eagles, two broad-winged hawks and one osprey, we sat down for our picnic lunch and plotted other stops for the day. Fortunately, there is always birding hotspot worth checking out in Addison County.

Lesser YellowlegsAt Charlotte Town Beach we spotted a black-bellied plover, two killdeer and a group of common mergansers. At the confluence of Otter and Dead creeks, a flock of 15 lesser yellowlegs with a single least sandpiper were near our viewing point. Further out in the water we could see a great egret and six great blue herons. A late barn swallow flew overhead.

Hoping for more shorebirds we stopped at the ‘Stone Bridge’ and came up with three more lesser yellowlegs, a Cooper’s hawk and an osprey.

When the birding slows down, birders eat ice cream! A stop at Goodie’s Snack Bar in West Addison left everyone smiling. And in an ironic twist to the day, a broad-winged hawk landed in the single tree outside the snack bar, said “nyah nyah nyah” and flew off.

Our last stop of the day was at McCuen Slang, we spotted another great egret, another osprey and a single lesser yellowlegs.

 

century count xxi

Bingo! 100 on the nose for today’s RCAS annual Century Count, our annual attempt to tally 100 species in the county. 

Prairie WarblerThis year marked our 21st attempt and, after two years of falling short, it was satisfying to reach our goal. Although grateful for the sunny weather, it felt more like the 4th of July rather than Memorial Day weekend. Bird song seemed to be a bit muted. 

As the group gathered at the West Rutland Price Chopper parking lot a Belted Kingfisher flew over, an unusual site for that location, but a good omen for the day. A brief stop at West Rutland Marsh yielded the usual suspects – Willow and Alder flycatcher, Yellow Warbler and Swamp Sparrow. A Wild Turkey was taking an early morning stroll down the road. 

The Pleasant Street power line is always pleasant in the early morning.  Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees and Field Sparrows were heard immediately. “Bees buzz” alerted us to the presence of a winged warbler which turned out to be the real deal, a Blue-winged Warbler, suitably attired for its species. A Prairie Warbler was seen carrying nesting material to an undisclosed location. A Magnolia Warbler was heard in the adjacent woods.

Then it was back to the marsh for the real treat of the morning – the fledgling Northern Saw-whet Owls. Three were spotted in the trees and brush near the nest box. Who would have thought that Least Bittern and Virginia Rail, both also heard, would be eclipsed by owls at the marsh?

Whipple Hollow Road, on the opposite side of the marsh, produced many of the same warbler species observed on last week’s marsh walk: Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler and Canada Warbler. 

Next it was on the take on the ticks at the Route 4 rest area. Eastern Wood-Pewee was heard for the first time for the day. Two Wood Thrushes gave a lovely concert despite the traffic noise from Route 4 below. Then finally we found our target – the Cerulean Warbler! At the same area both the Cerulean and a Blackburnian Warbler were singing, reminding us that it is impossible to discern a Cerulean by song alone. Finally, after much neck-breaking searching, we spotted a male Cerulean quite high (of course!) in the trees. It appeared to be hawking insects and, at one point, sat on a branch quivering its wings, leading us to believe a female was nearby.

Along the nature trail at Castleton University we picked up Pine Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush. While sitting in traffic waiting for the marching bands from the Castleton parade to clear, we added Chimney Swift and Carolina Wren.

Our lunch stop at Bomoseen State Park was a welcome respite from the heat. While there we heard Yellow-throated Vireo and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. An American Redstart was building nest and a Scarlet Tanager was spotted.

KilldeerBobolinks were found at the Fair Haven Airport and two very hot Killdeer were sitting tight on their nests to keep their eggs cool. 

It is becoming difficult to see anything on the conserved land along Route 73 in Brandon/Sudbury as the willows and other vegetation has grown up. However, six Great Blue Herons were seen in flight, along with two Wood Duck. There was a lot of rattling of Marsh Wrens. A Common Gallinule was also heard.

The day ended with a stop at Wildcat Road and Lefferts Pond in Chittenden, where we picked up Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Black-throated Blue Warbler and Yellow-rumped Warbler. A Broad-winged Hawk was seen perched in the dark woods. And the final bird of the day: a Common Loon floating serenely on Chittenden Reservoir. 

Every Century Count has a species that is inexplicably missed. This year there were three: Hermit Thrush, Black-throated Green Warbler and House Finch (a Purple Finch/House Finch was seen, but its true identity was never determined).

Once again, thanks to Roy Pilcher, for planning the trip and the 12 participants who used their sharp eyes and ears to good advantage.

The day's list (27 eBird checklists were entered for the day):

 

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Wild Turkey
Common Loon
American Bittern
Least Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Virginia Rail
Common Gallinule
Killdeer
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Alder Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Winter Wren
Marsh Wren
Carolina Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Veery
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Louisiana Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cerulean Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

 

west rutland marsh - january monitoring report

Today’s monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh, our 162nd consecutive monthly walk, started out on the chilly side. The temperature soon rose to the mid-20s and, with sunshine and no wind, turned into very pleasant day. Four participants tallied 22 species, three more than January last year and well above our average of 18 for this month of the year.

A Northern Shrike was seen in the same vicinity it was last year, no doubt attracted by the birds coming to the feeders at the kiosk and the house up the road.

Three Red-tailed Hawks and a Cooper’s Hawk were noted. Two Common Ravens were quite vocal.

Highbush Cranberry, Viburnum opulusBlack-capped Chickadees and Blue Jays were abundant. Eight Downy Woodpeckers was an unusually high number. Seven Red-winged Blackbirds were seen.

Although fruit supplies seem to be dwindling, about 20 American Robins and a couple of Cedar Waxwings were observed.

The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, and is being held in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count.Today's list:

Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Mourning Dove  23
Downy Woodpecker  8
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Shrike  1
Blue Jay  31
American Crow  5
Common Raven  2
Black-capped Chickadee  45
Tufted Titmouse  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
American Robin  20
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  2
American Tree Sparrow  7
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  3
Northern Cardinal  4
Red-winged Blackbird  7
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  5
House Sparrow  3

trip report: winter regulars & rarities

Meach CoveSpectacular blue skies compensated for the bitter cold experienced during RCAS’s Winter Regulars and Rarities field trip on January 17. Nineteen participants, dressed from head to toe in winter gear, stopped at various points along Lake Champlain and the open fields of Addison County and southern Chittenden County to survey for birds that spend the winter in Vermont. 

Ducks are always a highlight of a winter trip. Stops at Shelburne Point, Shelburne Farms, Meach Cove and Charlotte Town Beach were the most productive as the ice continues to close in. Shelburne Point offered Common Goldeneye, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser as well as Mallard and American Black Duck. 

Five Horned Grebes were seen at Shelburne Farms and two Common Loons at Charlotte Town Beach. The only Bufflehead of the day were seen here as well. A male Northern Pintail was curled up among the resting Mallards at Meach Cove (aka Shelburne Beach). 

A single Snow Goose was among a flock of Canada geese at Converse Bay. 

In addition to the above, large rafts of waterfowl, well out of identifying range, were observed at several points along the route. 

Four Bald Eagles, two adult and two immature, were seen at Meach Cove. A fifth Bald Eagle was seen later along the route. A beautiful gray male Northern Harrier was swooping over the fields along Jersey Street while just south of there a Peregrine Falcon was actively hunting pigeons around a farm.

Another highlight of the day was spotted while the group scanned the water at Kellogg Bay. One of the participants turned to find a Ruffed Grouse, unperturbed by our presence, feeding in a tree immediately behind us.

Snow Buntings were in short supply as were Horned Larks (none were seen). However, 12 Rough-legged Hawks made up for that as well as numerous Red-tailed Hawks. 

Eastern Bluebirds are always a welcome sight. A small flock was spotted along Converse Bay Road. A couple of American Robins were seen in this area as well. 

Ruffed GrouseOne of the last stops of the day was in Bridport at a feeder location that has hosted a Harris’s Sparrow, a rare visitor to the state, since November. This was a life bird for several members so the wait for its appearance in the deepening cold of the closing day was worth it. 

The total species list for the day was 42 with 20 eBird checklists were submitted. Thanks to Roy Pilcher for serving as the trip leader!

Trip list:

 

Snow Goose
Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Ruffed Grouse
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Northern Harrier
Cooper's Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow
Harris's Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
House Sparrow

 

 

 

 

 

century count XIX

RCAS was a decade short of a century on May 31. Our 19th annual attempt to tally 100 species in Rutland County missed what seemed to be very obvious species. However, what we lacked in quantity was more than compensated by some unusual species as well as the opportunity to view some of Vermont’s beautiful scenery on our tour around the county.

After a couple quick stops, the real birding began along the Pleasant Street power line in West Rutland. As the early morning mist lifted over West Rutland Marsh below, the Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees and Field Sparrows were tuning up. Among the growing bird song we heard ‘bee buzz’ and knew one of the winged warblers was about, probably a Blue-winged Warbler. Following the new guidelines for reporting the winged warblers, we tracked them down (two males) and found they were indeed Blue-winged Warblers with all the appropriate field marks.

Sharp ears picked up a Brown Thrasher on the power line. A Nashville Warbler was also spotted and a Red-breasted Nuthatch was heard in the conifers along the edge. Oddly, we saw no White-breasted Nuthatch during the count.

Alder FlycatcherA good deal of time was spent at West Rutland Marsh where most of the expected species were seen or heard. This included five Virginia Rails heard along the boardwalk, Water Street and Pleasant Street and two American Bitterns flying over the marsh. A Marsh Wren was making a racket near the boardwalk so no doubt there is a nest nearby.

The next stop was the Route 4 rest area, which is probably ‘tick central’ for Vermont (please see our previous article for important information on ticks). American Redstarts are abundant in this area as are Scarlet Tanagers and Indigo Buntings. The highlight here and the highlight for the day was a Cerulean Warbler in the same area where it was seen in 2010 and 2011. It was in full song and, after much searching, we were able to glimpse enough of the bird to be confident of the identification.

After a break for cookies, we headed to the Lake Bomoseen area, where the north end (the Lake Bomoseen/Hubbardton Marshes IBA) is a good prospect for ducks. There we were surprised to find four male Ring-necked Ducks. We also saw our first Killdeer for the day (that and a Wilson’s Snipe at Lake Hortonia were our only shorebirds of the day).

As we headed down Black Pond/Moscow Road toward our lunch stop at Bomoseen State Park, we picked up Wood Duck, a Double-crested Cormorant on Breese Pond, a Black-billed Cuckoo and a Northern Waterthrush. A Ruby-throated Hummingbird was perched on a dead snag where we find him every year. Our only White-throated Sparrow of the day was found along this road.

A second Black-billed Cuckoo was at Bomoseen State Park where we also heard a Yellow-throated Vireo and saw an active Baltimore Oriole nest.

From the upper lot of the Kehoe Fishing Access along Lake Bomoseen we found the expected Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Black-and-white Warbler. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was heard here and a Common Loon in basic plumage was seen out on the lake.

KilldeerAt the Fair Haven Municipal Airport we found four fuzzy Killdeer chicks with their parents fussing nearby. A second pair of Killdeer was guarding a nest with four eggs.

Our travels toward and through Benson yielded the expected Bobolinks and a Savannah Sparrow. Along Pleasant Valley Road in Benson we were happy to hear a Northern Mockingbird and an Eastern Meadowlark as well as more Bobolinks.

At the fishing access on Lake Hortonia the aforementioned Wilson’s Snipe were calling incessantly and a female Wood Duck was being trailed by eight young. Two female Hooded Mergansers were on Burr Pond in Sudbury.

Our final stop along Route 73, at a property recently restored under the Wetland Reserve Program on the Sudbury/Brandon line, we were treated to Common Gallinule, Pied-billed Grebe, American Bittern and Virginia Rail.

Thanks to all the sharp-eyed, sharp-eared participants and to Roy Pilcher for planning the trip.

The full list:  

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Virginia Rail
Common Gallinule
Killdeer
Wilson's Snipe
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Black-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Marsh Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cerulean Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Canada Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

 

 

trip report: winter regulars & rarities

A day fit for neither man nor beast, but okay for birders. Such was the weather for the RCAS Regulars and Rarities in the Champlain Valley field trip yesterday. This annual winter trip has experienced a variety of meteorological conditions – sub-zero temperatures, howling winds and even weather sunny and warm enough for a picnic. Not January 11, however. A surprising 15 participants turned out for the adventure.

Temperatures rising to just under 50 and a more than intermittent rain produced thick clouds of fog over the snow-covered fields. Road conditions were fine for driving, but parking areas were slick sheets of ice. The viewing of waterfowl on Lake Champlain was actually quite decent, but inland raptors appeared as pale apparitions.

Nevertheless, a total of 30 species, comprising 10 eBird checklists, was tallied. At Shelburne Point, Mallard and American Black Duck dabbled at the water’s edge while further out flocks of Common Goldeneye and Bufflehead bobbed in the water. A single female Red-breasted Merganser was also seen as well as an adult Bald Eagle soaring far out over an island.

More waterfowl was seen on Shelburne Bay from both Harbor Road and the fishing access. A handsome male Red-breasted Merganser was close enough for good viewing while Horned Grebes, six in all, were further out and three Hooded Mergansers hugged the opposite shore. A Canvasback was a highlight, seen from the fishing access, and a life bird for some. A second Bald Eagle, this one an immature, was sitting on the ice.

Shelburne Beach (Meach Cove) had the greatest waterfowl variety including Ring-necked Duck, both scaup and, best of all, a female Barrow’s Goldeneye.

The Charlotte Ferry landing produced another adult Bald Eagle, two Horned Grebe and three gull species – Ring-billed, Herring and Great Black-backed.

The rest of the day was spent in what began to seem like a fruitless search for a Snowy Owl. A couple of passes along Route 17 between the goose viewing area and the West Addison General Store came up empty although an American Kestrel, a Rough-legged Hawk and two Red-tailed Hawks were seen. Finally, along Town Line Road in Bridport the bird we were all hoping for appeared. It was sitting atop a power pole where it remained long enough for everyone to have a good look before disappearing as a ghost in the fog.

Trip List:

 

American Black Duck  
Mallard
Canvasback
Ring-necked Duck
Great Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Barrow's Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Horned Grebe
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Snowy Owl
Hairy Woodpecker
American Kestrel
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
European Starling
Northern Cardinal
House Finch

 

 

hawk watching at Mt. Philo

Hawk watches might seem a bit strange especially to novices. A group of birders perch on a rocky outcrop staring out into the sky and clouds, seemingly at nothing and sometimes at unidentified specks.

Raptors (hawk, falcons and accipiters) migrate over several weeks in the fall, but the Broad-winged Hawk movement is restricted to a short period in mid-September. However, pinpointing the exact moments raptors will pass over a hawk watch site is an inexact science. So it went with RCAS’s annual visit to Mt. Philo State Park on September 14.

the view from Mt. PhiloFortunately, the breaks in the action, and there were many, were filled with the camaraderie of birders. There was much joking, laughing and the more serious business of sharing birding knowledge and experiences. With the backdrop of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, the morning went quickly.

One of the early highlights was an immature Broad-winged Hawk sailing beneath the outcrop, its markings clearly visible to even the inexperienced. Bald Eagles caught the attention of non-birding picnickers. In all eight raptor species were identified (Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk).

a kettle of hawkJust before we departed a kettle of broad-wings came from behind Mt. Philo and into our line of vision. A kettle is a group of migrating raptors taking advantage of thermal updrafts to gain altitude and then ‘peeling off’ and moving on, an energy saving measure.

As always there are other things to see in the Champlain Valley. Earlier reports of shorebirds on Lake Road in Charlotte drew us there after leaving Mt. Philo. Although few birds were left, we did manage to scope an American Golden-plover, a Baird’s Sandpiper and two Pectoral Sandpipers along with several Killdeer. A late stop at the Brilyea Access at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area gave us a hint at the next group of migrants to pass through - waterfowl. There we saw Green-winged Teal, a couple Blue-winged Teal and, overhead, a skein of Canada Geese.

wetland restoration field trip - july 13

suitable habitat for a variety of birds along Otter CreekOver the last five years, private landowners, federal/state agencies and non-profit groups have been working together to restore wetlands along Otter Creek. Find out what was done and why and see the results firsthand. RCAS and SER-New England will have a joint field trip to Rte 73 in on the Brandon/Sudbury line to visit restored land there. 

Click here to read more about the property.

Rain or shine. Bring boots. 9 AM at the pull-off on the east side of the the Otter Creek bridge on Rte 73 (approximately 3.25 miles west of Brandon).

century count XVIII

BobolinkFew of us thought we would reach more than 75 species for Century Count XVIII. With perhaps the worst possible Memorial Day weekend weather in several years – rain, wind, cold temperatures – the prospects were not good. Ten participants, however, rose to the challenge and tallied 102 species in a day-long marathon through Rutland County.

Many of the expected species at West Rutland Marsh were found, such as Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren and both Alder and Willow flycatchers, but a good number of the usuals were missed at this location.

In deteriorating weather, the group trudged up the Pleasant Street power line and was pleasantly surprised. Although the Blue-winged Warblers may have been singing ‘bee-brrr’ instead of ‘bee-buzz’ four of them were found. Indigo Buntings, Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees and Field Sparrows were singing away.

The Route 4 rest area, although hosting an unpleasant number of ticks, provided several warbler species including Blackburnian, Magnolia and Canada. There was no sign of a Cerulean Warbler as in past years, but that area was inaccessible due to a swollen stream caused by a blocked culvert.

At the north end of Lake Bomoseen an American Coot was a nice find in the heavy vegetation along with a few Wood Ducks including young.

A welcome rest for a picnic lunch at Bomoseen State Park provided the opportunity to find a Yellow-throated Vireo and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher plus a Baltimore Oriole sitting on a nest.

A Bald Eagle was seen from the Kehoe Fishing Access upper lot on Lake Bomoseen along with four Common Loons (two more loons were also seen on Lake Hortonia and six on Chittenden Reservoir, no doubt related to the bad weather).

A Northern Harrier, a Savannah Sparrow and a handful of bubbling Bobolinks were found during a brief stop at Fair Haven Municipal Airport. A good number of Bobolinks were found in Benson as well as a Meadowlark and an American Kestrel.

The highlight of the day was a stop along Route 73 in Brandon along the Otter Creek. A Pied-billed Grebe, two American Bittern, one Least Bittern and three Common Gallinule were observed. Click here to find out why this area is so special.

The day ended at Lefferts Pond as it traditionally does. A Wilson’s Snipe was seen calling atop a phone pole. The day closed out with the songs of a Purple Finch and a White-throated Sparrow.

All sightings have been contributed to eBird (25 checklists).

Despite the conditions, the group remained good humor all day. Everyone contributed to the effort of seeing, hearing and identifying 102 species. Special thanks once again go to Roy Pilcher for planning another successful Century Count.

The day's list:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Mallard
Common Merganser
Wild Turkey
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
American Bittern
Least Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Virginia Rail
Common Gallinule
American Coot
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Wilson's Snipe
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Black-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
 American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Alder Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Winter Wren
Marsh Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
 Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

century count XVIII

How would you like to go birding?

How would you like to go birding in Rutland County?

How would you like to go birding in Rutland County with the prospect of tallying 100 or more species?

How would you like to go birding in Rutland County with the prospect of tallying 100 or more species in one day?

Chestnut-sided WarblerIf you answered yes to the final question then meet Rutland County Audubon and friends on Sunday, May 26, at the West Rutland Price Chopper parking area at 6:00 am. For those who stay to “the glorious end” some 15 hours later we hope to have tallied over 100 species. If the past is any guide, the number of species tallied over the past five years is 106, 108, 114, 109 and 110!

We will be visiting many of Rutland County's best birding spots and see a wide variety of birds. It is a long day so be prepared with a lunch and beverage which we have taken in the past at Bomoseen State Park. There is a lot more driving than walking. It is a go-go-go, kind of a day but a lot of fun!

All our Audubon field trips are open to the public and are free. However, we will be collecting donations to be split between Audubon Vermont and the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, both bird friendly organizations. You may make out your check to either organization or cash is just fine.

Contact Roy Pilcher 775-3461 or email us at birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org

winter regulars & rarities field trip report

hardy birders at Shelburne BayIt is with some trepidation participants set out on the annual RCAS Winter Regulars & Rarities field trip to the Champlain Valley. Past trips have produced temperatures hovering around zero, gale force winds and even rain. This year, however, we were uncommonly lucky as the sun came out at mid-morning and the temperature rose to 42, melting ice in slick parking lots. Lighting conditions on the lake were quite good.

Thirteen participants made eleven stops starting north at Shelburne Point and working south as far as Button Bay. There were several highlights of the day and more than one life bird for some participants.

Gadwall were present at both Shelburne Point and Fort Cassin, seven in all for the day as well as six American Wigeon, also at Fort Cassin. A handsome male Northern Pintail flew into Shelburne Town Beach (Meach Cove).

Common Goldeneye, living up to its name, was the most common bird of the day with 450 seen. Hooded and Common mergansers were also represented at several locations with a lone female Red-breasted Merganser at Shelburne Point.

Sharp eyes spotted two Mallard x American Black Duck hybrids, one each at Shelburne Bay and Fort Cassin, a splash of green on the head and dark body distinguishing them.

Gadwall at Shelburne PointA lone Snow Goose flyover in Charlotte was spotted by most members of the group as was a Rough-legged Hawk as it took off from a tree revealing its distinct under-wing pattern.

A total of 11 Horned Grebes were present at Shelburne Point, Shelburne Farms, Meach Cove, Charlotte Town Beach, Charlotte Ferry Landing and Button Bay.

Bald Eagles, despite their increasing presence in Vermont, never cease to thrill birders. A total of ten eagles were seen during the day. At Kingsland Bay, an adult Bald Eagle made several unsuccessful passes at duck. At Fields Bay (near Kellogg Bay Road), an adult Bald Eagle was dining on duck, which attracted not only our attention, but the attention of three other eagles that flew in to investigate.

In stark contrast with last year, only 14 American Robins were observed, a sharp decline from last year’s robin boom.

 In our commitment to citizen science, 14 eBird checklists were submitted with a total species count for the day of 33. Many thanks to Roy Pilcher for putting together such a productive itinerary.

annual hawk watch - trip report

Each year Rutland County Audubon members venture north to Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte to look for southbound Broad-winged Hawks. Migrating birds are picky about weather conditions none more so than raptors. Knowing Broad-wings travel within a three-week window in September, the date is set well in advance so the annual trips meet with varying degrees of success.

After a refresher in hawk profiles and migration behavior by Roy Pilcher, 16 RCAS participants set off to Mt. Philo. There an auto road delivers hawk watchers to the top of the mountain. From a rocky outcrop viewers can scan for hawks from a 180-degree viewpoint as they travel southwest across Lake Champlain before disappearing from view. The lake, with the Adirondacks as a backdrop, and the convivial atmosphere always make for a pleasant morning no matter the results.

This year the weather was fair – cool and mostly cloudy with an unmaterilized threat of showers so the results were also fair. A few groups of Broad-winged Hawks came directly overhead allowing for a good look at their profile (see photo).  Also observed were two Sharp-shinned Hawks, several Osprey and Turkey Vultures. As the RCAS group left a mature Bald Eagle soared over, a good end to the morning. 

Least Sandpiper at Meach CoveFollowing a picnic lunch, the group traveled home making stops along Lake Champlain. At Shelburne Bay several ducks were present including many Mallards, a couple American Black Ducks, three Wood Ducks and one mystery duck. After much discussion, it was determined to be a Northern Pintail, possibly a hybrid. A juvenile Pied-billed Grebe and three Greater Yellowlegs were also present. At Meach Cove in Shelburne, a small group of Least Sandpipers was close enough for good viewing. A Common Loon was also present.