bobolink project results

Rutland County Audubon and many of our members have helped support the Bobolink Project for the past three years. Here is an encouraging report from Margaret Fowle at Audubon Vermont about this year’s results:                 

As many of you know, Audubon Vermont joined Mass Audubon and Audubon Connecticut to help continue the Bobolink Project in 2016. This project provides a financial incentive for farmers who delay haying during the Bobolink nesting season (mid-May through mid-July). To date, approximately $114,500 has been raised since 2013 in Vermont, enough to support bird-friendly management on 1,600 acres of hayfields in the State.

In 2016, the total acreage enrolled in Vermont was 407 acres. In addition, 22 acres were enrolled in Massachusetts and 98 acres were enrolled in New York, for a total of 527 acres. Allan Strong from UVM and Audubon Vermont staff surveyed the Vermont Bobolink Project fields in 2016 and estimated that 175 nesting pairs produced nearly 500 young. To do this work, we walked transects back and forth across each field to count the numbers of females and males, and then extrapolated the number of young produced using metrics from Allan's work. Often the landowners joined us on our survey and it was great for them to see the number of birds in their fields. In addition to the Bobolinks, we observed Savannah Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, Northern Harriers and many other species.

Thanks to all of you who supported this important project - we look forward to continuing the work in 2017. Currently any donations to the project are going towards the 2017 field season. For more information, click here.

book review: the genius of birds

In her engrossing book, The Genius of Birds, Jennifer Ackerman, elucidates recent findings that are shifting our understanding of bird intelligence. Indeed, birds have borne the brunt of our disrespect, from the ‘bird-brained’ stupid, foolish person, to the ‘lame duck’ ineffectual politician. The concept of ‘bird-brain’ arose from the belief that avian species possessed only diminutive brains since they functioned mainly by instinct. But, not only have scientists found that some birds have brains relatively large for their size, size matters less than where neurons are located, how they communicate at their synapses and how interaction with the environment drives neural activity.

Avoiding the word ‘intelligence’ because of its anthropomorphizing human connotations, animal scientists now prefer the term ‘cognition,’ defined as any mechanism by which the animal acquires, processes, stores and uses information. It usually refers to mechanisms involved in learning, memory, perception and decision making. Higher forms of cognition constitute insight, reasoning and planning; however, forms are attention and motivation.

Cognitively defining intelligence, however, opens up another problem – how to measure it. There is no standard IQ test for birds, so scientists devise puzzles for birds, in order to reveal their problem-solving abilities. Such meticulously designed laboratory experiments have been very useful in disclosing bird skills, such as that of ‘007,’ a New Caledonian crow, that was able to shape one tool and use it to obtain another too, which was ultimately employed to extract a food reward (‘mega-tool use’).

But Ackerman cautions that judging bird intelligence by speed and success at solving lab problems, may overlook many variables, such as the boldness or fear of an individual. Birds that are faster at solving tasks may not be smarter, just less hesitant to engage in a new task.

Thus, to avoid the artificial framework of the lab experiment, another approach would be observation, of birds doing routine as well as unusual or new behavior in their own habitat. Though lacking the rigors of an experiment’s strict parameters, anecdotes, from both professionals and amateurs, have resulted in an enormous amount of useful enlightening data. These have been validated as repeated observations have confirmed them. For example: Green-backed herons have been found to use insects as bait, placing them lightly on the surface of water to lure fish.

So in amassing all the research to date, wherein does our understanding of bird intelligence lie? What birds are the smartest and why? Scientists have concluded that it is the ‘primary innovators,’ mainly crows and parrots; then grackles, raptors, woodpeckers, hornbills, gulls, kingfishers, roadrunners and herons. Innovation is accepted as a measure of cognition. Another example is owls scattering clumps of animal feces near the opening of their nest chambers and watching for unsuspecting dung beetles to scuttle toward their trap. Or consider the woodpecker finches of the Galapagos when they use their skills to chip away at bark, producing wood splinters to probe crevices beyond the reach of their beaks.

Delving deeper, Ackerman questions whether they are evolutionary forces driving bird innovation. Two theories postulate the source of such forces. First, there are the ecological problems birds encounter, especially foraging (how to find enough food, how to fetch hard to get foods, remembering where seeds are hidden). Secondly, there are social pressures – getting along with others, thieves, finding a mate and carrying for young. From this has arisen the ‘social intelligence hypothesis,’ the idea that that a demanding social life might drive the evolution of brain power.

Having covered the larger, overarching theories, Ackerman then investigates lesser, more discrete topics and issues.

Brains of many birds are actually considerably larger than expected for their body size. Reproductive strategy may play a role. Species that are precocial (born with eyes open and able to leave the nest in a day or two) have larger brains at birth than altricial birds (born naked, blind and helpless and remain in the nest until they are as big as their parents). On the other hand, birds that migrate have smaller brains than their sedentary relatives. Since brains consume a lot of energy, this would seem reasonable.

Calls, songs, mimicry and the virtuosity they entail, are address in a lengthy chapter. These vocal feats are brought about by the ‘syrinx,’ somewhat analogous to our vocal cords, but more complex in its anatomy and innervation, enabling the simultaneous production of two harmonically unrelated notes at the same time. Nonetheless, such structurally well-equipped birds must still learn by trial and error, working through wrong, off-key notes, to produce their vocalizations.

Nest building requires many intellectual abilities besides instinct: learning, memory, experience, decision making, coordination and collaborations.

And of course, there is the everlasting mystery of migration. Some new theories have arisen. ‘Infrasounds’ are produced by many natural sources, but mainly oceans. Interacting waves in the deep ocean and movements of sea surface water create a background noise in the atmosphere that can be detected with low frequency microphones. Birds may be capable of detecting such low frequencies and use them as a guide through the ‘soundscapes.’ Or the ‘olfactory navigation hypothesis’: pigeons with several olfactory nerves never returned home! Homing pigeons have very large olfactory bulbs compared with non-homing domestic pigeons.

Much more awaits the reader of this engaging, in-depth book. Ackerman has done extensive research, attested by 50 pages of explanatory notes at the end. Yet, at 271 pages, she has consolidated the heavy science to a layperson’s comprehension. My one criticism would be the need for explanatory diagrams. Lovely pen and ink drawings introduce each chapter, but, for example, her description of the complex steps of the New Caledonian crow in constructing a hook tool from the leaves of the pandanus tree left me befuddled.

The book is available at the Rutland Free Library.

west rutland marsh - september monitoring report

It was a glorious first day of autumn at West Rutland Marsh! Forty-five species beat last year by three and our September average of 39. We originally thought the day’s tally was 44, but a photo later revealed we actually had one additional species, a northern parula. Thirteen lucky participants all contributed to the total.

The day started with two tussling marsh wrens near the boardwalk, perhaps an immature still begging food of an adult?

One of the highlights of the day was Philadelphia vireo, with a nearby red-eyed vireo for contrast. They were both feeding frantically, but we had good looks at each. It was a life bird for some participants. Two warbling vireos were singing weakly.

Swamp SparrowRed-winged blackbird and blue jay numbers were high with 243 and 69, respectively.

Warblers included the parula, a black-throated green warbler, a magnolia warbler, a chestnut-sided warbler and several common yellowthroats.

Gray catbirds are still around in good numbers – 14 (last year we counted 13). Swamp sparrows are stilling singing away as well as a few marsh wrens. White-throated sparrows are putting in an appearance as the season changes.

Raptor numbers were low, one in fact, a sharp-shinned hawk.

Species #151 for our monitoring walk appeared today: an immature northern mockingbird, keeping company with starlings. At first we thought it was a juvenile starling, but its long tail and white wing patches gave it away.

The next monitoring walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, at 8 a.m.

Today’s list:

Canada Goose  9
Wood Duck  12
Mallard  7
Great Blue Heron  2
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  8
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Pileated Woodpecker  2
Eastern Phoebe  9
Philadelphia Vireo  1    
Warbling Vireo  2    
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  69
American Crow  4
Common Raven  3
Black-capped Chickadee  15
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Marsh Wren  3
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  14
Northern Mockingbird  1    
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  2
Common Yellowthroat  4
Magnolia Warbler  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  15
Northern Cardinal  2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  243
House Finch  1
Purple Finch  1
American Goldfinch  9
House Sparrow  1

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.

extreme spring birding

Cape May Warbler at Magee MarshPart 1:

May is the month that birders lose all common sense and want to be everywhere at dawn to find the arriving migrants. We certainly enjoy birding our local hotspots, but there are places in the country that concentrate these migrants as they make their way north to their breeding grounds.

In mid-winter a friend emailed me about an upcoming trip in May to Magee Marsh in Ohio with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and did I want to go? After a day of dithering and then reading an article about birding trips in our senior years, I signed up for the tour.

This area is on the south shore of Lake Erie and is a stopover for birds to feed in anticipation the flight across the lake as they head to the north woods. We met the tour group in Ithaca, New York at the Cornell Lab's Sapsucker Woods where the bus awaited eager birders. One of our leaders was none other than Stephen Kress of Project Puffin. Departing Ithaca we were off like migrating birds.

Our first stop was in Erie, Pennnsylvania where we birded Presque Isle State Park, a 3200-acre peninsula that arches out into Lake Erie. This area also gives birds a chance to refuel before continuing on. We stayed overnight and returned in the morning to bird the various habitats there. A nice variety of warblers plus other migrants was tallied. One exciting occurrence was a David Sibley sighting as he led a group for a birding festival.

After lunch it was back on the bus and off to Ohio where we birded the afternoon at the Ottawa NWR, a 6704-acre preserve for migrating birds. Touring the refuge we saw a nice variety of waterfowl and shorebirds.

Sunday morning dawned and with it the much anticipated boardwalk at Magee Marsh. We arrived early before the hordes of other birders. Sun on the trees had the insects in abundance and so too the birds. Standing in one spot we watched the warblers busily feeding: Blackburnian, Cape May, Bay-breasted, Prothonotary and more! We were nearly breathless as we searched the trees and seeing so many birds at once. As the morning wore on the boardwalk became packed, but many eyes found the birds and information was happily shared. As impossible as it seemed in this crowd I met Pat Folsom of the Mad Birders in Waitsfield!

All too soon this time of great birding came to an end. We had our lunch on the shore of the lake and then it was on the bus back to Ithaca.

Part 2:

Red Knot in Cape MayAs if that trip wasn't enough, I met my birding pals in Cape May two weeks later for several days there. Cape May is another important staging area for migrants, both spring and fall. Luckily the moon was full and the horsehoe crabs were laying their eggs. On a tip from a Vermont birder we headed to Reed's Beach and were stunned by the uncountable numbers of birds feasting on the crab eggs. Red Knots, Sanderlings, Willets, Least Sandpipers and more Laughing Gulls than any of us had ever seen!

This was a first for me, seeing shorebirds in breeding plumage as we usually only see them in basic plumage in Vermont on their return trip in the fall. We all agreed that if we saw nothing else on this trip it was worth the effort just to see this spectacle of nature.

Of course we checked out all the other hotspots and saw American Oystercatchers and Black Skimmers tending their nests. The fields and woods had a nice variety of passerines, but that scene on the beach was by far the most exciting.

How fortunate to have witnessed two wonderful nature events in one month and grateful for the Birdwatcher's Digest article on birding in your senior years. Do it now it said while you stil can!

west rutland marsh - july monitoring report

It’s hard to believe 15 years has gone by. In August 2001, Rutland County Audubon members set off on a  monthly monitoring walk at West Rutland Marsh with the idea that maybe we would do it for a year or two and that would be that.

Our first walk was on August 16, 2001 with 15 participants. We reported 45 species including a least bittern, 11 marsh wrens and four unidentified empidonax flycatchers.

People have asked us at the five, ten and now fifteen year anniversaries, what have we learned? Are there fewer birds? More birds? Different birds? The answer is we really don’t know. Trained ornithologists will have to answer those questions someday. As the database at eBird, where all our marsh walk sightings have been reported, grows maybe patterns will eventually be revealed. We are the collectors of the information, boots on the ground so to speak, citizen scientists. We’ve certainly added to the marsh species list over the years. Pine Warbler was our addition this past year.

Besides adding our sightings for science, we’ve made new friends and attracted volunteers for RCAS. For some this was their first and only experience with birding. For others it was a first sighting of a sora or even a song sparrow. A Virginia rail with young has always been a highlight. Children, and even some older participants, have used binoculars for the first time. We’ve had some lively discussions about bird identification. We’ve had quite a few laughs. At times we’ve been distracted by butterflies and snakes and frogs and plants. We’ve all become better birders and naturalists.

Looking back we see we have reached many people. Although it includes many repeats, our records show we have attracted 2,061 participants. Many are now supporters of the marsh, contributing to our marsh fund, participating in Green-Up Day and convincing others the marsh is not a swamp for dumping trash.

Weather has never stopped us. Sometimes we’ve walked with a biting wind and blowing snow in our faces, other times with the sun on our backs. We’ve been caught in a couple summer downpours. During one walk in January the temperature was well below zero. The highlight that day was a pine siskin huddled at a feeder. The walks have all been memorable for one reason or another.

So what happened today, our 180^th walk?

Eleven birders participated, about our average for marsh walks, and included a birder from Burlington and another from Johnson. Although it was cloudy and humid, the possible thunderstorms did not materialize.

The best sighting came last. As with the first walk, we saw a least bittern! It flew a short distance as we rounded the corner of Water Street onto Marble.

The raptor count, however, was low with one northern harrier spotted. No Virginia rails were seen or heard. Marsh wrens and swamp sparrows, however, are still singing away.

A female wood duck was spotted with young while a second female was seen in flight.

Three brown thrashers were seen; two just north of the boardwalk and another a bit further up the road. All were strangely silent. The gray catbirds are still yakking away.

Both alder and willow flycatchers were noted, fortunately still singing so we could separate them.

Near the green house, formerly known as the yellow house, there was a mixed flock of barn, tree and northern rough-winged swallows, a portent of the next season. The flock included several immatures.

Warbler action has slowed, but the common yellowthroats and American redstarts are still very vocal. Only one yellow warbler was observed, a female foraging in a tree. Other warbler species were ovenbird and black-throated green warbler.

Today’s tally: 51 species, a bit below last July's total of 57, but two above our average for this month of the year.

The next walk: August 20 (Saturday), 7 a.m.

Today’s list:

Wood Duck  10
Mallard  4
Least Bittern  1   
Northern Harrier  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  8
Mourning Dove  6
Belted Kingfisher  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Alder Flycatcher  4
Willow Flycatcher  5
Least Flycatcher  2
Eastern Phoebe  2
Eastern Kingbird  5
Warbling Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  6
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  6
Common Raven  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
Tree Swallow  12
Barn Swallow  17
Black-capped Chickadee  7
House Wren  1
Marsh Wren  11
Veery  9
American Robin  10
Gray Catbird  12
Brown Thrasher  3
European Starling  11
Cedar Waxwing  36
Ovenbird  1
Common Yellowthroat  17
American Redstart  10
Yellow Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Song Sparrow  18
Swamp Sparrow  21
Eastern Towhee  1
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  16
Common Grackle  4
House Finch  2
Purple Finch  6
American Goldfinch  17
House Sparrow  1

rcas annual report: 2015-16

Rutland County Audubon celebrated another successful year on July 6 with a delicious potluck supper, presentation of the annual report and election of next year's board members. Prior to the annual report and election, participants shared their favorite bird and nature stories from the past year.

After reading through the annual, we can be proud of last year's accomplishments. Looking forward we hope to do more. As always there is an endless need for volunteers. If you have time to spare for us, let us know! We can be reached at birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org

Thank you to Roy Pilcher for preparing this excellent report!

2015-2016 Annual Report of the Rutland County Audubon Society:

CONSERVATION/ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION

RCAS members participated in the annual Vermont Green-Up Day at West Rutland Marsh on Saturday, May 7. This was the 24th year RCAS has participated in Green Up Day.

As of June 20, 2016 RCAS has undertaken 179 consecutive monthly bird monitoring walks each 3.7 miles, around West Rutland Marsh, a Vermont-designated Important Bird Area (IBA). A total of 149 bird species has been tallied by 2,037 participants. Pine Warbler was the onlynew species added during this past fiscal year, raising the the total species count to 149. All data is recorded on eBird.

a Prothonotary Warber in West Haven was a birding highlight this yearBird monitoring of the Mountain Top Farm Conservation Easement was continued under the spring/summer/fall protocol, initiated on June 14, 2012 by Steve Hagenbuch, Audubon Vermont's Forest Bird Initiative biologist. As of May 2016, 63 bird species have been recorded. All data is recorded on eBird.

A proposal to erect a bird blind and feeding station at Ayer's Meadow in the Mountain Top conservation easement was withdrawn. We at RCAS were having difficulty fitting it in since the conditions of the easement prohibit structures.

A proposal to erect a viewing platform at the Brandon Swamp wetland off Route 73 on the Brandon/Sudbury line was exhaustively investigated on several levels, but finally abandoned due to safety and environmental concerns. Thanks to Nate Dansereau for his investigative work.  Any future proposals of that type should start with local community support.

RCAS members participated for a fifth year in monitoring designated Audubon Vermont/VELCO power line rights-of-way for seven brush/grassland bird species in particular Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler.

RCAS members covered the lakes in Rutland County as part of the annual Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey.

RCAS provided financial support to the Vermont Bobolink Project and to the Vermont Center for Ecostudies that manages the VT eBird portal.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Marsh Day saw 27 fifth grade pupils from Poultney Elementary School participate in a four-activity event at the West Rutland Marsh presented by members of RCAS. The four activities included Life under the Water,  using shallow pans and microscopes; Bird Walk to acquaint participants with the birds of the marsh as well as how to use binoculars; Wetlands, a brief look at three types of wetlands and their beneficial functions; and Wetland Plants.

RCAS voted to provide financial support in the amount of $400 for the Leicester Central School’s Hawk Hill Field Study which involved students pre-k through 6^th grade. Activities included twice a week hikes at Hawk Hill to learn about its wetlands with the support and interaction from Otter Valley Unified Union High School students who were involved in the Moosalamoo Program. Support for the program was made in conjunction with Otter Creek Audubon.

the Century Count was one of the year's highlightsRCAS maintained the kiosk and immediate area at the entrance of the West Rutland Marsh where marsh-related information is posted.  A new Watchable Wildlife sign was erected in West Rutland to direct visitors to the marsh.                          

On May 13, 2016 RCAS participated in the Buckner Memorial Preserve bioblitz involving Castleton Middle School students and Fair Haven High School students. It was organized and supplied by Castleton University professors and students.

Marsha Booker and Roy Pilcher, at the invitation of the Pittsford Preschool, presented programs that were well received by these young schoolers who were themselves receptive, enthusiastic and well-prepared.

Updated and posted the bird lists for the West Rutland Marsh, Pomainville WMA and Gifford Woods State Park. An additional list was provided to Aitken State Forest.

On October 13, 2015 Alyssa Bennett, bat spokesperson for Vermont Fish and Wildlife presented an excellent program on bats at the Rutland Free Library.

On January 26, 2016 Gary Starr presented his program on The Birds of Madagascar at the Rutland Free Library. Beside the birds the exposure to the landscape of Madagascar was particularly interesting.

On February 23, 2016 Hank Kastner, a world-wide birding enthusiast, presented his program, Birding in Kazakhstan at the Rutland Free Library. He also included pictures on a birding trip he took to Yemen. For those of us in the audience who will never visit these countries it was a most enlightening program. 

On March 16, 2016 Lee Allen presented his program on a Peruvian Cruise on the Amazo” at the Rutland Free Library. 

Thanks to Renee Warren, program director and board member, for organizing and planning all the above programs.

Recreated a display for the Vermont State Fair’s Forestry Pavilion in Rutland, based on Audubon Vermont’s Forest Bird Initiative that encourages forest managers to accommodate various nesting bird preferences. Thanks to Marsha Booker and Kathleen Guinness for their contribution. RCAS members also helped staff the Forestry Building during the fair.

Following some minor modifications, a set of 500 Bridge to Bridge brochures  for West Rutland Marsh were reprinted. Thanks to Mike Blust who spear-headed the project. Bridge-to-Bridge brochures were placed at the West Rutland town hall and West Rutland library. Partial funding was provided by an Audubon Vermont grant.

Audubon Adventures is now accessible digitally on line except for the newspaper. Schools that participated did so independently of RCAS. Thanks to Marsha Booker who coordinated this program over the years.

Submitted the West Rutland Marsh annual report to the Town of West Rutland to be incorporated into their annual Town Report.

A Super Senior segment featuring Roy Pilcher aired on WCAX and included a discussion of and scenes depicting the West Rutland marsh. A letter of appreciation was sent by the Town Manager and Select Board of West Rutland.

ADVOCACY

RCAS continues to support the work of the locally based USDA/NRCS office in the expansion of the Wetlands Reserve Program particularly in Rutland County along the Otter Creek. On June 24, 2016 RCAS participated in a celebration of the DeMarais Wetland Easement in Brandon, the largest wetland easement in the state, as well as other conserved lands along Otter Creek in Rutland County

RCAS holds the conservation easement on 15.36 acres of wetland now owned by BAI, LLC and a right-of -way access to the wetland. The adjacent property of 19.58 acres and the one traversed by the RCAS right of way is owned by Mid-Vermont Properties. The proposed development on the approximate eight acres of upland within the 19.8 acres goes by the name, Rutland Commons. RCAS and MVP were joint applicants in the prolonged, but eventually successful Act 250 permitting process for the initial Rutland Commons project. With no immediate clients the Rutland Commons project languished until 2014 when Saxon Partners, LLC indicated an interest and began the process in and through the local District Environmental Commission to acquire the necessary permitting. The opposition by BAI, LLC to the proposed Saxon Partners development continues at this time in the Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division. RCAS remains an interested party awaiting a definitive ruling by the Court scheduled for September 2016. Throughout this prolonged process, RCAS has relied on the expertise of RCAS member Valerie Biebuyck, ably assisted by Marv Elliott to both of whom we owe a great debt of gratitude. RCAS has engaged the services of James A. Dumont, Esq. in case future legal representation becomes necessary. The defense of this significant wetland and the aquifer beneath it could become a project that lasts for many years in the future.

ORGANIZATION

Monthly RCAS Board meetings, scheduled for the third Thursday of each month, were held throughout the year except December (due to the Christmas Bird Count).

Liability Insurance was again purchased through R V Nuccio, Insurance Brokers that covers board members and volunteers involving participants and/or property damage at events.

A Member Appreciation gathering and potluck was held on April 6, 2016 at the Proctor Free Library to recognize the contributions of Valerie Biebuyck for her efforts in supporting the RCAS cause of protecting the wetlands surrounding the former Rutland Commons project site.

RCAS was the host chapter this year for Vermont’s fall and spring Chapter Assemblies on Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, April 2 respectively.

Current RCAS membership stands at approximately 240 National Members. 

We continue the updating and development of our website inviting browsers to learn of programs, events and Birding Hot Spots.” Thanks to Webmaster David Jenne and Sue Elliott. Email alerts of new website articles and upcoming events are sent regularly by Tim Abraham.

a Northern Saw-whet Owl thrilled birders at the marshThe RCAS Flickr page exhibiting a wide array of bird, butterfly and dragonfly images found in Rutland County remains both well supplied with images and widely popular. We are also increasing our social media following through Facebook.

Thanks to Kathleen Guinness for secretarial minutes that make this Annual Report possible. In addition Kathleen has worked hard to organize many of our potluck suppers and meetings including the Christmas Bird Count.

ACTIVITIES

The annual Mount Philo Broad-winged Hawk Migration field trip took place on September 15. Unfavorable weather conditions dictated the outcome with few hawks flying.

RCAS undertook two successful Bird Seed Sales and Membership Recruitment drives, one at Garland’s Farm and Garden in Rutland and the other at Brandon’s Blue Seal on November 7. A sum of $846 was raised in addition to the recruitment of ten new National Audubon members and one Friend membership.  

The forty-second Annual Christmas Bird Count and Pot Luck Supper was held on January 2, 2016. Thirty-two Field Observers and eight Feeder Watchers tallied 53 species on count day and a further two species during count week representing 8,452 individual birds. This number is closely aligned to the ten-year running average of 8,480 birds. All Christmas Bird Count data is entered on eBird. 

The annual Champlain Valley birding field trip, Winter Regulars and Raritie” was held on Saturday, January 21. A record 16 participants turned out in spite of a particularly inhospitable and blustery day, but they were rewarded with the sighting of 11 Bald Eagles and a large flock of Snow Buntings that included a few Horned Larks. Thanks to Roy Pilcher for leading the trip. 

The Century County Count XXI attracted 12 participants who recorded exactly 100 species during almost13 hours of birding in Rutland County on Saturday, May 28, 2016. Twenty-five checklists were submitted to eBird thanks to Sue Elliott. Conflict with Memorial Day celebrations has prompted suggestions for some new initiatives!

west rutland marsh - june monitoring report

Even on a cool morning in June at West Rutland Marsh, with a few showers, beats just about any other month of the year. Today 13 participants tallied 62 species, one above our June average and four below one year ago.

Gray CatbirdWe joked that today was a bit of a catwalk as we talked to newcomers about the difference between cattails (good) and phragmites (bad), plenty of yakking catbirds, the remains of a dead catfish in the road (which was really probably a sucker) and a non-Audubon approved cat that followed us down the road. Although we take our monitoring seriously we never leave fun out of the equation!

The bird of the day was a flyover Osprey, a species rarely seen at the marsh, and our only raptor of the day.

The expected marsh species were present: a Virginia Rail, two American Bitterns, a flyover Great Blue Heron as well as lots of Marsh Wrens and Swamp Sparrows. A couple sets of sharp ears picked out the low chuckle of a Least Bittern about halfway between the kiosk and the green house. A Green Heron along Pleasant Street was perched on a dead tree, giving its ‘skeow’ call and giving everyone the opportunity for a good look while a second heron flew by.

Green HeronAlong the way we saw an Eastern Kingbird nest, a Baltimore Oriole nest and a Common Grackle nest with young. We know there were plenty more we missed!

The warbler songs were bit muted along Whipple Hollow Road as a light rain started. Nevertheless, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, American Redstart, Blackburnian Warbler and Yellow-rumped Warbler were all heard. Plenty of Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers were heard along the marshier parts of the route, along with more redstarts and a Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Thanks to all the new participants who joined us today. If you haven’t participated in a marsh walk we hope to see you soon at one of them!

Today’s list:

Canada Goose  6
Mallard  3   
American Bittern  2
Least Bittern  1   
Great Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  2
Osprey  1
Virginia Rail  1
Wilson's Snipe  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  2
Pileated Woodpecker  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Alder Flycatcher  7
Willow Flycatcher  5
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
Eastern Kingbird  4
Warbling Vireo  6
Red-eyed Vireo  10
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Common Raven  2
Tree Swallow  4
Black-capped Chickadee  7
Tufted Titmouse  1
Brown Creeper  2
House Wren  4
Marsh Wren  11
Veery  7
Wood Thrush  1
American Robin  12
Gray Catbird  8
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  8
Ovenbird  4
Northern Waterthrush  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Nashville Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  13
American Redstart  6
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  11
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  9
Swamp Sparrow  10
Northern Cardinal  5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
Red-winged Blackbird  17
Common Grackle  5
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Baltimore Oriole  4
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  8
House Sparrow  3

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 21^st 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 - may monitoring report

Nothing beats May at the marsh! This beautiful morning 26 participants tallied 74 species, not quite close to last May’s 81, but well above this month’s average of 68.

A Least Bittern was heard along Marble Street, just north of the kiosk, giving its low chuckle. One American Bittern was heard and one was seen. Two Green Herons were observed at the mid-point of the walk along Pleasant Street. Five Great Blue Herons were flying high in formation, perhaps towards the heronry in Florence.

Two Virginia Rails were seen well near the boardwalk engaged in, well, making more rails. A third rail was heard along Water Street. Wilson’s Snipe have been in much evidence this year – one was heard from the boardwalk and there were two more near the power line.

Virginia RailThe full flycatcher contingent is in: Alder, Willow, Least, Great-crested Flycatcher were all present as well as Eastern Phoebe and Eastern Kingbird, all very vocal.

A Red-breasted Nuthatch, a species not often seen at the marsh, was observed near a possible nest hole. Interestingly no White-breasted Nuthatches were seen. 

All three of the expected thrushes were singing – Veery, Hermit and Wood. A fourth thrush, an American Robin, was seen carrying food. Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles were also carrying food so the season is well underway. 

Along with Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats along the whole route, there was a nice assortment of warblers along Whipple Hollow Road. Three Canada Warblers and a Northern Waterthrush were in their usual spots. Also present were Ovenbird, Black-and-white, Nashville, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Yellow-rumped and Black-throated Green.

One Savannah Sparrow was singing along Marble Street.

The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, at 7 a.m.

The day's list:

Canada Goose 14 Wood Duck 1 Mallard 3 Wild Turkey 1 American Bittern 2 Least Bittern 1 Great Blue Heron 5 Green Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 1 Virginia Rail 3 Wilson's Snipe 3 Mourning Dove 18 Belted Kingfisher 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 Downy Woodpecker 5 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Alder Flycatcher 3 Willow Flycatcher 2 Least Flycatcher 6 Eastern Phoebe 4 Great Crested Flycatcher 2 Eastern Kingbird 4 Yellow-throated Vireo 1

Warbling Vireo 9 Red-eyed Vireo 7 Blue Jay 13 American Crow 3 Common Raven 4 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 Tree Swallow 5 Barn Swallow 6 Black-capped Chickadee 13 Tufted Titmouse 4 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 House Wren 3 Marsh Wren 11 Veery 7 Hermit Thrush 1 Wood Thrush 1 American Robin 8 Gray Catbird 18 European Starling 2 Cedar Waxwing 4 Ovenbird 7 Northern Waterthrush 1 Black-and-white Warbler 4 Nashville Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 30

American Redstart 14 Northern Parula 2 Blackburnian Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 19 Chestnut-sided Warbler 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 Canada Warbler 3 Chipping Sparrow 2 Savannah Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 12 Swamp Sparrow 17 Eastern Towhee 1 Scarlet Tanager 2 Northern Cardinal 6 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Red-winged Blackbird 34 Common Grackle 8 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Baltimore Oriole 4 House Finch 2 Purple Finch 3 American Goldfinch 26 House Sparrow 1

flight of the snowbird

Ring-billed GullMention the term "snowbird" and what comes to mind? If you are a birder you are hoping for an influx of birds from Canada to our area. However if you are of a certain age you think of leaving the cold for warmer climes. My story involves both of these migrants.

In late December we headed south to Titusville, Florida which is on the east coast right across from the Kennedy Space Center. Just minutes away is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge offers a wide variety of winter migrants as well as endemics. A tour through the Black Point Drive is always filled with great flocks of waders, coots, ducks and other species that can be observed fairly close up.

Playalinda Beach is a short ride from this drive and offers a chance of seeing Northern Gannets as well as shorebirds such as Ruddy Turnstones and the ever cute Sanderlings. As I made my way down this beautiful beach I came upon a small group of Royal Terns and Laughing and Ring-billed gulls.

Close inspection of the group revealed that one of the Ring-billed Gulls was banded, both with the standard aluminum band plus a blue tag on the other leg. I quickly got out my camera and took some photos of the gull. Upon returning to our campground I reviewed the photos and found that the band had the alpha-numeric code of 3AF. Thanks to technology I went online and googled "ring-billed gulls with bands." The site came up immediately and I filled out the form with all the details of where and when as well as the identification tag. The next morning my email had been answered. Professor Jean-Francois Giroux, a professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal, is part of a study of these gulls and how they disperse.

My bird, I was told, is a male, banded on May 17, 2012 on Ile Delauriers, Varennes, Quebec. Subsequently it has traveled from there to Playalinda Beach and has been seen most winters. Come late March this snowbird makes his way back to Canada.

A couple of years ago I had seen a Ring-billed Gull on the very same stretch of beach with the same tag! The odds of seeing a tagged bird more than once is rather remote, but here was my bird loafing in the sunshine once again!

Finding birds with this type of banding and reporting the information to the proper study groups gives the researchers valuable data. So be on the lookout for any tagged birds, get a photo or write down the tag information. This is just another venue for the citizen scientist to add to the knowledge of migratory birds.

annual meeting and elections announcement

Rutland County Audubon Society will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at the Proctor Library, 6 PM. The primary purpose of the meeting is the election of officers and directors for the following year. Nominations are now open. If you are interested or know someone who would be a good candidate please contact Marv Elliott at birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org. Nominations will be taken from the floor.

The evening will include a potluck supper. Bring a dish to share. Utensils, beverages and a dessert will be provided.

rusty blackbird migration blitz results

The following is by Bruce MacPherson, Green Mountain Audubon Society:

Rusty Blackbird populations have plummeted by over 85% in the past half century and no one knows why. Recognition of the catastrophic decline of this once-common bird eluded birders and conservation biologists until the past decade. Now a group of international investigators led by the International Rusty Blackbird Working Group is studying this problem by collecting data during the Rusty Blackbird's spring migration.

The count period for the Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz in Vermont ended on Saturday, April 30. Thanks to everyone who participated in this citizen-science project.

Rusties finally moved through Vermont in good numbers during the last week of the count. Overall 761 Rusty Blackbirds were reported to VT eBird during our count period of March 15-April 30 compared to 658 in 2015 and 1090 in 2014. In the five years prior to the Blitz (2009-2013) the average number of Rusties reported during the count period was 187. The increased numbers in 2014-2016 are almost certainly the result of the increased effort by Vermont birders to find and report Rusty Blackbirds. Click here to see an eBird map of Vermont's sightings.

Rusty Blackbirds breed in marshes and bogs in the boreal forests of Canada and the northern United States, including Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Vermont is at the southeastern edge of the Rusty Blackbird's breeding grounds. During the Second Vermont Breeding Bird Survey nesting sites for this frequently overlooked bird declined in the western part of Vermont, but increased in the northeastern highlands, possibly due to increased effort directed toward finding their nests. Nonetheless, only 20 nests were recorded in the second atlas down from 26 in the first survey. In 2014, at the urging of several conservation groups Rusty Blackbirds were added to the list of Vermont's endangered species. Understanding the factors affecting Rusty Blackbirds on their breeding grounds, wintering habitat, and migration stopovers will be essential first steps toward stabilizing the population.

Congratulations to Jim Osborn, who reported 184 Rusty Blackbirds along the Maquam Bog/ Old Railroad Passage Trail at the Missisquoi NWR on April 23, the highest count in Vermont this year. This observation along with those of several other observers establishes the refuge as the main stopover point for Rusties in migration in Vermont. 

But as Yogi reminds us "It's not over until it’s over." Last year only 67% of the Rusties in Vermont during migration were counted between March 15 and April 30. A significant number of Rusty Blackbirds will likely migrate through Vermont during the next two weeks. To get a full picture of the scope of Rusty migration Vermont birders are encouraged to visit Rusty Blackbird habitat during May and report their counts to VT eBird.

Interestingly, Rusty Blackbird breeding in the northeast has already begun. An occupied nest was found in New Hampshire on April 29 and Rusties have shown up at Moose Bog, a Vermont breeding site, during the past week.

So let's get out there and count those birds. Every Rusty Blackbird counts!

a sliver of redwood

This sliver of redwood is so small and weathered that an expendable matchstick would hold it with little esteem. It came from a redwood corpse now prostrate and long silent. For how long this redwood giant had rested there, only its living relatives know. Time is measured by them, neither in days nor years nor even decades, but centuries. This hulk of a giant with the girth and length of a commuter train was fortunate to die full of years, yielding his place to the next generation in crashing headlong into the embrace of mother earth. Along with his immediate living family gathered about him, they constitute the fortunate ones. With nineteen out of twenty of their kith and kin felled first by the axe and then by the chainsaw, this generation of giants that survives on these California foothills does so under special dispensation and protection.

It was an idyllic life, the happy confluence of soil and solitude, moisture and moderation, altitude and latitude that combined together to produce a sustained but measured growth. With head reaching to the heavens above and roots buried deep in the rich earth below it was, or so it appeared to be, a benevolent universe and without bounds. Daily mists sailed inland borne on winds traversing the cold California Current ever willing to cool and quench any lingering thirst that he or another maturing giant may generate. With crowns jostling for space and with bodies lean of limb, if branches should find room to extend horizontally, there a universe of lichens and mosses and an array of air breathing plants abounded. There the Marbled Murrelet, an avian creature of the oceans, would lay its single egg. There a lone chick would anxiously await the fading light of dusk for a parent’s return with sustenance from the sea.

If danger there was, it was heaven sent! Dark and foreboding cumulus clouds drawn eastward from the rising thermals of the Great Basin patiently waited an opportunity to discharge their burden of electrical energy. The giant who stood the tallest and stoutest would serve as nature’s lightning rod and would be humbled. The path traveled by the surge of electrical energy would instantly render sap to steam and in the process split the protecting bark asunder. From thence it would be a slow death, a half a century may be, but this majestic giant could not and would not survive heaven’s chastisement. In the event of a conflagration that death would be hastened while others, with their thick and fire resistant bark still intact, had less to fear. However, there would be casualties.  

All the while in the cool and moist dappled world below, a profusion of ferns and shrubs vied for whatever sunlight penetrated the canopy above, all pygmies at peace amidst the kingdom of giants.  

From a lowly California dogwood, a Varied Thrush called.  Evening came and morning came, and God acknowledged that what he saw was good.

California, summer 2001

west rutland marsh - april monitoring report

American BitternA stiff north wind dispelled any notion that spring is here to stay. Nevertheless a record 31 participants showed up for the 177^th monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. Forty-four species were tallied, more than last year's 37 and two above our April average.

The day was off to a good start when the ‘kidick kidick’ of a Virginia Rail was heard near the boardwalk. Shortly after that sharp eyes spotted an American Bittern lurking along the not yet emerged reeds. Even then it was hard to spot! Wilson’s Snipe was also heard ‘woo woo woo-ing’ and a lucky few spotted it.

If there is any doubt that nesting season is already underway, six goslings were spotted with a Canada Goose. A Blue Jay was seen carrying nesting material and its fellow corvid, a Common Raven, was carrying a sizeable bit of food. Two Belted Kingfishers were spotted near a likely nest hole above one of the quarries.

Raptors were well-represented: Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Peregrine Falcon and American Kestrel. Ten Turkey Vultures were also seen.

No Tree Swallows were seen, but three cold-looking Northern Rough-winged Swallows were huddled in a bare tree.

A Winter Wren was heard deep in the woods along Whipple Hollow Road and Marsh Wrens (2) were heard along Water Street and near the boardwalk.

A lingering American Tree Sparrow was spotted near the feeders at the kiosk. Swamp Sparrows have wasted no time and are singing throughout the marsh.

The next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, May 19, 7 a.m.

Today's list:

Canada Goose  29
Wood Duck  1
Mallard  7
Hooded Merganser  2
American Bittern  2
Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  10
Northern Harrier  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Virginia Rail  1
Wilson's Snipe  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Belted Kingfisher  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  6
American Kestrel  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Eastern Phoebe  3
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  4
Common Raven  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
Black-capped Chickadee  12
Tufted Titmouse  3
Winter Wren  1
Marsh Wren  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  4
American Robin  9
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  2
American Tree Sparrow  1    near feeders at kiosk; present consisently all winter
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  4
White-throated Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  14
Swamp Sparrow  16
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  26
Common Grackle  8
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  24
House Sparrow  3

thank you judy hawley!

We’ll never know the fate of the wayward painted bunting in Pittsfield that thrilled birders last month, but the story does have a happy ending.

Judy Hawley, whose property the bunting frequented, thanks to her generous supply of seed, thought the bird might be unusual. (We have some nice birds in Vermont, but nothing quite that colorful.) Fortunately she found eBird and reported the sighting. The rest, as they say, is history. During the next five days, scores of birders visited and dozens of photos were snapped. Bird chatter on the vtbird listserv and Facebook was at a high pitch. Reports of the sighting even reached national media outlets.

Through it all Judy gracefully welcomed birders to her property.

Birders as a whole are a generous and responsive group. As a thank you for Judy’s hospitality, birders throughout Vermont and outside the state contributed money to buy her a gift card for seed. It was delivered to her on Friday. We know she will put it to good use.

As Judy put it, "The beautiful little bunting not only brought himself for me to enjoy, but so many wonderful people I otherwise would have never met."

Also from Judy: "A very warm thank you for the extremely generous gift card, along with all the pictures you sent of the bunting and notes of appreciation. Your thoughtfulness has touched me more than I can say."

the patience of job

The window of opportunity was still open as Roy walked the Pittsford Trails that steamy July afternoon in his priority block, Proctor 4. This was the third year of the second five-year Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas project. A couple more weeks and the breeding season would be as good as over for the year. 

The sound of the brook was soothing on this unduly hot day. Roy had heard many a male Ovenbird singing in suitable habitat, but breeding confirmation had eluded him. As Roy followed the bend in the path from above and to his left there broke forth an agitated series of chatterings, as if two pebbles were being tapped in rapid succession. Roy would take his time for this was surely an opportunity to score one more breeding confirmation. The clicking persisted but it was difficult to zero in from whence it came. Finally Roy caught a glimpse of one of the perpetrators striding along a horizontal branch, calling as it went. The minutes went by and the mosquitoes had their fill but Roy remained riveted, ears and eyes straining. Eventually the agitation subsided until there was but a single bird registering its concern. It would not be long. Roy was sure there would be some telltale exposition of a nest or the call of a demanding fledgling. 

All of a sudden Roy’s world was compromised as a large black lab straining at the leash with his mistress in tow noisily erupted upon the scene from behind him. Roy was sure all was lost. A single bird raised the alarm but as the intruders’ presence faded into the distance and the commotion subsided, a second bird emboldened by the intruders’ departure dropped to a lower branch straight ahead of Roy. Oblivious to Roy’s presence the Ovenbird strode boldly forward, a juicy caterpillar in its beak, a meal for some hidden nestling or fledgling! Breeding confirmed!

 “Thank you, thank you,” Roy muttered in appreciation and relief as he checked off: Ovenbird, Carrying Food (CF), 07/19, Breeding Confirmed!

west rutland marsh - march monitoring report

Spring started Sunday and winter returned Thursday. Some of us woke to a bit of snow on the ground and a biting breeze. Despite this RCAS tallied 31 species on its 176^{th walk around West Rutland Marsh. This beats last year’s 21 and the average monthly total for March of 23.}

Red-winged Blackbirds are staking out their territories as are the Common Grackles. Mallards (and one Wood Duck) were seen flying over the cattails. A Belted Kingfisher was also spotted.

American Tree Sparrows are still hanging around the feeders at the boardwalk. Song Sparrows have returned in good numbers with 14 spotted (and many heard singing).

Two Carolina Wrens were heard. Bird song everywhere is ramping up despite the cool temperatures.

One highlight of the walk was a Northern Shrike perched high on a tree. It has been spotted on and off (mostly off!) at this location during this past winter.

Another highlight of the day was a male Northern Bluebird.

A Northern Flicker was heard across from the boardwalk and two Turkey Vultures were feasting on something along Marble Street on our return.

Our next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, for (please note!) 7 a.m.

Today's list:

Canada Goose  111   
Wood Duck  1
Mallard  14
Wild Turkey  36
Turkey Vulture  2
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Mourning Dove  17
Belted Kingfisher  1
Downy Woodpecker  4
Northern Flicker  1
Pileated Woodpecker  1
Northern Shrike  1
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  7
Common Raven  1
Black-capped Chickadee  19
Tufted Titmouse  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Carolina Wren  2
Eastern Bluebird  1
American Robin  14
European Starling  7
American Tree Sparrow  7
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  22
Song Sparrow  14
Northern Cardinal  7
Red-winged Blackbird  23
Common Grackle  11
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  38
House Sparrow  3

taking action

Golden-winged Warbler, a species of concernA visit to the voting booth is not the only way we can make our wishes known to our elected representatives. Following the legislative process, here in Vermont and nationally, is important too, but it can be bewildering and sometimes frustrating.

How can we know what’s coming up and the ramifications of proposed bills when it comes to environmental issues? Audubon’s Activist Alerts are the answer. By signing up you’ll receive emails on important issues, proposed legislation and upcoming votes. The alerts are tailored to where you live matching you to your national and state lawmakers. The alerts contain simple steps to have you take action. Click here to sign up.

mid-winter eagle survey results

Bald Eagle on the Cadwell Loop on an earlier dateIt wasn’t too long ago that spotting a bald eagle in Vermont was a rare occurrence. Happily, that has changed and seeing one, while always exciting, is no longer that unusual.

This January’s Winter Bald Eagle Survey confirms the trend. According to Margaret Fowle, of Audubon Vermont and coordinator of the survey in the state, 59 eagles were observed on standard routes and other areas. Although this number is down from the prior year’s 81, the number of adults observed was a new record. Overall bald eagles numbers for the survey from its start in Vermont in 1979, when no eagles were observed, have showed a steady increase.

Although a greater number of eagles were found further north in Addison and Chittenden counties along Lake Champlain, Rutland County had its share. RCAS members Mike Blust and Nate Dansereau, surveyed Lake Bomoseen, Lake St. Catherine and Lake Hortonia, coming up with two, one and one respectively. Hortonia’s was a first for the survey.

So keep your eyes open especially now that the ice is going out! And be sure to eBird your sightings!