Five RCAS members tallied 26 species on our monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh. Although Marble Street was icy, the Whipple Hollow Trail slushy and there was some fog, the weather was pleasant with temperatures in the upper 30s and no wind.
The ‘usual suspects’ were taking advantage of the feeders at the Marble Street boardwalk – Black-capped Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, American Tree Sparrows and two White-throated Sparrows among others.
A large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds, around 100, was seen along Marble Street and later, presumably the same flock, along Pleasant Street. Nine American Robins were seen as well as two Golden-crowned Kinglets.
Ruffed Grouse tracks near boardwalk. Photo by Sue Elliott.
We saw Ruffed Grouse tracks along one of the Whipple Hollow Trail boardwalks.
Ruffed Grouse tracks. Photo by Sue Elliott.
Other highlights were Cedar Waxwings and Eastern Bluebirds in the meadow on the Whipple Hollow Trail and a single Purple Finch at a feeder on Whipple Hollow Road.
Next month’s walk will take place on Saturday, February 17, at 8 a.m. The walk is scheduled to coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count, running from February 16 through February 19. Information about the count can be found here: https://www.birdcount.org/
Today’s list:
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal
Castleton River at Pleasant St bridge. Photo by Sue Elliott.