January 2026 West Rutland Marsh Monitoring Walk

Looking out over the meadow. Photo by Susan Elliott.

Four hardy participants braved minus 9 degrees on January 29 for our monthly monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh.

  Seventeen species were seen or heard, including a Cooper’s Hawk hanging around the feeder at the Marble St boardwalk. The ever-cheerful Black-capped Chickadee was the most abundant species, with 22 individuals observed. You can see the complete list here:

https://ebird.org/tripreport/470116

The view from the Water St bridge. Some critter walked across the ice. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Winter Solstice Count

Rutland County Audubon’s 52nd Winter Solstice Count was held on January 3, 2026. Nine field teams, formed from 26 participants, and five people in three feeder watcher teams, tallied 48 species for National Audubon’s 126th Christmas Bird Count.

Light snow fell throughout the day, but the temperature was not terribly cold and winds were light. A potluck and countdown of the species followed.

Waterfowl numbers were fairly low due to the mostly frozen water. They included Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard and Common Merganser. A Hooded Merganser was seen during Count Week (the three days prior and three days following the count day).

Northwood Park. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Two Hermit Thrushes, our state bird, were seen. This species has occurred in only three of our 52 counts. Two Great Horned Owls were spotted. Three Barred Owls were observed with two perched on power lines. Power lines are a likely place to look for owls in winter as snow cover moves them closer to, and dangerously near, road edges to hunt for prey.

Barred Owl. Photo by Mike Blust.

Cedar Waxwing numbers were low with only 12 reported as were three American Robins, which were reported in large numbers (1,532!) during our 2024 count.

Sparrow species included six Song Sparrows and one out-of-season Chipping Sparrow.

Chipping Sparrow. Photo by Allon Wildgust.

While the number of species was fairly low with 48 (54 in the 2024 count and 50 in the 2023 count), there were a number of highlights. New species highs for the annual count included Red-bellied Woodpecker with 29 seen and Dark-eyed Junco with 436 observed.

While the Otter Creek team (all on foot!) did not find a Wilson’s Snipe as it has in past years, it did come up with a Fox Sparrow, three Rusty Blackbirds and a Merlin.

Species seen: 48 plus one Count Week species

Canada Goose 6

American Black Duck 25

Mallard 172

Common Merganser 6

Hooded Merganser – Count Week

Wild Turkey 91

Cooper’s Hawk 4

Bald Eagle 1

Red-tailed Hawk 16

Mourning Dove 208

Rock Pigeon 190

Great Horned Owl 2

Barred Owl 3

Red-bellied Woodpecker 29

Downy Woodpecker 60

Hairy Woodpecker 34

Pileated Woodpecker 7

Merlin 2

Blue Jay 261

American Crow 510

Common Raven 24

Black-capped Chickadee 513

Tufted Titmouse 89

Golden-crowned Kinglet 3

Cedar Waxwing 18

Red-breasted Nuthatch 10

White-breasted Nuthatch 70

Brown Creeper 4

Carolina Wren 13

European Starling 1322

Eastern Bluebird 20

Hermit Thrush 2

American Robin 3

House Sparrow 188

Evening Grosbeak 6

House Finch 35

Purple Finch 19

American Goldfinch 153

Snow Bunting 75

Chipping Sparrow 1

Fox Sparrow 1

American Tree Sparrow 53

Dark-eyed Junco 436

White-throated Sparrow 12

Song Sparrow 10

Red-winged Blackbird 3

Rusty Blackbird 3

Common Grackle 4

Northern Cardinal 113

Barred Owl. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Snow Buntings in a Winter Wonderland

Do you know the line from “ Winter Wonderland” that says, “Gone away is the Bluebird. Here to stay is a new bird?” Well, while Bluebirds often over-winter here now, and the new bird, a Snow Bunting, doesn't stay, it is the bird I think of when I hear this song! Why? Like many of you, I imagine, Snow Buntings were completely unknown to me when I joined Audubon, but it was love at first sight when I was lucky enough to have the experience. Their snowy white under parts and the black and caramel-like coloring on their wings and head were mesmerizing! (For anyone who loves our summer Indigo Bunting, this is its winter relative.)

Enchanting, too, was learning that they are visitors from the tundra, to which they return to breed after their visit to our sunny clime! In fact, they are birds that breed farther north than any other. Here, you will find them more often in Addison County, but if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a flock along the road at Bomoseen or Kent Pond, places that have geography resembling their home habitat. You can also find them on our seacoast, if you’re a winter adventurer.

Snow Bunting in winter plumage.

They’re ground feeders and won’t come to your feeders, but you might attract some with cracked corn on the ground, if you have an expanse of land and rocky soil. Normally they feed on seeds of wheat and grain and occasionally, insects.

Unfortunately, as is true of many other birds, Snow Buntings are in decline. They can live for about nine years and are predated by such other birds as Snowy Owls.

My New Year’s wish is that you have the opportunity to view one or more. You won’t be disappointed in your winter wonderland experience!

Kathleen Guinness (RCAS, Special Projects Director)

November 2025 West Rutland Marsh Monitoring Walk

As expected for stick season, the birding was a bit slow for our November walk around West Rutland Marsh. The weather was not unpleasant, however, with little wind and temperatures in the mid-30s.

The tally for the day was 21 species, about on target for this time of year. In 2001, our first year of marsh monitoring, we counted 20 species in November.

The morning started with a flyover of Mallards. At the end of the Marble Street boardwalk we saw 8 male Common Mergansers floating in the open water. Shortly after they disappeared into the cattails, four female mergansers flew in and landed.

Just off the Marbles St boardwalk, the beavers have stashed some branches for their winter food supply. Photo by Sue Elliott.

A large flock of American Robins flew over Whipple Hollow Road with the total number of robins seen for the walk at 35.

The Whipple Hollow Trail was fairly quiet, but we did hear three Red-breasted Nuthatches, one White-breasted Nuthatch, and a Brown Creeper.

Stick season on the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Sparrow species observed were 12 Dark-eyed Juncos and 2 White-throated Sparrows. Although they have been reported recently in Vermont, American Tree Sparrows have apparently not returned to the feeders on Marble Street. We should see them next month.

Among the species on that 2001 trip that we did not see today were Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and Song Sparrow.

A list of the day’s sightings can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/432138

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at 8 a.m.

September 2025 West Rutland Marsh Monitoring Walk

It was a beautiful day for our monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh on September 11. We had the pleasure of four eighth graders from Christ the King School joining us, adding enthusiasm and sharp eyes! Our species count was 34.

The Whipple Hollow Trail meadow.

Highlights included 13 Broad-winged Hawks. Broad-wings have begun their southward migration, which pretty much wraps up within a two-week period. Other raptors included a Northern Harrier, two Red-tailed Hawks and two Merlins.

Marsh birds were fairly quiet. A Marsh Wren sang once and four Swamp Sparrows were spotted along with seven Red-winged Blackbirds.

Our only warbler species of the day was a Common Yellowthroat with three seen along the route.

Cedar Waxwings were seen in good numbers along with Gray Catbirds.

Gray Catbirds are everywhere this Fall!

For a complete list for the walk, check out our trip report here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/410810

A look back at September 20, 2001:

In our first year of monitoring, 10 participants tallied 36 species on our September walk. Although the species number was similar to today’s walk, some of the highlights of that day included Wilson’s Snipe, Cooper’s Hawk, Brown Thrasher, and Palm Warbler. A link to the eBird checklist for that day can be found here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S4418369

August 2025 West Rutland Marsh walk

It was a picture-perfect day for our walk around West Rutland and the start of the 25th year of our monthly monitoring of the marsh! Thirteen participants joined us for all or part of the walk.

The Marsh Wrens were silent, but we spotted two at the end of the Marble Street boardwalk along with a couple Swamp Sparrows that sang weakly.

Believe it or not, migration is underway. A Solitary Sandpiper and a Louisiana Waterthrush and three Song Sparrows were sharing a large mud puddle, a rare find with our extremely dry weather. The waterthrush was originally thought to be a Northern Waterthrush, but photos revealed differently.

Solitary Sandpiper. Photo by Sue Elliott.

A couple of flocks comprised largely of Red-eyed Vireos included several warbler species - Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Canada Warbler.

One of the highlights of the walk was a lone Common Nighthawk over Marble Street.

A Baltimore Oriole sang two or three times along Marble Street and a Warbling Vireo sang once although rather weakly.

Three Eastern Wood-Pewees were singing along Whipple Hollow Road and the Whipple Hollow Trail.

Additions to the day’s report along Whipple Hollow Trail included Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, and Winter Wren.

Shoulder-high Goldenrod (Solidagp sp.) covers the Whipple Hollow meadow.

A trip report of all we saw can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/405157

Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, at 8 a.m. and meeting at the Marble Street boardwalk.

July 2025 West Rutland Marsh walk

It was a bit humid and warm for our walk around West Rutland Marsh on July 17. Fortunately, the forecast for thunderstorms was delayed. Six birders tallied 44 species.

Looking north from the Water St bridge. Photo by Sara Sheehy.

A lone Wood Duck was seen preening on the shore of the Castleton River.

Bird sound is more muted now. Although some species are still singing enthusiastically (Song Sparrows and Common Yellowthroats, for example), we heard fewer Marsh Wrens, Yellow Warblers, and Swamp Sparrows.

We observed a high number of Eastern Kingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, no doubt family groups.

The Whipple Hollow Trail portion of the walk was fairly quiet, but we did hear one Canada Warbler and one Pine Warbler singing. No Northern Waterthrush, so abundant weeks earlier, were seen or heard.

The only other warbler species seen were two Black-and-White Warblers along the route. 

A trip report of all we saw and heard can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/395263

Our next walk is scheduled for August 23, starting at 7 a.m.

The last quarter mile. Photo by Sara Sheehy.

May 2025 West Rutland Marsh walk

Rutland County Audubon’s May marsh walk was one of the rainiest we have experienced in almost a quarter century of monitoring. It came down in buckets! This month we were joined by the Rutland Young Professionals, a hardy group!

Smile! The Whipple Hollow Trail wildlife camera caught our wet group coming off the first boardwalk.

 Forty-six species were tallied, low for this time of year, but nevertheless there were highlights.

 A Virginia Rail was heard near the Marble Street boardwalk and further down Marble Street a Least Bittern was spotted by some in the group. A life bird for a couple of our birders!

 Needless to say, no raptors were reported. A single Turkey Vulture took off from its perch as we walked by.

 Flycatchers were well-represented with Eastern Wood-Pewee, Alder Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe and Eastern Kingbird seen or heard.

 The Whipple Hollow Trail was fairly quiet, but we still heard Canada Warbler, Northern Waterthrush and Pine Warbler among others, singing in their usual spots. Overall, nine warbler species were noted during the morning’s walk.

 Our next walk is scheduled for June 12, at 7 a.m., meeting at the Marble Street boardwalk.

 Today’s list can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/379200

There were occasional pauses in the downpour. Photo by Sue Elliott.

West Rutland Marsh walk, February 15, 2025

Three birders set out on our monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh on February 15. Even colder than last month at 8 degrees and, again, fortunately no wind, we managed to tally 19 species.

The highest concentration of birds, not unexpectedly, was found at the feeders at the Marble Street boardwalk and at feeders at two private residences along the way.

Due to the icy crusting over the snow, we skipped the Whipple Hollow Trail and elected to stay on the road for the entire route.

A Carolina Wren and four White-throated Sparrows were feeding at the Marble Street boardwalk. Only one American Tree Sparrow was spotted there. Two more tree sparrows were spotted later on the walk. Only one Dark-eyed Junco was seen along the entire route.

American Robins are still being reported in high numbers throughout the state and our count for the day at the marsh was 16.

Northern Cardinals have started singing. We saw a couple cardinals, but the rest were all identified by song.

A relatively high number, four, for the marsh of Red-bellied Woodpeckers was observed.

A complete list of species can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/331955

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at 8 o’clock.

West Rutland Marsh walk, January 23, 2025

Five intrepid birders set out to monitor the birds at West Rutland Marsh on January 23. Despite the 15-degree weather (fortunately no wind), we managed to tally 22 species.

Photo by Sue Elliott.

Most of the ‘usual suspects’ were noted with a relatively high count of four Hairy Woodpeckers. Two White-throated Sparrows were spotted at the feeders at the Marble Street boardwalk along with an American Tree Sparrow.

A Ruffed Grouse was flushed along Marble Street as we walked by. A Brown Creeper was seen not far from the intersection of Marble and Pleasant streets. Eleven American Robins were also spotted, a few feeding in the trees and others in flight.

The Whipple Hollow Trail was beautiful in the snow. Although relatively quiet with six species, we did manage to add a Red-breasted Nuthatch to the list. The second Red-tailed Hawk of the day was spotted as we entered the parking area to the trail.

Looking south from Pleasant Street. Photo by Sue Elliott.

A complete list of the day’s species can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/323595

Our next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, meeting at 8 a.m. at the Marble Street boardwalk. That walk will be held in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count which runs from February 14 through February 17. If you can’t join us at the marsh, please consider participating at home. Details can be found here: https://www.birdcount.org/

2024 Solstice Bird Count

Rutland County Audubon concluded 2024 with the annual Solstice Bird Count (formerly known as the Christmas Bird Count) on December 28. This was the 125th anniversary of the National Audubon count and Rutland’s 51st count. Twenty-seven observers scoured the count circle while six folks observed feeders at home. The results: 54 species plus one count week bird (count week = three days prior and the three days following count day).

Carolina Wren. Photo by Roy Pilcher.

Several highlights include two Merlins chasing each other and marking the first time we’ve reported more than one of this species on any count. A Wilson’s Snipe was seen along Otter Creek. This was the 23rd year it was reported on the Rutland count!

High counts for the year included American Robin at an astounding 1,532!

American Robin. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Evening Grosbeaks were observed this year after an absence last year with six reported in the field and one at a feeder.

Six Savannah Sparrows were observed in almost the same spot the species was seen 2023. This was a new high count for this species. Winter Wren also broke our record with four observed. And a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker made its fifth appearance in our count history.

A count week Belted Kingfisher was the final bird of the 2024 Solstice Bird Count.

Species Count (*new high count):

Canada Goose, 414

Wood Duck, 1

Mallard, 67

American Black Duck, 13

Green-winged Teal, 2*

Hooded Merganser, 1

Common Merganser, 3

Wild Turkey, 280

Rock Pigeon, 527

Mourning Dove, 329

Wilson’s Snipe, 1

Great Blue Heron, 2

Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2

Cooper’s Hawk, 8*

Bald Eagle, 2

Red-tailed Hawk, 23

Barred Owl, 4

Belted Kingfisher (count week), 1

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1

Red-bellied Woodpecker, 25*

Downy Woodpecker, 59

Hairy Woodpecker, 35

Pileated Woodpecker, 11

Northern Flicker, 5

American Kestrel, 1

Merlin, 2*

Peregrine Falcon, 1

Blue Jay, 271

American Crow, 528

Common Raven, 16

Black-capped Chickadee, 490

Tufted Titmouse, 143

Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3

White-breasted Nuthatch, 92

Red-breasted Nuthatch, 4

Brown Creeper, 4

Winter Wren, 4*

Carolina Wren, 23

European Starling, 1025

Eastern Bluebird, 49

American Robin, 1532*

Cedar Waxwing, 40

House Sparrow, 219

Evening Grosbeak, 7

House Finch, 67

Purple Finch, 2

American Goldfinch, 252

Snow Bunting, 60

American Tree Sparrow, 114

Dark-eyed Junco, 424

White-throated Sparrow, 19

Savannah Sparrow 6*

Song Sparrow, 4

Red-winged Blackbird, 10

Northern Cardinal, 160

West Rutland Marsh walk - November 2024

Some fall color remains in the hills above the marsh. Photo by Joel Tilley.

Six birders counted 21 species during the November monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. As expected, the number of species is dropping as autumn progresses with migration all but over.

Our only sparrow species was Dark-eyed Junco with small flocks observed along the walk. There have been no reports of American Tree Sparrow at the feeders at the Marble Street boardwalk yet. They should be here any time.

Two Wild Turkeys were spotted in the field at the corner of Whipple Hollow Road and Pleasant Street.

A single Eastern Bluebird was heard. There was a fairly high count of Mourning Doves (47). American Goldfinch was also well represented with 26 observed.

Female Hairy Woodpecker. Photo by Sue Elliott.

The Whipple Hollow Trail was fairly quiet with only six species counted in that area, including a Hairy Woodpecker. A Brown Creeper was spotted briefly.

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, at 8 a.m., meeting at the Marble St boardwalk.

A full list of the day’s walk can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/290923

It’s “stick season” for the aspens, but the seed heads of the goldenrod in the meadow retain a subtle beauty. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Fall 2024 Bird Walks on the Slate Valley Trails System

Twenty-six birders came out on the five Tuesday morning bird (& flower & fern & tree & insect & …) walks this fall, jointly sponsored by RCAS and Slate Valley Trails. We saw a total of 57 species; the most abundant were 53 Black-capped Chickadees (yaaay! my favorite), 46 Blue Jays, and 23 White-breasted Nuthatches. A couple of highlights were a Fisher at Endless Brook and a Fox Sparrow at Castleton University trails. The crisp weather and colorful foliage were an added bonus.

Nessie? Sasquatch? This Fisher running up a tree at Endless Brook was well seen by us, but was too quick (and distant) for my photographic skills. Photo by Joel Tilley.

Many of the warblers common in spring and summer have left for their winter territories, but some are still present. Other species that breed in the far north or high elevations are passing through on migration (like the Fox Sparrow) or are arriving here to spend the winter, like the Dark-eyed Junco and the White-throated Sparrow.

The Fox Sparrow looks like a chunky red Song Sparrow. This one was hanging out with a flock of White-throated Sparrows on the Spartan Loop of the Castleton University trails. Photo by Joel Tilley.

Watch for the schedule of Spring walks, beginning in late April. In the meantime, there’s still lots to see on the trails in the winter!

Here’s the list of birds we saw. You can find links to the individual checklists for each trail at https://ebird.org/tripreport/284338.

10 Canada Goose

1 Wood Duck

3 Mallard

1 Ruffed Grouse

3 Rock Pigeon

5 Mourning Dove

1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

1 Killdeer

1 Great Blue Heron

1 Sharp-shinned Hawk

1 Red-tailed Hawk

2 Belted Kingfisher

1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

7 Red-bellied Woodpecker

12 Downy Woodpecker

4 Hairy Woodpecker

5 Pileated Woodpecker

5 Northern Flicker

6 Eastern Phoebe

7 Blue-headed Vireo

2 Red-eyed Vireo

46 Blue Jay

17 American Crow

2 Common Raven

53 Black-capped Chickadee

19 Tufted Titmouse

11 Ruby-crowned Kinglet

7 Golden-crowned Kinglet

23 White-breasted Nuthatch

10 Red-breasted Nuthatch

12 Brown Creeper

2 Carolina Wren

11 European Starling

8 Gray Catbird

7 Eastern Bluebird

14 American Robin

1 House Sparrow

13 American Goldfinch

1 Chipping Sparrow

1 Fox Sparrow

5 Dark-eyed Junco

12 White-throated Sparrow

8 Song Sparrow

1 Swamp Sparrow

3 Eastern Towhee

7 Red-winged Blackbird

2 Common Grackle

3 Black-and-white Warbler

5 Common Yellowthroat

1 American Redstart

1 Magnolia Warbler

1 Black-throated Blue Warbler

2 Pine Warbler

3 Yellow-rumped Warbler

2 Black-throated Green Warbler

5 Northern Cardinal

1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak

West Rutland Marsh walk - October 2024

Walking through the meadow on the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Thirteen birders enjoyed peak foliage during October’s monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. The sun was out, but a brisk wind probably kept many birds down. Nonetheless, we tallied 26 species.

Several skeins of Canada geese were spotted in their migratory Vs high up in the sky. Three Mallards were also seen in flight, not fooled by the decoys floating in the open water at the end of the boardwalk.

Many of the ‘marsh’ birds are gone, but we did hear three Swamp Sparrows. Other sparrows seen included White-throated Sparrows, a species seen in good numbers throughout the state this month, and Song Sparrows.

A good-sized flock of Dark-eyed Juncos was spotted along Whipple Hollow Road and a lone Purple Finch was at a feeder.

Two Northern Harriers were observed swooping over the marsh, one near the Marble Street boardwalk and the other off of Pleasant Street.

A full trip report can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/283836

Fall foliage along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Sue Elliott.

West Rutland Marsh walk - July 2024

Seven birders joined our monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh on July 13. Despite our quicker pace than normal to beat the increasing heat, we tallied 49 species.

 Fewer individual birds were detected as singing has diminished a bit. Marsh Wrens were fairly quiet. No waterfowl were seen and a single wading bird, a Great Blue Heron, was flying over the marsh. Several Swamp Sparrows, probably family groups, were observed around the Marble Street boardwalk.

Swamp Sparrow on the Marble Street boardwalk. Photo by Joel Tilley.

 Willow and Alder flycatchers were singing, however, so we were able to clinch those identifications. And Eastern Kingbirds are still active. A single Yellow Warbler was seen.

Along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Sue Elliott.

 It was a bit of relief to reach the shady Whipple Hollow Trail where the birding was quite good. Two Canada Warblers were seen at the beginning of the first boardwalk. Other birds along the trail included a Winter Wren, a Wood Thrush, an Eastern Wood-Pewee, a Northern Waterthrush and two Pine Warblers, all singing.

Although they haven’t been heard singing recently, a male Canada Warbler was spotted foraging in the dense Hemlock and Cedar foliage along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Joel Tilley.

 Our next walk is scheduled for August 10 at 7 a.m.

 A list of the day’s birds can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/259954

Castleton River at Pleasant Street. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Marsh Walk - May 16, 2024

Wow! Birding in May at West Rutland Marsh! Rutland County Audubon saw or heard 75 species at the marsh on May 16. Thirteen people gathered to enjoy the sights and sounds of the best time of the year at the marsh.

Morning mist over the marsh.

Nesting activities are underway. Canada geese are on nests, an Eastern Kingbird and a Swamp Sparrow were carrying nesting material, an Eastern Bluebird was carrying food for young and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak was spotted building a nest. And birds were singing everywhere, advertising for a mate or announcing their territory.

Thirteen warbler species were counted including several Tennessee Warblers, a species passing through and singing on its way. Other warbler species included Nashville, Magnolia and Blackburnian. Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers were everywhere!

Raptors for the day were limited to a Merlin flying over Pleasant Street and an Osprey was spotted at the end of the walk.

The Whipple Hollow Trail was fairly quiet, but a Canada Warbler was singing at the beginning of the first boardwalk, its usual spot. And several Northern Waterthrush were heard at several points along the boardwalks. The plaintive ‘PEEaweee’ of the Eastern Wood-Pewee, one of our latest migrants, was heard. Yellow-throated Vireos and Purple Finches were also singing along the trail.

An eBird trip report with the complete list can be found here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/240217

Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, at 7 a.m. meeting at the Marble Street boardwalk.

Marsh Walk - April 11, 2024 - *"A hundred million miracles...

…happen every day"*, and many of them happen right at the West Rutland Marsh. When we stepped out of our cars there on April 11, many of us heard the loud honking of Canada Geese on the water and the muted vocalizations of Bluebirds overhead, but underneath was a new sound, the "gik,gik,gik,godik" of the returning uncommon and elusive Virginia Rail, one of the birds that help this Marsh qualify as an Important Birding Area. Although few of us saw it, just hearing it and knowing it had returned from its journey south was awesome enough for us.

Canada Goose on nest, near Water St bridge. Photo by Ralph Nimtz.

As we proceeded up Marble Street, we were treated to the sight of two shiny Turkey Vultures, perched in low branches of a deciduous tree. Since we usually only see these vultures flying with wide V- spread wings, high overhead, this was VERY special and a great opportunity for photo taking. Further up the road, both the Golden-Crowned and Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, two sweet, pretty, little birds, called to us, adding to our enchantment. And then, the bird with the most complex melody sang out- the Winter Wren! Another gift of nature.

Crossing over to the Whipple Hollow Road, in the meadow at the end of the Whipple Hollow Trail, we spotted our first-of-year warblers, three Palm Warblers, whose bright golden feathers and rusty caps stood out from the grey, leafless branches. All of us were delighted to also see them pump their tail feathers, just as bird books say they do.

Palm Warbler, and early spring arrival, along the Whipple Hollow Trail. Photo by Joel Tilley.

Back on the road, at the top of White Pine trees and in the midst of a multitude of pine cones, where they could have easily been overlooked, were four Red Crossbills, busily feeding on conifer seeds and only allowing us quick glimpses of their red feathers and none of their crossed bills!

We returned to our cars and daily lives sated with beauty and marveling at our wealth on this, now rainy, early April day. (For our complete checklist, please see https://ebird.org/tripreport/222286)

Submitted by Kathleen Guinness

* Line of song from the musical, Flower Drum Song

Marsh Walk - March 16, 2024

     Our latest West Rutland Marsh monitoring walk was both amazing and exciting! Amazement arose at first because we knew immediately that many birds had already returned from migration and were in high numbers for this time of year. Excitement followed when we saw some species no one could recall ever having seen at the Marsh before.

      The band of ten birders set out in gloom and some low-hanging clouds, with temperatures in the mid to high thirties. Right from the start the voices of Song Sparrows, Cardinals, Titmice, and Red-winged Blackbirds filled the air and unusual spectacles unfolded: a Belted Kingfisher dove and a Wood Duck floated in the midst of nine Ring-necked Ducks. Soon after, while observing a large flock of honking Canada Geese flying over, we heard a strange call and spied the black-tipped white wings of many Snow Geese. Later, a smaller band of these geese flew over .

Canada Geese. Photo by Ralph Nimtz.

      By the time we had reached Whipple Hollow Road, we had already catalogued 36 species, which included not only the afore-mentioned, but some other show stoppers: Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, Red Crossbill, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Winter Wren .

         The Whipple Hollow Trail afforded Turkey Vultures, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Northern Grouse, besides the glorious refreshment of evergreens and the many rich shades of green mosses. 

       Our 4.2 mile journey was a memorable one. Next month promises to be even more so.

See link below for a complete list of the 43 species we saw or heard, and consider joining us at the kiosk at 8 AM on April 11.

https://ebird.org/tripreport/213675

Song Sparrow. Photo by Ralph Nimtz.

Lake Bomoseen Hosts Another Unusual Winter Visitor

Even though most of Lake Bomoseen has been iced over for the past month or more, it has hosted a rare winter visitor, a Pied-billed Grebe, which has been seen mingling with Mallards at the portion of the lake with open water. Hearing this probably brings up questions for those unfamiliar with this water bird. You may ask, "Why Pied-billed?" As in the case of horses and other animals, the term refers to a multi-toned or blotchy coloration. This small bird has this in the wide, black band on its otherwise tan and white bill.

Pied-billed Grebe on Lake Bomoseen. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Another question you might ask is, "What is a Grebe?" Just as the Coot, which visited the lake last winter, was not a duck, neither is a Grebe. It is more akin to a Loon. Birds of both families are expert swimmers and divers (to which I can attest) and spend almost their entire lives on the water, except when nesting.

They both have legs set far back on their bodies, which allows great propulsion, but makes it awkward for them to walk on land. Also, Grebes have longer necks and smaller, rounder bodies than Loons. A Pied-billed Grebe is one of six Grebe species known as Podicipedidae and is the most frequently seen.

Why is this bird at Lake Bomoseen now? We will probably never know, but Grebes can be found throughout North America, but usually only in our area in the summer. Perhaps the milder winter brought him in or he somehow got thrown off course. Bays, ponds, and open water provide him with the aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish he needs.

Our little Grebe has been spending his time in the open water at the mouth of Lake Bomoseen. He is solitary, as is customary for his ilk, but has been swimming with and near the Mallards that have congregated there and which seem to accept his presence there, as does the Muskrat which has been swimming nearby, too. None of us has heard him vocalize, but if he did, it would sound like gulping or cooing.

If you have a chance to look for this special visitor, don't let him see your shadow or you'll see how quickly he can submerge and how far he can swim underwater before coming up again! Nevertheless, getting a quick glimpse of this unusual winter visitor is worth the trip.

—by Kathleen Guinness

West Rutland Marsh - February 2024

Along Marble St. Photo by Sue Elliott.

Despite the snow, which fell for a good portion of our walk around West Rutland Marsh on February 17, we tallied 56 American Robins and 65 Red-winged Blackbirds They are not really predictions of spring as both species can be found in Vermont in winter if there is a food supply.

The feeders at the Marble Street boardwalk were busy with a high number of Mourning Doves sheltering in the old cellar hole. Black-capped Chickadees, American Tree Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows were taking advantage of the feeders.

The Whipple Hollow Trail was fairly quiet except for a small flock of chickadees, both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches and a Dark-eyed Junco feeding along the ‘pine island’ section.

A single Pine Siskin was heard along Whipple Hollow Road.

The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, at 8 a.m.

Today’s species:

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Common Raven

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch

American Robin

Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch

American Tree Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Red-winged Blackbird

Northern Cardinal

There is much less snow on the ground under the dense Eastern Hemlock canopy on “Pine Island.” Photo by Sue Elliott.