Fourteen birders managed to duck the rain for Rutland County Audubon’s August walk around West Rutland Marsh. A total of 40 species was seen and/or heard.
One of the highlights was seeing and hearing Red Crossbills along Marble Street and then again along Pleasant Street. Red Crossbills are having a bit of an irruption this summer. They are being reported throughout Vermont and the northeast. More information about this irruption can be found at the Finch Research Network here.
Another observation of note was the number of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds – 15 in all! Hummingbirds are busy preparing for migration which will peak in early September. They can often be seen sipping nectar at Jewelweed or Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis), a plant that is abundant this time year and important for hummingbirds as they begin their journey.
White Meadowsweet (Spirea alba) is abundant in the meadow along the Whipple Hollow Trail.
Although mixed flocks of warblers have been reported throughout the state as migration kicks off, our warbler species were limited to Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and Chestnut-sided Warbler, all breeders at the marsh along with a Canada Warbler that has been present along the Whipple Hollow Trail since spring.
High numbers of Gray Catbirds, Cedar Waxwings and American Goldfinches were noted.
An Eastern Wood-Pewee was singing away along Whipple Hollow Road. Other than a singing American Redstart, vocalizations were pretty much limited to call notes.
No raptors were observed although a few Turkey Vultures were spotted soaring over the ridge.
A complete report of all we saw can be found here: https://ebird.org/vt/tripreport/153583
Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, with the start time now at 8 a.m.
The Castleton River after it flows under Pleasant St.