West Rutland Marsh - June 2018

Eastern KingbirdWe say it every year - it’s hard to beat June at West Rutland Marsh! Birds are still singing and the nesting season is in full swing so there is plenty to hear and see. Fifteen observers tallied 64 species, three more than our average for this month of the year and four more than last June. Our high for Mourning DoveJune was 69 species in 2009.

Waterfowl for the day consisted of one mallard and one hooded merganser, a female. There was no sign, or sound, of the Canada geese that were spotted with young earlier in the season. No doubt we will see the geese again when October rolls around.

As we walked down Marble Street, a least bittern flew over the road near the power line. It was a quick, but satisfactory look, a first for some of us and a highlight for all. Our other bittern, the American bittern, gave us a flight show over Water Street later in the walk. A green heron and a great blue heron were seen as well.

A Virginia rail was heard from the boardwalk where the marsh wrens and swamps sparrows are as vocal as they were a month ago.

Another highlight for the morning came when we heard the sound of young woodpeckers in a cavity and then watched as a male downy woodpecker came in with food.

Other nesting activity included a mourning dove carrying nesting material, recently fledged phoebes and a veery, a gray catbird, and a red-winged blackbird each carrying food for its young.

Red-winged BlackbirdHouse wrens were heard in three locations while a winter wren gave out one burst of song along Marble Street.

Several warbler species were seen and/or heard. We counted 14 common yellowthroats, 10 American redstarts, 10 yellow warblers and eight black-and-white warblers. A single Canada warbler, a species that has eluded us earlier this season, was spotted along Whipple Hollow Road. Two northern waterthrushes were singing in this area as well. Chestnut-sided warblers and several ovenbirds were also observed.

The morning concluded with a belted kingfisher hovering over open water, followed by an osprey soaring over and then disappearing to the north. 

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, July 14, 7 a.m.

Today’s list:

Mallard  1

Hooded Merganser  1

American Bittern  1

Least Bittern  1    

Great Blue Heron  1

Green Heron  1

Turkey Vulture  2

Osprey  1

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Virginia Rail  1

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2

Mourning Dove  15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1

Belted Kingfisher  2

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  5

Downy Woodpecker  4

Hairy Woodpecker  2

Northern Flicker  1    Heard only.

Eastern Wood-Pewee  1

Alder Flycatcher  4

Willow Flycatcher  3

Eastern Phoebe  6

Great Crested Flycatcher  1

Eastern Kingbird  3

Warbling Vireo  2

Red-eyed Vireo  12

Blue Jay  5

American Crow  6

Common Raven  1

Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4

Tree Swallow  4

Barn Swallow  9

Black-capped Chickadee  7

Tufted Titmouse  4

House Wren  3

Winter Wren  1

Marsh Wren  7

Eastern Bluebird  2

Veery  12

Wood Thrush  2

American Robin  17

Gray Catbird  13

European Starling  2

Cedar Waxwing  11

Ovenbird  4

Northern Waterthrush  2

Black-and-white Warbler  8

Common Yellowthroat  14

American Redstart  10

Yellow Warbler  10

Chestnut-sided Warbler  2

Canada Warbler  1

Chipping Sparrow  1

Song Sparrow  12

Swamp Sparrow  21

Northern Cardinal  5

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  4

Indigo Bunting  2

Baltimore Oriole  2

Red-winged Blackbird  28

Brown-headed Cowbird  3

Common Grackle  8

American Goldfinch  23

House Sparrow  1

2018 Annual Meeting, Potluck and Member Photo Show

Common YellowthroatThe annual meeting and election of officers and directors of the Rutland County Audubon Society will be held on July 11, 6 p.m. at the Proctor Library. A potluck supper will preceed the meeting. Bring a dish to share (utensils and beverages provided).

Our organization is dependent on volunteers to carry out our mission to preserve and protect the habitat of birds. Unfortunately, the demand for volunteers seems to exceed the supply! We have completed many important projects, but there are far American Redstartmore we could do had we more volunteers.

A good way for a beginner to get started is to attend some of our events such as a monthly marsh walk or even a board meeting as our guest. Hopefully you will learn about us and be willing to do more. We are always looking for volunteers to help out with projects and events. The next step is to join our board of directors. Our directors are really the foundation of the organization. They are dedicated to making the organization tick. They work at our seed sales, lead our outings and contribute their time to making us a success.

From our board of directors we select the officers (president, vice president, secretary and treasurer). These are our experienced directors leading us to a productive future.

We hope you will be interested in us and consider joining our effort. Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the meeting or you can contact Nominating Committee Chair Marv Elliott at birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org prior to the meeting to discuss how you can participate. We would love to hear from you.

Following the annual report and election of directors and officers, members will have the opportunity to show us up to ten of their best bird and nature photos. If you are interested in showing your photos, please send them to birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org.

See you at the meeting and good birding!

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

West Rutland Marsh - May 2018

The May 12 West Rutland Marsh walk started off with a remarkable display of American bitterns. Ordinarily a shy bird of the cattails, two pairs flew repeatedly up and down the marsh. We wondered if this was a territorial display or a mating ritual. After that exciting spectacle we continued along and spring was evident with other birds that have returned and were singing. Marsh wrens, swamp and song sparrows were noted.

Golden-winged WarblerThe big excitement of the morning was the number of warbler species seen. A stunning Blackburnian warbler was seen high in a hemlock while a black-throated blue warbler foraged low near the ground. Ovenbirds called their song of "teacher, teacher" while warbling vireos did indeed warble. A real prize was a golden-winged warbler seen by all and for one participant it was a life bird!

Great-crested flycatchers were heard and seen, but we noted the absence of willow and alder flycatchers. Four species of swallows coursed over the marsh as did a lone chimney swift catching insects. Canada geese had five goslings in tow. Other waterfowl included the beautiful wood duck and mallards.

A merlin flew by seemingly on a mission while other raptors were soaring overhead. The nesting ravens have fledged their young while other birds are just beginning the nesting season. The marsh has come alive not only with birds but amphibians which were calling as well.

By the time we had completed the loop we had tallied 68 species of birds. This month’s walk attracted 15 participants.

Join us for our next trip around the marsh on Thursday, June 21, at 7:00 a.m. Our new meeting place is at the boardwalk in the marsh.

The List:

Canada Goose  14    

Wood Duck  3

Mallard  4

American Bittern  4    

Great Blue Heron  1

Turkey Vulture  5

Cooper's Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Virginia Rail  3

Mourning Dove  7

Chimney Swift  1

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3

Belted Kingfisher  3

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1

Downy Woodpecker  4

Hairy Woodpecker  1

Northern Flicker  2

Pileated Woodpecker  2

Merlin  1

Least Flycatcher  3

Eastern Phoebe  1

Great Crested Flycatcher  2

Eastern Kingbird  8

Warbling Vireo  7

Red-eyed Vireo  3

Blue Jay  13

American Crow  3

Common Raven  8    

Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1

Tree Swallow  4

Barn Swallow  7

Cliff Swallow  1

Black-capped Chickadee  12

Tufted Titmouse  2

House Wren  1

Winter Wren  1

Marsh Wren  2    

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2

Veery  5

Wood Thrush  3

American Robin  13

Gray Catbird  14    feeding on sumac fruit

European Starling  18

Ovenbird  7

Northern Waterthrush  1

Golden-winged Warbler  1    

Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler  1    

Black-and-white Warbler  7

Nashville Warbler  2

Common Yellowthroat  15

American Redstart  4

Magnolia Warbler  2

Blackburnian Warbler  1

Yellow Warbler  12

Chestnut-sided Warbler  2

Black-throated Blue Warbler  2

Black-throated Green Warbler  3

White-throated Sparrow  2

Savannah Sparrow  1

Song Sparrow  9

Swamp Sparrow  16

Northern Cardinal  3

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  4

Baltimore Oriole  4

Red-winged Blackbird  26

Brown-headed Cowbird  2

Common Grackle  13

Purple Finch  2

American Goldfinch  12

West Rutland Marsh - May 2018

The May 12 West Rutland Marsh walk started off with a remarkable display of American bitterns. Ordinarily a shy bird of the cattails, two pairs flew repeatedly up and down the marsh. We wondered if this was a territorial display or a mating ritual. After that exciting spectacle we continued along and spring was evident with other birds that have returned and were singing. Marsh wrens, swamp and song sparrows were noted.

Golden-winged WarblerThe big excitement of the morning was the number of warbler species seen. A stunning Blackburnian warbler was seen high in a hemlock while a black-throated blue warbler foraged low near the ground. Ovenbirds called their song of "teacher, teacher" while warbling vireos did indeed warble. A real prize was a golden-winged warbler seen by all and for one participant it was a life bird!

Great-crested flycatchers were heard and seen, but we noted the absence of willow and alder flycatchers. Four species of swallows coursed over the marsh as did a lone chimney swift catching insects. Canada geese had five goslings in tow. Other waterfowl included the beautiful wood duck and mallards.

A merlin flew by seemingly on a mission while other raptors were soaring overhead. The nesting ravens have fledged their young while other birds are just beginning the nesting season. The marsh has come alive not only with birds but amphibians which were calling as well.

By the time we had completed the loop we had tallied 68 species of birds. This month’s walk attracted 15 participants.

Join us for our next trip around the marsh on Thursday, June 21, at 7:00 a.m. Our new meeting place is at the boardwalk in the marsh.

The list:

Canada Goose  14    

Wood Duck  3

Mallard  4

American Bittern  4    

Great Blue Heron  1

Turkey Vulture  5

Cooper's Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Virginia Rail  3

Mourning Dove  7

Chimney Swift  1

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3

Belted Kingfisher  3

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1

Downy Woodpecker  4

Hairy Woodpecker  1

Northern Flicker  2

Pileated Woodpecker  2

Merlin  1

Least Flycatcher  3

Eastern Phoebe  1

Great Crested Flycatcher  2

Eastern Kingbird  8

Warbling Vireo  7

Red-eyed Vireo  3

Blue Jay  13

American Crow  3

Common Raven  8   

Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1

Tree Swallow  4

Barn Swallow  7

Cliff Swallow  1

Black-capped Chickadee  12

Tufted Titmouse  2

House Wren  1

Winter Wren  1

Marsh Wren  2    

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2

Veery  5

Wood Thrush  3

American Robin  13

Gray Catbird  14    

European Starling  18

Ovenbird  7

Northern Waterthrush  1

Golden-winged Warbler  1    

Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler  1    

Black-and-white Warbler  7

Nashville Warbler  2

Common Yellowthroat  15

American Redstart  4

Magnolia Warbler  2

Blackburnian Warbler  1

Yellow Warbler  12

Chestnut-sided Warbler  2

Black-throated Blue Warbler  2

Black-throated Green Warbler  3

White-throated Sparrow  2

Savannah Sparrow  1

Song Sparrow  9

Swamp Sparrow  16

Northern Cardinal  3

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  4

Baltimore Oriole  4

Red-winged Blackbird  26

Brown-headed Cowbird  2

Common Grackle  13

Purple Finch  2

American Goldfinch  12

West Rutland Marsh - April 2018

American BitternClear blue skies and sunshine greeted the 35 participants for the West Rutland Marsh walk on April 21. The birds were as happy as the birders with the promising spring-like day. The feeders by the boardwalk were still busy with chickadees and American tree sparrows. Out on the boardwalk swamp sparrows were singing and seen as they proclaimed their territories. A Virginia rail was heard but remained hidden in the cattails. Red-winged blackbirds sang their rusty hinge sounding song and some displayed their red epaulets.

Notable were several raptor species overhead. No doubt glad for a day for hunting after so many gloomy ones.

As we proceeded around the route both ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglets were seen flitting among tree branches seeking a meal. The unseasonably cool weather has made insects hard to find for some of our early migrants. The importance of the marsh with insects rising from the waters make it a haven for these birds.

Swamp SparrowOne sharp-eyed observer found a chickadee excavating a nest hole in a broken stub of a rotten tree.

A yellow-bellied sapsucker was observed attending the wells it had drilled, while other woodpecker species were heard drumming. A winter wren, only 4 inches long, joyously sang its complicated song and a yellow-rumped warbler was seen high in the treetops. A total of 40 species was tallied for the morning. Our next walk takes place May 12th at 7:00 a.m. Many returning migrants should be present!

The list:

Canada Goose  11

Wood Duck  3

Mallard  4

American Bittern  1

Great Blue Heron  2

Turkey Vulture  7

Northern Harrier  1

Sharp-shinned Hawk  1

Cooper's Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  2

Wilson's Snipe  1

Mourning Dove  3

Belted Kingfisher  3

Red-bellied Woodpecker  1

Downy Woodpecker  6

Northern Flicker  1

Pileated Woodpecker  1

Eastern Phoebe  3

Blue Jay  6

American Crow  2

Common Raven  2

Tree Swallow  5

Black-capped Chickadee  13

Tufted Titmouse  1

Winter Wren  2

Golden-crowned Kinglet  3

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  7

American Robin  17

European Starling  1

Yellow-rumped Warbler  1

American Tree Sparrow  3

Dark-eyed Junco  13

White-throated Sparrow  1

Song Sparrow  18

Swamp Sparrow  6

Northern Cardinal  4

Red-winged Blackbird  14

Common Grackle  12

American Goldfinch  17

West Rutland Marsh - February 2018

Today’s weather did not deter seven participants in today’s West Rutland Marsh walk, our 199^th consecutive walk around the 3.7-mile loop. We tallied 19 species, one more than our February average, but two less than a year ago.

Not much out of the ordinary was seen this morning. The feeders at the kiosk at the boardwalk were busy with American tree sparrows, black-capped chickadees and a lone male red-winged blackbird. Red-winged blackbirds were seen again later in the walk, keeping company with European starlings.

Cedar WaxwingA flock of cedar waxwings was a bright spot in a very overcast morning. Several of them were taking advantage of the high-bush cranberry still heavy with fruit.

A singled golden-crowned kinglet was flitting low to the ground along Whipple Hollow Road. A short time later two ruffed grouse were flushed from the shrubs on side of the road. This is the area we have seen grouse on recent walks.

Our single raptor of the day was a red-tailed hawk, sitting in a tree and harassed by American crows.

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 24, at 8 a.m.

Today’s list:

Ruffed Grouse  2

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Downy Woodpecker  3

Hairy Woodpecker  1

Pileated Woodpecker  1

Blue Jay  22

American Crow  9

Black-capped Chickadee  23

Tufted Titmouse  3

White-breasted Nuthatch  2

Golden-crowned Kinglet  1

European Starling  12

Cedar Waxwing  27

American Tree Sparrow  14

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  26

Northern Cardinal  3

Red-winged Blackbird  13    

American Goldfinch  1

House Sparrow  4

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.

West Rutland Marsh - January 2018

Between the frigid temps of the past week and the upcoming rain and wintry mix, Rutland County Audubon managed to squeeze in its monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh this morning.

Nine participants tallied 20 species, two over our January average and two less than seen one year ago.

A small flock of red-winged blackbirds, reported since the first of the year, was taking advantage of the feeders near the boardwalk. Thirty-five American robins were observed at various points along the walk.

sun dogLower numbers of American tree sparrows were seen with only three along the route. Several dark-eyed juncos, being reported in higher numbers this winter throughout the state (over 1,300 on the recent Rutland Christmas Bird Count) were seen. A single white-throated sparrow was spotted.

The lone raptor of the day was a red-tailed hawk sitting in a distant tree. And the highest number of any species reported was mourning dove with 72 of those, for the most part in flocks of a dozen or more.

A bright spot, literally, in the sky this morning was not avian. A sun dog, a refraction of light caused by ice crystals appeared as we walked south along Whipple Hollow Road.  

The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, at 8 a.m.

Today’s list:

Mallard  7

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Mourning Dove  72

Downy Woodpecker  3

Hairy Woodpecker  1

Pileated Woodpecker  1

Blue Jay  20

American Crow  9

Common Raven  1

Black-capped Chickadee  19

American Robin  35

European Starling  10

American Tree Sparrow  3

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  13

White-throated Sparrow  1

Northern Cardinal  3

Red-winged Blackbird  7    

House Finch  1

American Goldfinch  7

House Sparrow  3

2017 Christmas Bird Count Results

Red-tailed HawkRutland ‘s Christmas Bird Count is over. All that is left to do is review the final results and learn from them. Before going on, let’s recognize our faithful leader, Roy Pilcher for his many years of chairing this event and writing this summary. Roy accepted this responsibility for many years and inspired most of the present RCAS board members and friends to keep the tradition alive. Thank you, Roy, for all you have done. We know your efforts have enriched our lives and appreciate all the help you continue to provide. Once again Roy participated in the count as a team leader.

Last year Kathleen Guinness took over organizing the count and the potluck supper held at the Proctor Library. Thanks to Kathleen for carrying on this important tradition!

To help me get started I read some of the previous summaries on our website journal. It’s shocking to read ‘weather was more like April,’ ‘the meadows were green’ and ‘ponds and rivers were free of ice.’ This year my team started its count at 7:30 with the thermometer reading minus 10. We were dressed for the weather and did our best to perform the count despite the bone-chilling weather.

This year our CBC field teams and feeder watchers counted over 7,000 individual birds representing 52 species. Considering the minus temperatures (the day’s high rose to only about 11), this is quite an accomplishment.

Here are a few points of interest starting with regular species that show up year after year.

Mallard: 178

This is down from the 25-year average of 251. Still water was completely frozen, but the small streams was partly open giving them the necessary food and shelter.

Mourning Dove: 329

Down from the average of 523. Fortunately, doves have been flocking to feeders, but perhaps some were missed due to the difficulty in counting in such extreme cold.

Red-tailed Hawk: 23

Our average. This is a positive sign since a stable raptor population may indicate stability of other species lower down on the food chain

Red-bellied Woodpecker: 14

Up from the average of 3. This species has expanded throughout the state in the past 15 years. None were reported in the early years of the count.

American Crow: 2,663

Up from an average of 1,090. Our record high was 1,809 in 2003. To get an accurate count, volunteer Tracy Busony started weeks ahead of time watching the crows as they came to roost at various locations around Rutland City. With help from a neighbor on count day they counted the whole flock, one by one.

Black-capped Chickadee: 453

Down from an average of 1,014. Sadly chickadees, our beloved feeder birds, are in decline. Hopefully some of this year’s low number can be attributed to the difficulty in counting due to the extreme cold weather.

How about some surprises?

Wilson’s Snipe: 1  

This is a surpise to many, but not to the team that leads this section of the count along Otter Creek. This is a species that migrates, but a few may stay behind if they find open water and a food supply. They are hard to spot so maybe more are around than we know.

Red-shouldered hawk: 1

Most have departed, but like the snipe, occasionally one or two can remain. Not a first for the Rutland CBC, our first in 25 years. There are more reports of over-wintering Red-shouldered Hawks in Vermont than in the past.

Eastern Bluebird: 24

Our average of 17. Many people think bluebirds always migrate, but if the food is here, some may stay (even if it is minus 10!)

American Robin: 14

This is down from an average of 23. Many folks think of the robin as our symbol of spring, but it really isn’t. The number of robins remaining is dependent on the food supply. We had just over a dozen this year year, but have recorded many more in prior CBCs.

Red Crossbill: 3

We don’t always get crossbills as they are known to follow cone crops. This is one of those years. Keep a lookout for them as winter wears on!

Snow Bunting: 162

Up from an average of 85. It’s hard to say what a normal year is because it can range from none to several hundred. They do migrate here from farther north looking for food. If you haven’t seen Snow Buntings then watch the cornfields for a burst of white wings and a swirling flock. It’s a wonderful sight.

Dark-eyed Junco: 1,352

Up from an average of 267. Many of us expected to see more juncos this year because we have had so many at our feeders. Fortunately, one of our volunteers has knowledge of them. Normally many more would be farther south in areas like Maryland. The CBC results from those areas (so far) have shown lower than normal numbers. The birds are still here so now we’ll watch to see if they pack their bags or hang around our feeders all winter.

What was missing?

There are numerous species that we see one year, but not the next. That is a normal pattern. No American Kestrels or Northern Harriers were reported. Wild Turkey numbers were way down, but they are probably still in the woods. Only one Belted Kingfisher was reported. A look around the frozen ponds and streams tells you why.

Many of us would love to see a Snowy Owl here in Rutland County, but we’re still waiting for that. They have been reported in Vermont in a few places this year. 

It is amazing we have completed this same count for 44 years in spite of the holiday rush. The data is important. One year may not tell us anything, but the sum of many years is valuable information. That is why we eBird all of our sightings year-round as well as participate in as many citizen science projects we can. We are always looking for volunteers to join our teams, do a feeder watch at home or participate in various projects. Our Christmas Bird Count data will be available in a final form within a few weeks on the National Audubon web site so you can explore it further. If you have any questions please let us know by email from birding @rutlandcountyaudubon.org.

Happy New Year from RCAS!

Eastern BluebirdsHappy New Year from RCAS! Want to see more birds in 2018 or know more about them? Here are some resolutions you can make for better birding and a better birding world this year. It'll beat a diet or cleaning out the garage any day.

eBird! Make it a regular part of your birding experience. Your sightings really DO matter – to scientists, conservationists and fellow birders, but ONLY if you submit them to eBird. Checklists can be from your backyard, a lunch break walk, one of our RCAS hotspots or your favorite vacation spot. Birds are everywhere and the more we know about them, the more we can help them. Click here to get started. 

Bird local! There are plenty of places to see birds right here in Rutland County. To get started, check out our list of birding hotspots here. Spots such as the Cadwell Loop in Pittsford, Pine Hill Park in Rutland City or Aitken State Forest in Mendon are great in for snowshoeing and birding. No need to wait for spring!

Give to the birds! Donate to a conservation organization (we can think of one!). Drink shade-grown coffee. Take a kid birding. Write to your representatives about issues that concern the environment. Find one more thing that can be recycled. Plant a native shrub or build a brush pile. The list is endless if you think about it.

Keep learning! RCAS has a list of resources right here on the website. Want to read about birds? Click here. Do you want to know what birds occur in Vermont? Click here. 

Sing! Sing! Sing! Learn ten new bird songs this year. Birding by ear greatly enhances your birding experience. With all the resources available now, it’s easy. Download a birding app, buy a CD or listen to birds at the National Audubon or Cornell Lab of Ornithology online bird guides. Then go out and practice what you’ve learned. Nothing helps you remember a bird song than watching one sing. Really.

Bird with friends!. Don’t have any birding buddies? Join RCAS on a West Rutland Marsh walk or other field trips. Check out our list of upcoming events. Our next events are are the monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh on January 11 and Winter Regulars & Rarities in the Champlain Valley on January 20.   

Learn more! What’s your favorite bird? Resolve to know more about it – what does it eat, what does its nest look like, where does it go when it migrates, what is its current conservation status? Between the library and all the resources on the internet, it’s easy to find out.

Volunteer! RCAS can always use more help. Contact us at birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org or join us at one of our events. We promise it will be a lot of fun.

West Rutland Marsh - December 2017

Nine birders gathered for today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh, our last walk of 2017. The seasonal temperature and no wind made it a refreshing day to be out. The species total for the day was 21, two more than our December average and one more than a year ago.

With vegetation dormant and a skim of ice on the water, we are left with mostly our resident species. One exception is a winter visitor, the American tree sparrow. They were active at the feeders at the boardwalk. A few more were found along the walk.

A mixed flock of eastern bluebirds (no, they don’t all leave in winter!), several chickadees and a few golden-crowned kinglets fed in the trees along Marble Street. Kinglets were also found in small groups on Pleasant Street and Whipple Hollow Road.

Red-bellied woodpeckers are becoming a regular sight on the walk. We saw two today on Pleasant Street.

A brown creeper was seen and heard along Whipple Hollow Road.

The highlight of the walk was a winter wren. At first we heard its call note up in the woods. It then flew across the road and scolded us several times before disappearing into the phragmites.

Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, at 8 a.m.

Today’s list:

Mallard  4

Mourning Dove  3

Red-bellied Woodpecker  2

Downy Woodpecker  4

Blue Jay  12

American Crow  12

Common Raven  1

Black-capped Chickadee  24

Tufted Titmouse  5

White-breasted Nuthatch  3

Brown Creeper  1

Winter Wren  1    

Golden-crowned Kinglet  13    

Eastern Bluebird  6

European Starling  23

American Tree Sparrow  9

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  3

Northern Cardinal  1

Purple Finch  1

American Goldfinch  28

House Sparrow  1

Bird Feeding Season Is Here

White-breasted NuthatchThanks to everyone who supported RCAS by buying seed at our recent seed sales. Special thanks go to Anita Campeau of Blue Seal Feeds in Brandon and Paul Garland of Garland’s in Rutland for all their help and support for our annual sales. And, new members, we're glad to have you join us.

Winter is around the corner (we’ve started to see a few flakes here and there). We'll be spending more time watching birds from the comfort of our homes. And while we all enjoy this pastime, it’s important to keep both our feathered and furry friends healthy by following a few steps for backyard feeding.

A recent twist on bird feeding is bears. Vermont Fish & Wildlife recommends putting feeders up on December 1, although they may recommend moving that date later if weather conditions are warm and there is no snow cover. It is illegal to feed bears in Vermont and this includes knowingly leaving bird feeders out if you know bears are in your neighborhood. So regardless of the time of year, you must take in your feeders. This is for the protection of you, your family, your property AND the bears. A fed bear is a dead bear. You can learn more by clicking here.

bears sometimes do more than just smell the geraniumsAs for the health of the birds, salmonellosis, trichomoniasis, avian pox, aspergillosis, and conjunctivitis are diseases that may affect birds that visit backyard bird feeders. Sick birds are less alert and less active. They feed less and often cower on a feeder, reluctant to fly. Their feathers look ill-kept. Sick birds are more vulnerable to starvation, predation, dehydration, and severe weather. Eventually, these diseases are fatal.

Disease is one of the many natural processes affecting wild species. You can minimize the risks and spread of avian diseases at your bird feeders by taking the following precautions:

GIVE THEM SPACE. Avoid crowding by providing ample feeder space. Lots of birds using a single feeder looks wonderful, but crowding is a key factor in spreading disease. Crowding also creates stress that may make birds more vulnerable to disease. Several feeders at wide intervals help disperse the visitors.

 CLEAN UP WASTE. Keep the feeder area clean of waste food and droppings. A rake, broom or shovel can accomplish a lot of good, but a vacuum such as you might use in your garage or workshop will help even more

MAKE FEEDERS SAFE. Provide safe feeders without sharp points or edges. Even small scratches and cuts will allow bacteria and viruses to enter otherwise healthy birds.

KEEP FEEDERS CLEAN. Use feeders that are made of a material that can be sterilized (e.g., polycarbonate). Clean and disinfect feeders by fully immersing them in a 10% bleach solution (one part household bleach: nine parts water) for 2-3 minutes. Allow to air dry. Once or twice a month should do, but weekly if the weather is especially warm.

USE GOOD FOOD. Discard any food that smells musty, is wet, looks moldy or has fungus growing on it. Disinfect any storage container that holds spoiled food and the scoop used to fill feeders from it.      

PREVENT CONTAMINATION. A metal trash can is great for this. Keep rodents out of stored food. Mice can carry and spread some bird diseases without being affected themselves.

ACT EARLY. Don’t wait to act until you see sick or dead birds. If you do notice sick birds, take your feeders down, clean them well and wait two weeks to put them up again. With good prevention you’ll seldom find sick or dead birds at your feeders. And don't worry about the birds not having seed. They do fine without us.

SPREAD THE WORD. Encourage your neighbors who feed birds to follow the same precautions. Birds normally move among feeders and can spread diseases as they go. The safest birdfeeders will be those in communities where neighbors cooperate with equal concern for the birds.

And now you know the tips, back in a comfy chair with a hot cup of shade-grown coffee and enjoy the show!

West Rutland Marsh - November 2017

None of today’s eight participants awoke this morning with much enthusiasm for a walk around West Rutland Marsh. It was drippy, cold and generally November.

Nevertheless, we did manage to come up with 23 species. This compares to our November average of 19 and is two more than last year’s walk. Our high was 27 species in 2011 and our low 11 in 2004.

As always, we started at the boardwalk. American tree sparrows have returned. Chickadees and a tufted titmouse were rushing back and forth to and from the feeders.

A call note in the birch tree near the boardwalk sounded suspiciously like a yellow-rumpled warbler and, after much searching, that is exactly what it turned out to be. The morning was instantly brighter.

A short distance down the road, near the green house formerly known as the yellow house, a lingering song sparrow was spotted. Two robins looked pretty miserable sitting atop trees in the rain across the road from each other. Two golden-crowned kinglets were heard, but not seen. A purple finch flew overhead.

We flushed a grouse along Whipple Hollow Road. A red-winged blackbird (others were heard in the reeds and cattails) and a lone common grackle at a feeder were also seen along Whipple Hollow.

Black-capped chickadees, mourning doves and dark-eyed juncos were the most abundant birds of the day.

The next walk is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, at 8 a.m.

Today’s list: 

Mallard  5

Ruffed Grouse  1

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6

Mourning Dove  17

Downy Woodpecker  3

Blue Jay  11

American Crow  7

Black-capped Chickadee  29

Tufted Titmouse  3

Red-breasted Nuthatch  1

Golden-crowned Kinglet  2

American Robin  2

European Starling  8

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1    W

American Tree Sparrow  6

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  18

Song Sparrow  1    

Northern Cardinal  2

Red-winged Blackbird  1

Common Grackle  1

Purple Finch  1

American Goldfinch  1

House Sparrow  3

West Rutland Marsh - October 2017

Red-winged BlackbirdThe bright blue sky and brilliant foliage made today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh very enjoyable. Twenty-two participants found 29 species. This is quite a bit less than last year’s 37. The October average is 32.

Highlights included two blue-headed vireos, both singing and one seen. A single pine siskin was detected among the goldfinches.

Waterfowl consisted of Canada geese, mallards and American black ducks, none in any great number. Woodpeckers seen were downy woodpecker, northern flicker and yellow-bellied sapsucker.

Raptors were represented by one red-tailed hawk and one sharp-shinned hawk.

Red-winged blackbirds are on the move with 500 counted. Grackle numbers were quite a bit lower with only five.

White-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos have returned to the marsh. No doubt tree sparrows will appear soon. Three swamp sparrows were seen or heard while the marsh wrens have departed. Three song sparrows were also observed.

Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, at 8 a.m.

Today's list:

Canada Goose  11

Mallard  3

Sharp-shinned Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Belted Kingfisher  2

Downy Woodpecker  6

Northern Flicker  1

Blue-headed Vireo  2

Blue Jay  11

American Crow  10

Common Raven  4

Black-capped Chickadee  25

Eastern Bluebird  8

American Robin  9

European Starling  5

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  4

White-throated Sparrow  18

Song Sparrow  3

Swamp Sparrow  3

Northern Cardinal  5

Red-winged Blackbird  500

Common Grackle  5

House Finch  6

Purple Finch  8

Pine Siskin  1

American Goldfinch  39

House Sparrow  1

Hog Island Audubon Camp

Hog Island – perhaps an unlovely name for a magical place, National Audubon’s camp on the coast near Bremen, Maine. A more delightful spot could not be found to spend a few days in June in the company of fellow birders and immersed in ornithology with some of the country’s top experts.

This year my husband Marv and I, along with friends Connie and Mark Youngstrom and Carol Ramsayer, attended the Field Ornithology session. Marv and I had attended the Joy of Birding session three years earlier and always knew we would return. Connie and Mark were new to Hog Island and Carol was also a repeat camper.

Hog Island is just a stone’s throw from the mainland. Most of us could probably swim the distance if we had to. But once on the island, you enter a different world where birds and conservation are always the focus in a setting infused with the Maine coastal culture. The history of Hog Island could fill another article. It includes ornithological luminaries such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan Cruickshank. You can read more about that by clicking here.

early morning bird recordingThe accommodations are rustic, but clean and comfortable. Not that you spend that much time in them. Every minute is packed. Some mornings begin around 4 a.m. for bird banding or bird sound recording - just about the time you hear the lobster boats going out. The long June days, punctuated with delicious meals, are filled with field trips and lectures and end with evening programs on a wide variety of topics. Should anyone be scared off by all this activity, it’s all optional so if you don’t feel up to something you can take a break. The Adirondack chairs placed around the lawn are awfully inviting.

The very best part of Hog Island (and it really is hard to pick one) are the instructors and staff. Our camp director for the week was Scott Weidensaul. Anyone who has picked up a birding magazine or read a book on birding knows Scott. His vast knowledge of birds, nature in general, and his sense of humor set the tone for the week. The instructors do not gather together separately, but spread themselves among the campers during social hours and meals. 

bird banding with Scott WeidensaulInstructors for the week along with Scott included Kevin McGowan from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Sara Morris, Professor of Biology at Canisius College in Buffalo; Angelika Nelson, curator of the Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics at Ohio State University; John Kricher, professor at Wheaton College in Massachusetts and author of A Neotropical Companion; Stephen Kress, director of the Seabird Restoration Program; and Anthony Hill, bird bander. The collective knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and humor of the instructors was unequaled.

None of Audubon camp would run smoothly without the Friends of Hog Island led by the very capable Juanita Roushdy. Under her guidance and tireless hard work, the staff and volunteers expertly run the camp.

Our four full days of camp were divided between seminars and field trips. The seminars were long enough to get a good dose of ornithological knowledge, but not long enough to get too antsy to explore the Maine coast. Field trips went to birding hotspots on the mainland including the beautiful Great Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta. A boat trip to Eastern Egg Rock Island, home of the world’s first restored Atlantic Puffin colony, was another highlight with bald eagles, common eiders, a razorbill, terns and gulls seen along the way. And of course the puffins! The boat trip was especially meaningful after hearing Steven Kress talk about the Seabird Restoration Program on a prior evening.

learning about birds with Kevin McGowanA word about the food: Hog Island could be considered a culinary destination. The chef, aided by an energetic group of assistants and volunteers, provided three healthy, flavorful meals a day with many of the ingredients locally sourced. The final dinner of the week is always special – lobster right out of Muscongus Bay, followed by cream puff puffins, as delicious as they are adorable.

While we were at Field Ornithology this year’s artist-in-residence, Michael Boardman, was in residence. He welcomed visitors to the artist’s cottage he was inhabiting for two weeks and was happy to show us his work. One afternoon we had a sketching session with him. Let’s just say some of us were better than others! But it was fun and instructional.

Atlantic PuffinThe Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens session was held concurrent with Field Ornithology. Although we attended different sessions and field trips, we shared our meals and evening programs. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and knowledge in the next generation of birders and ornithologists. Their presence did not detract, but indeed added to our enjoyment of the week. I have no doubt that in about 10 to 20 years’ time, we’ll be seeing their names pop up in the birding world, whether in leading field trips or publishing ornithological studies.

For anyone remotely thinking about Hog Island, my advice is to go if you can. It’s not inexpensive, but everything is included. Registration for all the Audubon sessions at Hog Island will open on October 18 and the sessions fill quickly. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. No matter your experience, whether you picked up binoculars yesterday or have birded the seven continents, you will gain something from Hog Island. 

Board Member Marsha Booker attended Hog Island's Joy of Birding session a few years ago. Click here to read about her experience.

West Rutland Marsh - September 2017

What a difference a day makes! After the past week of record-breaking highs, 18 birders were greeted with a north wind and a lower, but still pleasant, temperature for today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh. Finally fall is in the air.

The number of species was quite low, with 30 observed. This is lower than our September average of 39 and quite a bit lower than last year’s 45. No doubt the stiff wind was keeping many birds down.

The marsh itself was fairly quiet with a great blue heron, a handful of mallards and two swamp sparrows. Red-winged blackbirds, at least 50, were attempting to rise from the cattails, but were being kept down by the wind.

One species was taking advantage of the wind and pointed south. Several large flocks, some over a 100, of Canada geese were seen in their traditional V formation with 1,134 reported for the day.

Another species probably in migration was black vulture – with four spotted over the ridge next to the marsh. This was a life bird some participants and we all had good looks at them. Seven turkey vultures were also seen.

Raptors included two red-tailed hawks and a Cooper’s hawk.

Three warbler species were spotted: one common yellowthroat, two yellow-rumped warblers and one black-throated green warbler. A blue-headed vireo was still singing and a chipping sparrow was seen in a yard.

The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, at 8 a.m.

Today’s list:

Canada Goose  1134    

Mallard  6

Great Blue Heron  1

Black Vulture  4    

Turkey Vulture  7

Cooper's Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  2

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5

Mourning Dove  4

Downy Woodpecker  1

Eastern Phoebe  4

Blue-headed Vireo  1

Red-eyed Vireo  1

Blue Jay  41

American Crow  38

Common Raven  1

Black-capped Chickadee  13

Tufted Titmouse  1

American Robin  5

European Starling  1

Common Yellowthroat  1

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  2

Black-throated Green Warbler  1

Chipping Sparrow  1

White-throated Sparrow  2

Swamp Sparrow  2

Northern Cardinal  1

Red-winged Blackbird  50

American Goldfinch  7

House Sparrow  3

West Rutland Marsh - August 2017

Cedar WaxwingAn anniversary almost slipped by us – today’s walk around West Rutland Marsh marked the start of our 17^th year of monitoring. That’s 193 trips around the marsh in all kinds of weather from subzero to blistering heat and a lot in between.

Today’s weather was delightful with an early morning fog followed by mostly sunny with a light breeze. Although the morning ended on a somewhat warm note, autumn is in the air. The foliage looks a bit tired, but the amount of fruit on the various shrubs and trees is promising for this winter’s birds.

Eighteen participants tallied 41 species today. While that may seem high for an August bird walk, past years have yielded as many as 58 (in 2015) with an average of 45. Other August numbers have been as low as 38.

Except for the short-circuit call note of the gray catbirds and a brief burst from a Baltimore oriole, bird sound was somewhat muted. We did hear one call note from a marsh wren and a couple songs from swamp sparrows. And, of course, the red-eyed vireos go on and on.

Birds of note included a small flock of warblers along Whipple Hollow Road. Along with black-and-white-warblers and American redstarts, there was a blue-winged warbler. A single savannah sparrow was on Pleasant Street.

Eleven ruby-throated hummingbirds were counted. It’s post-breeding season and migration is right around the corner. There was plenty of bee-balm and jewelweed for them.

American goldfinches and cedar waxwings were everywhere.

Our next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, September 28 at 8 a.m.

Today’s list: 

Mallard  1

American Black Duck  1

Great Blue Heron  2

Green Heron  1

Turkey Vulture  2

Red-tailed Hawk  3

Mourning Dove  12

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  11    

Belted Kingfisher  1

Downy Woodpecker  5

Eastern Wood-Pewee  2

Empidonax sp.  5

Eastern Phoebe  8

Eastern Kingbird  4

Warbling Vireo  3

Red-eyed Vireo  5

Blue Jay  6

American Crow  22

Common Raven  1

Tree Swallow  5

Barn Swallow  12

Black-capped Chickadee  14

Tufted Titmouse  1

Marsh Wren  1

American Robin  1

Gray Catbird  17    

European Starling  13

Cedar Waxwing  19

Blue-winged Warbler  1    

Black-and-white Warbler  2

Common Yellowthroat  5

American Redstart  9

Savannah Sparrow  1

Swamp Sparrow  6

Northern Cardinal  7

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1

Baltimore Oriole  1

Red-winged Blackbird  3

Common Grackle  7

American Goldfinch  42

House Sparrow  3

West Rutland Marsh - July 2017

Marsh WrenIt was a beautiful day at West Rutland Marsh for our monitoring walk! Don’t we say that every month? Fifteen birders gathered to count 50 species. Our average for July is 51. The high was 57 in 2015.

We started the morning as we always do with a stroll down the boardwalk. Swamp sparrows and marsh wrens continue to sing away and a house wren is still chattering away near the kiosk. But the highlight here was an American bittern crouched next to the boardwalk. Several of us saw it before it crept away through the cattails. Amazingly, it was in the same spot when we returned over three hours later.

No great blue herons were seen today, but a green heron was seen in flight and a least bittern flew across the road just north of the boardwalk. This is one of the two spots it has been seen or heard on a fairly regular basis this season.

We all had a good look a two marsh wrens along Marble Street and they landed in front of us and pecked at an appealing (to them) tidbit.

Two warbling vireos were singing rather weakly, but the red-eye vireos are still going on and on.

There is plenty of evidence of breeding. Eastern kingbird young were begging for food and an adult female rose-breasted grosbeak was feeding a youngster.

American Black BearWarbler song was a bit muted today except for numerous common yellowthroats and five black-and-white warblers, who are still singing rather enthusiastically. Three American redstarts were heard as well as one ovenbird. Three yellow warblers were seen, but were not vocalizing.

Raptor numbers were low, but we did have a good look at a peregrine falcon as it flew by. A red-tailed hawk was being chased by crows (no sign of ravens today).

We also took a peek at butterflies today as the day was warm and sunny -  a viceroy was perched on Queen Anne’s lace and a Baltimore checkerspot seemed to be enjoying the poison parsnip. Tiger swallowtails were everywhere.

And, as wonderful as the birds and butterflies were this morning, they were upstaged by a mammal. A bear crossed Marble Street ahead of us!

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, August 19, at 7 a.m.

Today's List:

American Bittern  1    

Least Bittern  1    

Green Heron  1

Turkey Vulture  1

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4

Mourning Dove  13

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1

Belted Kingfisher  2

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1

Downy Woodpecker  8

Northern Flicker  3

Peregrine Falcon  1

Eastern Wood-Pewee  3

Alder Flycatcher  7

Willow Flycatcher  2

Eastern Phoebe  4

Eastern Kingbird  6

Blue-headed Vireo  1

Warbling Vireo  2

Red-eyed Vireo  10

Blue Jay  5

American Crow  6

Barn Swallow  2

Black-capped Chickadee  16

Tufted Titmouse  1

Red-breasted Nuthatch  1

White-breasted Nuthatch  1

Brown Creeper  1

House Wren  5

Marsh Wren  8

Carolina Wren  1

Veery  12

American Robin  7

Gray Catbird  15

European Starling  24

Cedar Waxwing  23

Ovenbird  1

Black-and-white Warbler  5

Common Yellowthroat  16

American Redstart  3

Yellow Warbler  4

Song Sparrow  9

Swamp Sparrow  11

Northern Cardinal  5

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  6

Red-winged Blackbird  12

Common Grackle  4

American Goldfinch  16

House Sparrow  2

2017 Annual Meeting, Potluck & Program

Eastern BluebirdThe Annual Meeting of the Rutland County Audubon Society will be held on July 12, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Proctor Library Community Room, Proctor, Vermont.

The evening will include a potluck dinner. Bring a dish to share. We will provide utensils and beverages.  A short business meeting will follow. It will include the election of Officers and Directors as well as an annual report of our finances and a summary of the year’s activities. Marv Elliott will act as the nominating committee chair and welcomes anyone who will assist with that effort. A slate of officers and directors will be presented; however, all director and officer positions are open to nominations from the floor.

The evening’s program for the meeting will be a member photo show with the theme of birding. Any member or prospective member may provide up to 10 photos to Marv Elliott on a flash drive a week in advance or email them to birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org. Presenters should give a brief explanation of their photos.

We look forward to seeing you!