Five participants enjoyed a chilly (but sunny and little wind!) morning at West Rutland Marsh on December 7. The number of species was about what we might expect for this time of year – 20 in all.
Few species including the only Red-breasted Nuthatch of the day were seen along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Nonetheless the trail was pretty with patches of snow along the way and coming out into the sunny meadow was a delight.
Elsewhere Black-capped Chickadees ruled the day with most busily feeding to keep up their energy reserves in the colder weather. Many were at the feeding station at the Marble Street boardwalk along with a single White-throated Sparrow and a single American Tree Sparrow. Other tree sparrows were seen along the route along with a handful of Dark-eyed Juncos.
Two skeins of Canada geese were spotted high overhead. Large numbers of migrating geese have been reported throughout the state over the past couple of days. A lone Mallard was seen in flight.
The full report can be found here: https://ebird.org/vt/tripreport/176933
Our next marsh walk is Thursday, January 25, at 8 a.m.
