Five participants joined RCAS’s monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh, the walk scheduled to coincide with the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Snow fell non-stop throughout the walk, somewhat limiting visibility, but overall, the weather was not bad for February with little wind and the temperature in the mid-20s.

Nineteen species were tallied in all. This compares to 15 one year ago and 18 for our February average.

Not surprisingly, many of the species were seen near the feeders by the Marble Street boardwalk. Several American tree sparrows and black-capped chickadees were joined by a blue jay, a purple finch, mourning doves and a downy woodpecker among others.

A flock of American robins, a species being seen in good numbers throughout the state this winter, was flying back and forth over Marble Street

The only raptor for the day was a red-tailed hawk and, while crows were numerous, only one common raven was heard.

The walk along the new Whipple Hollow Trail was pretty in the snow, but otherwise quiet except for a chickadee and a few goldfinches.

Upon our return to the feeders, a single common redpoll was feasting on seed. Redpolls made a sudden appearance in the state the day before so it was good to have one included on our walk.

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, at 8 a.m.

The list:

Mourning Dove 8

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Downy Woodpecker 3

Hairy Woodpecker 1

Blue Jay 14

American Crow 15

Common Raven 1

Black-capped Chickadee 26

Tufted Titmouse 3

White-breasted Nuthatch 6

Eastern Bluebird 1

American Robin 16

Purple Finch 1

Common Redpoll 1

American Goldfinch 38

American Tree Sparrow 7

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 17

White-throated Sparrow 1

Northern Cardinal 10