Great Backyard Bird Count Results

Dark-eyed JuncoThis past weekend’s Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was a big success, both worldwide and here in Rutland County.

To date, 207,546 checklists, representing 6,540 species and 33,482,850 individual birds have been submitted from around the world! Pretty amazing, isn’t it? The deadline for submission for the four-day period is March 1 so it's not too late to add your sightings. 

Here at home, 170 checklists and 47 species were reported. Seventeen of the county’s towns were represented and we had many first-time GBBCers. Two great horned owls, a barred owl, evening grosbeaks and snow buntings made the list as did our first turkey vulture of the season.

Congratulations to our first-time participants! Each of you is now a citizen scientist. That means you can submit any of your bird sightings anytime from anywhere to eBird here. Just use the user name and password you created for the GBBC.

And did you snap a picture of a chipmunk under your feeder? You can submit that to the Vermont Atlas of Life at iNaturalist. Click here for that.

You can explore all the data at the GBBC, by clicking here. 

West Rutland Marsh - February 2020

Minus 5 degrees! We were pretty sure no one would show up for the February West Rutland Marsh walk, but we were wrong. Nine, well-bundled people counted 16 species. Fortunately, it was clear and, with no wind, the sun actually felt warm on our backs.

The number of species was one less than a year ago and two less than our February average. Many of the irruptive species that we see in some years are not present this year.

A good number of the species counted were found near the feeders by the boardwalk including American tree sparrows, white-throated sparrows and a number of American goldfinches, a species being seen in high numbers throughout the state this winter.

No, it’s not spring, not even close, but we counted four American robins and two eastern bluebirds. When fruit is plentiful, those species will stay around. A black-capped chickadee was seen feeding on sumac. With that, highbush cranberry and apples among others, there is plenty available at the marsh. The two bluebirds were beautiful with the bright blue sky.

Black-capped Chickadee feeding on sumacNorthern cardinals were singing, although we couldn’t be sure if they were male or female as both sexes of that species sing. Tufted titmice were singing and white-breasted nuthatches were making their laughing sound.

The next walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 25. Meet at the boardwalk on Marble Street at 8 a.m.

 

Today's list:
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  1
Downy Woodpecker  4
Blue Jay  19
American Crow  6
Black-capped Chickadee  27
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Eastern Bluebird  2
American Robin  4
House Sparrow  3
American Goldfinch  21
American Tree Sparrow  4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  1
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  6

 

 

West Rutland Marsh - January 2020

Clear and cold – that is how the January marsh walk started. Eight participants, well bundled, set out on our first walk of the new year. There was no wind and it warmed, ever so slightly, as the morning progressed. Eighteen species were tallied, none a big surprise, but any bird in winter is a welcome sight or sound!

A Carolina wren, one of two for the day, greeted us at the start with its ‘teakettle teakettle’ song. Six cedar waxwings were sitting high in the trees nearby and the feeders were busy with chickadees and American tree sparrows.

Our lone raptor of the day almost wasn’t. We spotted what we thought was a red-tailed hawk sitting in a tree in the distance, but it was too far to make out any detail. Fortunately, a photo cropped and on a computer screen later proved it WAS a red-tailed hawk.

Twenty-eight blue jays were counted with large flock vocalizing flying around not too far from the hawk.

As we returned to our starting point at the boardwalk, eight white-throated sparrows flew up into the brush from the cellar hole.

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, at 8 a.m. The walk will be held in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count which starts on Friday, February 14.

 

 

The day's list:
Mourning Dove  3
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Downy Woodpecker  5
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  28
American Crow  7
Common Raven  2
Black-capped Chickadee  27
Tufted Titmouse  2
Carolina Wren  2
European Starling  3
Cedar Waxwing  6
House Sparrow  3
American Goldfinch  14
American Tree Sparrow  3
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  2
White-throated Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  4

 

 

Field Trip: Winter Regulars & Rarities

After a few milder days for our past annual Winter Regulars & Rarities field trips, this year’s trip was definitely NOT. The day started at about four degrees. Despite the chill, 12 participants showed up, bundled up beyond recognition.

Our first stop was a farm in Orwell where bald eagles are known to congregate. We were not disappointed with the nine adult and four immature eagles perched in trees and interacting with the ravens on occasion.

Waterfowl were in somewhat short supply except for two stops. The Tri-Town Water Plant had a plethora of ducks. Most prominent were large rafts of scaup, too distant to distinguish whether they were greater or lesser scaup, and a high number of common goldeneye. The highlight here was a male tufted duck, its tuft prominent in profile. Two more eagles were spotted across the lake on the New York side. A lone cormorant was seen flying south low along the water.

Arnold Bay, Lake ChamplainCharlotte Town Beach, one of our last stops, had a lesser number of waterfowl. We picked up our only Canada geese of the trip. A small group of bufflehead were fairly near shore. We were also able to spot a horned grebe, the only one of the day, before the promised snow moved in.

A good number of rough-legged hawks were spotted along our route as well as red-tailed hawks. Among the redtails, were several were the northern red-tailed hawk subspecies, which are only seen in Vermont in winter. You can read more about distinguishing this subspecies here.

We spotted flocks of snow buntings and horned larks here and there in the farm fields. At one spot, along Greenbush Road in Charlotte, there was a mixed flock which we could observe from the comfort of our cars. The snow buntings clung to swinging weed heads while the horned larks seemed to dig themselves into the snow.

A northern flicker, a pileated woodpecker and American robins were seen at various points along the route.

Thirty-three species were tallied.

Many thanks to C. J. Frankiewicz for leading a fun field trip.

 

The day's list:
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Tufted Duck
Greater Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Horned Grebe
Rock Piegon
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed hawk
Rough-legged hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Horned Lark
European Starling
American Robin
American Goldfinch
Snow Bunting
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Brown-headed Cowbird
Northern Cardinal

 

 

 

Christmas Bird Count Results

Patch Pond, RutlandAnother Rutland Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is in the books. Our count took place on December 28, a mild and practically snowless day, comfortable for the participants, but perhaps affecting our numbers.

The count was Rutland’s 46th and National Audubon’s 120th. The history of the CBC is an interesting one and worth a read if you aren’t familiar with it. Click here to learn more.

Thirty-seven field team participants and five feeder watchers contributed to tally 49 species this year, the same number as in 2018. A ‘count week’ bird, ruffed grouse, was observed thanks to the Pine Hill Park team who saw fresh tracks.

Both the ruffed grouse and wild turkey numbers were low, with zero and two respectively. Our high numbers on those species in prior years were 20 and 338. Perhaps the lack of snow along with abundant acorns and beechnuts kept these species hidden in the woods.

Red-tailed hawks numbered 24, a species recorded in all of our 46 years, but with quite a variation in numbers, the high being 43. No barred owls were reported this year. Both sharp-shinned (2) and Cooper’s hawks (4) were reported, along with one peregrine falcon atop its usual perch on the steeple of Grace Congregational Church and one bald eagle.

With plenty of open water, two belted kingfishers and three great blue herons were reported. A Wilson’s snipe was seen near Otter Creek, an expected report from the team that walks that route along the river. Waterfowl numbers overall, however, were low with 54 Canada geese (high of 1444 several years ago). American black duck and mallard numbers were low with 24 and 198 reported respectively.

A yellow-bellied sapsucker, becoming a more common occurrence in winter in Vermont, was reported (although no more than one has been recorded on any of our CBCs). Seven northern flickers were, a new record. Although red-bellied woodpeckers have been increasing in numbers in the state, only ten were seen this year as opposed to 17 last year.

Some species are quite cyclical. As expected, no redpolls, pine grosbeaks or Bohemian waxwings were seen. Red-breasted nuthatches were low (25), our high being 112. Golden-crowned kinglets at 20 were half our high. Only one purple finch was seen. Two red crossbills were seen in Mendon.

Two gray catbirds were seen, not an expected species, and are new to our CBC.

American tree sparrow numbers were low, with some teams reporting none, and the total coming to 32. Our highest number was 362. Song sparrows, high while not a record, came in a 16. One chipping sparrow was observed.

The CBC concluded with our traditional potluck supper at the Proctor Library (with many delicious dishes as usual) and a countdown of the day’s numbers.

Christmas Bird Count data is important! If you are interested in learning more about how the data is used and what it is telling us, click here.

Walking a Christmas Bird Count Route

We'll be posting a summary of this year's Christmas Bird Count soon, but in the meantime you may enjoy reading about one CBCer's experiences. While many of us retreat to the comfort of our cars during the count, seventy-year old C. J. Frankiewicz and his team walk their route, no matter the weather:

On these past stormy days while I continue my over-a-week old cold, I have compiled some history and records about our CBC off the Alfrecha Road, aka, Sector 8.

My first count was in 1981 when it was 23 below zero. I had originally been assigned to an area along Otter Crick or Furnace Brook in Proctor or Pittsford that I was totally unfamiliar with. My car’s antifreeze froze on the way there.  After returning to my home on Forest Street in Rutland, I walked down to the Alfrecha Road and back, an area I was familiar with. My mother thought I was crazy and I am 'still crazy after all these years.' Except for 1984, 1989, and 1996 when I did not count, I continued the CBC there mostly alone…until Bryan Palfey joined me in 2000.  We both missed counting in 2009.

The low number of species came in my first year (1981) at 13; Bryan and I counted a low of 14 in 2000, our first year together.  The high number came in 2005 at 33 when we were joined by a young Henry Wilton (who has the ability to hear!).

Our average is 23 species, but the 10-year rolling average is 27, and the post-Bryan average is 26.  We thought this year’s count of 27 was average and it is.

Over the years we have counted 68 species plus one more, a Bohemian Waxwing, during count week, the three days before and the three days following count day. 

Bird sighting highlights are numerous: Great Blue Heron, Northern Pintail, Common Goldeneye, Northern Harrier, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Ring-necked Pheasant, Wilson’s Snipe (a regular), Short-eared Owl (the absolutely most exciting and surprising), Carolina Wren, Northern Shrike, Common Yellowthroat (CBC and count week), Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Lapland Longspur, Rusty Blackbird (32 in one flock one of many times), Pine Grosbeak, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Graylag Goose. Walter Ellison helped us ID the last from an immature Greater White-fronted Goose; we certainly weren’t familiar with Graylag. A number of these were firsts for the Rutland CBC.

Had my hand within inches of a wing-crippled hen Wood Duck and saw a metal band on the outstretched leg of a landing American Black Duck.

The non-bird highlight occurred in 2001 with Bryan and his niece Grace Robin. We saw a mink pursue and hold its bite on the throat of a muskrat. They rolled over and over in Cold River not 12 feet from us with muskrat blood a-coloring the water. Grace wrote a terrific story The Murder at Cold Creek based loosely, but quite imaginatively, on this incident. Roy wouldn’t accept my count of one for Robin! We have also seen deer, coyote, red fox, gray and red squirrels, mink, and muskrats, and plenty of gashawks (being near the airport). 

This year Joel’s phone clocked his walking miles at 8.1. Some of us did more, and we skipped two areas due to time and tiredness. Over all years, all miles have been walking miles; no cars for us.

Participants have been the regulars Bryan Palfey, Steve Waite, and Henry Wilton, plus Grace Robin, Dwight Cargill, Linda Shelvey, Shelly Lutz, John Yates, Mike Blust, Theresa Waite, and Joel Tilley. For whatever reason, seems like some don't come a second time.

We have had a 100% success rate at having fun. And I’m sure I forgot some things noteworthy.

West Rutland Marsh - December 2019

Brrrrrr! A temperature of 13 degrees greeted the six participants in the December 7 walk around West Rutland Marsh. Fortunately, there was sunshine and zero wind so it became quite pleasant as the morning progressed.

A total of 15 species was tallied. This is four fewer than our December average and two fewer than one year ago. Our highest tally was 25 species in December 2014 and our lowest was 13 in 2003.

Chickadees and American tree sparrows were working the feeders near the boardwalk. One white-throated sparrow was also present there.

The only other sparrow species recorded was dark-eyed junco. No raptors were seen. The highest number of one species was 37 mourning doves.

A brown creeper and a pileated woodpecker were identified by sound.

The next walk is scheduled for Thursday, January 23, at 8 a.m.

The list:

Mourning Dove  37
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Pileated Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  13
American Crow  7
Black-capped Chickadee  21
Tufted Titmouse  5
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Brown Creeper  1
American Goldfinch  10
American Tree Sparrow  4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  3
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  1

 

 

 

West Rutland Marsh - November 2019

Today’s chilly temperature seemed to correspond with the low number of species observed during the West Rutland Marsh walk. Fortunately, there was no wind and, with a clear blue sky, it was relatively comfortable walking for the eight participants.

Our average for November is 19 species with 22 observed one year ago. In 2011 we saw 27 species; it must have an exceptionally mild day as we also recorded two snakes on that date. While we have observed lower species counts in past years, today may have been one of our lowest temperature in November.

Black-capped ChickadeeAmerican tree sparrows have returned to the feeders at the boardwalk, joining the usual gang of chickadees. Eastern bluebirds were heard and seen in a couple areas along with two robins.

A highlight of the walk was a flock of snow buntings. We could hear their chittering call notes as they flew from the corn field across Pleasant Street.

A ruffed grouse was heard drumming and seen by two members of the group.

No raptors were seen on the walk. Nor were any Canada geese seen flying south or in any direction for that matter. With the water now frozen, no other waterfowl were observed.

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at 8 a.m., meeting at the boardwalk on Marble Street.

Today's list: 

Ruffed Grouse  1
Mourning Dove  3
Downy Woodpecker  3
Pileated Woodpecker  2
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  5
Black-capped Chickadee  24
Tufted Titmouse  2
Eastern Bluebird  4
American Robin  2
American Goldfinch  11
Snow Bunting  30
American Tree Sparrow  8
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  6
White-throated Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  1

 

 

RCAS in the Halloween Parade

RCAS can have fun and deliver a message at the same time! For several weeks this fall, members met and worked on our third float for the annual Rutland Halloween Parade.

The parade, the 60th this year, draws hundreds (thousands?) of viewers of all ages. Many more streamed the parade at home or watched it later on PEG-TV.

This year's theme was A Murder of Crows. The float was a light-hearted combination of crows mourning a dearly departed comrade in a casket surrounded by the headstones of extinct species such as the Passenger Pigeon and Carolina Parakeet. 

Several crows 'flew' around the float handing out candy and carrying signs reading "Protect Our Birds" and "Extinction is Forever."

With the recent reports of declining bird species and the affects of climate change on birds, perhaps RCAS was able to deliver a not so subtle reminder of the importance of bird protection.

Our hard work was rewarded with winning runner-up for Most Original in the parade. Thanks to all the members who helped with the float and the Rutland Recreation Department for putting on another spectacular parade!

Seed Sale - November 2

Red-breasted NuthatchIt’s seed sale time!

On Saturday, November 2, RCAS will be holding its annual sale at two locations: Garland’s on Park Street in Rutland from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Brandon Blue Seal Feeds on Route 7 south of Brandon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

This is a great time to stock up for winter so we can let the birds entertain us while sit in warm comfort of our homes.

Cash or check only. No need to pre-order. Stop by for some bird chat and, if you’re not a member, we’d love to have you join us! 

West Rutland Marsh - October 2019

Everyone driving to the marsh walk today must have wondered if we would see anything in the low-lying fog blanketing the area. It quickly cleared, however, to reveal still vibrant fall foliage. Twelve participants tallied 33 species, five more than a year ago and more than our October average of 31.

One of the early sightings of the morning and one of the most striking, was a belted kingfisher. It appeared white and ghost-like in the fog as it hovered over the marsh.

Numerous American robins were in the trees near the boardwalk along with one hermit thrush. A swamp sparrow sang briefly from the cattails. In a shrub nearby we spotted a Lincoln’s sparrow. A few cedar waxings were also spotted.

We glimpsed an eastern towhee along Marble Street, but we were soon distracted by a palm warbler. It was feeding in a bare tree so everyone could get a good look.

Palm WarblerA group of turkey vultures was flying over Marble Street. Interestingly they were flying in a straight line rather than their usual spiral. Also, over Marble Street was a very vocal family of common ravens, which kept us entertained for several minutes as they swooped and soared overhead.

Numerous ruby-crowned kinglets were seen and a few were singing. Yellow-rumped warblers were spotted here and there.

Our only raptor of the day and the last bird of the day was a red-tailed hawk.

The next marsh walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

Today's list: 

Canada Goose  29
Mourning Dove  17
Turkey Vulture  14
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Belted Kingfisher  2
Downy Woodpecker  5
Pileated Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  3
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  10
Common Raven  5
Black-capped Chickadee  25
Tufted Titmouse  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  8
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
European Starling  3
Gray Catbird  2
Eastern Bluebird  1
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  33
Cedar Waxwing  3
American Goldfinch  15
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  5
Lincoln's Sparrow  1
Swamp Sparrow  3
Eastern Towhee  1
Red-winged Blackbird  102
Common Grackle  91
Palm Warbler (Western)  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  6
Northern Cardinal  1

 

 

 

2019 Warbler Talks and Walks

Ruby-crowned KingletI had several goals in mind when I first proposed to do the Spring Warbler talk and the bird (and wildflowers!) walks last May. I wanted to share with others my love of birds and their habitats. Birding with others also improves my own sight and sound identification skills. Finally, I wanted to foster links between Rutland County Audubon and Slate Valley Trails—to get birders and bikers and hikers together to appreciate the shared recreational resources of the Poultney area. The Spring events were well received, so we scheduled a Fall Warbler talk and another series of walks.

On all counts the talks and walks were a great success. Thirty-seven people attended the spring talk at the Poultney Public Library, and sixteen came to the Fall talk. The walks covered all 7 of the SVT trails (counting Fairgrounds East and West as two separate areas). The number of participants for each walk ranged from 4 to 11 (total 53, 25 individuals) in the spring, and 1 to 10 (total 33, 18 individuals) in the fall; many of the participants were new to SVT and Audubon. We observed 91 bird species (891 individual birds) in the spring, and 55 species (523 individuals) in the fall, as well as red efts, dragonflies, and Monarch butterflies galore. Everyone shared their knowledge of wildflowers, insects, and trees, as well as the history of the various trails.

I’d like to thank Slate Valley Trails and Rutland County Audubon for enthusiastically promoting these events, and all the participants for sharing their love of birds and their habitats with me. See you on the trails!

To see what we saw on the Fairgrounds West and Fairgrounds East Trail, click here.

West Rutland Marsh - September 2019

It was a spectacular day at West Rutland Marsh with bright sunshine, warm temperatures and foliage turning on the hillsides. Fourteen observers turned out for the walk. Forty-one species were tallied, quite a bit more than last year’s 28 and our average of 36 for the month of September.

Waterfowl species included Canada goose, mallard and wood duck.

A few raptor species were seen with the highlight being an immature bald eagle soaring over the ridge accompanied by turkey vultures. An American kestrel and a broad-winged hawk were also observed.

exploring the new trailNine northern flickers were seen with several on the road on Marble Street. Other woodpecker species included hairy and downy and one yellow-bellied sapsucker.

Gray catbirds were numerous and two brown thrashers were a treat along Marble Street.

Warblers were scattered here and there and included common yellowthroat, magnolia chestnut-sided, palm, yellow-rumped, and black-throated green warblers. 

A Lincoln's sparrow was seen as well as several swamp sparrows and four song sparrows.  A lone purple finch was singing atop a tree on Pleasant Street.

Another highlight was the opportunity to explore Phase I of the new trail off of Whipple Hollow Road. 

The next walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at 8 a.m.

The list: 

Canada Goose  13
Wood Duck  3
Mallard  5
Wild Turkey  5
Mourning Dove  2
Turkey Vulture  4
Bald Eagle  1
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  3
Hairy Woodpecker  4
Pileated Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  9
American Kestrel  2
Eastern Phoebe  7
Blue Jay  10
American Crow  11
Common Raven  1
Black-capped Chickadee  19
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Brown Creeper  1
Marsh Wren  2
Carolina Wren  1
European Starling  1
Gray Catbird  14
Brown Thrasher  2
American Robin  1
Cedar Waxwing  15
Purple Finch  1
American Goldfinch  12
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  8
Red-winged Blackbird  13
Common Yellowthroat  7
Magnolia Warbler  3
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  4
Northern Cardinal  4

 

West Rutland Marsh - August 2019

Thirteen birders, including visitors from Oregon and California, set out on RCAS’s monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh this morning. Today’s walk marks the beginning of our 19th year of monthly monitoring!

Forty-eight species were observed plus several alder/willow flycatchers whose true identities were unknown as they were all silent, not surprising at this time of year.  Our average for August is 45 species with our high being 58 in 2015. Last year at this time we saw or heard 45.

Most of the ‘marsh birds’ have gone silent. A few swamp sparrows were seen and one sang briefly. Two yellow warblers, also silent, were seen. One adult male common yellowthroat was still feeding a youngster.

Ruby-throated HummingbirdWarblers included the above mentioned as well as a black-and-white warbler (singing), several American restarts and a chestnut-sided warbler.

A gray catbird was seen carrying food and a house wren was seen carrying food into a nesting cavity (a piece of equipment on a power pole).

Our only raptor was a northern harrier. No vultures were seen, but the morning was quite still and overcast.

Monarch caterpillarCedar waxwings and American goldfinches were everywhere. We also saw and/or heard eight ruby-throated hummingbirds. On past August walks, we have seen as many as 13. Red-eyed vireos were still singing in several spots and we saw one blue-headed vireo.

A black-billed cuckoo was heard in the distance.

On a non-avian note, several Monarch butterfly caterpillars were seen on milkweed. This is shaping up to be a good Monarch year.

Part of the walk was on our new trail, which you can read about here.

Our next walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, at 8 a.m. (note time change!).

Today's List:

Wood Duck  1
Mallard  1
Wild Turkey  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  4
Mourning Dove  9
Black-billed Cuckoo  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  8
Northern Harrier  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2    1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1    1
Downy Woodpecker  6
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's Flycatcher)  5
Least Flycatcher  1
Eastern Phoebe  1
Eastern Kingbird  8
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  14
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  8
Common Raven  2
Black-capped Chickadee  9
Tufted Titmouse  2
Barn Swallow  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  2
European Starling  6
Gray Catbird  10
Veery  1
American Robin  8
Cedar Waxwing  21
Purple Finch  3
American Goldfinch  27
Song Sparrow  10
Swamp Sparrow  5
Bobolink  2
Red-winged Blackbird  32
Common Grackle  3
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Common Yellowthroat  8
American Redstart  7
Yellow Warbler  2
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  3

 

 

New Trail Underway in West Rutland

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) has been working for the past week on a trail to get marsh walkers off of part of Whipple Hollow Road (the hill that overlooks the southern end of the marsh). They have built a bridge over a small stream, and laid some puncheon across a wet area leading to an overlook. We've also had great cooperation from the West Rutland town crew, who have mowed a path through a section of meadow.

When completed the trail will bypass a dangerous stretch of road for walkers, and allow us to get closer to a variety of habitats--hardwood and conifer forest, cedar swamp, and meadow. The VYCC crew should be working for another week or so, if you want to go out and have a look. If you park along Whipple Hollow Rd, please pull all the way off. The best parking is near the entrance to the former dump site, about a quarter mile north of the trail.

If you wish to contribute to this effort, you can make donations payable to Rutland County Audubon, PO Box 1813, Rutland, VT 05701, marked West Rutland Marsh trail.

 

Call to Artists: Art Inspired by Nature

by Ralph NimtzRutland County Audubon will be holding its own wildlife art show Art Inspired by Nature this coming September!

Visual artists, professional and non-professional, in any media, including photography, painting and sculpture, are invited to submit up to three works to be included in an open art show featuring nature and wildlife at Stone Valley Arts at Fox Hill in Poultney, Vermont from September 9 through September 29 sponsored by RCAS. Solely scenic landscapes are excluded.

Works need not be for sale. Those offered for sale are subject to a 20% gallery commission to Stone Valley Arts or donated proceeds if sold (80% to RCAS and 20% to Stone Valley Arts). Delivery of works will be Saturday, September 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For details contact birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org (if the link to the address does not work, please copy and paste into your email send to line) or please come with your work on September 7, 1-4 PM.                 

Hours will be September 14-15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., September 21-22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and September 28 -29, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A reception will be held September 15, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The show will also be open during times that Stone Valley Arts is open for events/programs/classes. Stone Valley Arts at Fox Hill is located at 145 E. Main Street, Poultney.

If you’re interested in showing your work, please contact us by Aug 17.  

Whether you are an artist or an art lover, we hope to see you at Stone Valley Arts this September!

West Rutland Marsh - July 2019

Today marked 18 years of consecutive monthly monitoring at West Rutland Marsh! A slight breeze kept the 10 participants somewhat cool despite the sun and high humidity. We totaled 43 species, seven less than our average for July and quite a bit lower than the 64 species observed one year ago.

The bird of the day was veery with nine heard along the route, many of them singing It was a new bird song for several in the group. Wood thrush were also singing in two spots.

Marsh WrenDespite the high vegetation, we had good luck along the boardwalk. An American bittern flew as well as a green heron. We had great looks at several marsh wrens and swamp sparrows. The swamp sparrows were particularly vocal. 

Five warbler species were seen and/or heard. An American redstart was carrying food for young. Common yellowthroats are still singing enthusiastically. A northern waterthrush and three ovenbirds were heard along Whipple Hollow Road. 

Five empidonax species were seen, but only three, all alder flycatchers, could identified to species.

 Raptor numbers were low – one broad-winged hawk! Another raptor flew high over the marsh, but none of us could provide any clue as to its identity. 

The last addition to the list was a Wilson’s Snipe which flushed as we crossed the Water Street bridge.

The next marsh is scheduled for Saturday, August 17, 7 a.m.

Today's list:

Mourning Dove  10
Wilson's Snipe  1
American Bittern  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Broad-winged Hawk  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4
Alder Flycatcher  3
Empidonax sp.  2
Eastern Phoebe  2
Eastern Kingbird  5
Warbling Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  11
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  4
Common Raven  1
Tree Swallow  4
Barn Swallow  8
Black-capped Chickadee  11
Tufted Titmouse  1
Marsh Wren  8
Veery  9
Wood Thrush  3
American Robin  9
Gray Catbird  13
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  14
American Goldfinch  24
Chipping Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  15
Swamp Sparrow  23
Red-winged Blackbird  9
Common Grackle  2
Ovenbird  3
Northern Waterthrush  1
Common Yellowthroat  23
American Redstart  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  4

 

 

 

 

 

Share Your Love of Nature with Local Students

The Four Winds Nature Program, community-based natural science education, is currently seeking volunteers who enjoy kids, nature, and have a sense of fun and curiosity to help deliver hands-on science lessons in Rutland County elementary schools.

Volunteers for the 2019-2020 school year are needed across all grade levels.

No science background or teaching experience is required -- and you don't need to be the parent of a student. Community volunteers are welcome!

Volunteers come to a monthly, 2-hour training, and then teach a ~1-hour workshop in the classroom at a later date. You can commit at a level that works for your schedule; participate every other month or a portion of the school year.

For more info please contact Elly Moriarty: elly@fwni.org or click here.

 

West Rutland Marsh - June 2019

Seventeen participants joined Rutland County Audubon for our monthly walk around West Rutland Marsh, a glorious morning on June 22. While the weather, sunny with a light breeze, couldn’t have been to blame, we had one of our lowest number of species for June - 52. This compares to 61 species one year ago and our June average of 60.

However, there was still plenty to see with nesting season in full swing. A downy woodpecker was feeding a youngster. Two eastern kingbirds were bringing food to a nest. And a pair of yellow-bellied sapsuckers took turns bringing bugs to a nest hole in a poplar where a noisy brood could be heard.

Eastern Kingbird with nest on leftWe observed 18 veeries, most of them singing, and saw one carrying food for young. Also carrying food were common yellowthroat and yellow warbler.

The swamp sparrows and marsh wrens were still pretty vocal while some of the flycatchers have gone silent. Fortunately, some sang so we could identify both alder and willow flycatchers. The quiet ones, however, went on our list as alder/willow flycatcher (or Traill’s flycatcher as these two were once considered one species).

Yellow-bellied SapsuckerNumerous black-and-white warblers were heard singing along the route, mostly along Whipple Hollow Road and lots of American redstarts were observed here and there. Overall, warbler activities, except for the expected ones in the marsh, were down. However, a Canada warbler was heard in its usual spot along Whipple Hollow Road.

The morning ended with a belted kingfisher carrying a fish across the marsh and into the woods, possibly to a nest hole in a bank nearby.

Our next walk is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 7 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

The list:
Mallard  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1
Mourning Dove  7
Chimney Swift  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Virginia Rail  2
American Bittern  3
Turkey Vulture  5
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Belted Kingfisher  2    
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Downy Woodpecker  5
Pileated Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Alder Flycatcher  4
Willow Flycatcher  4
Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's Flycatcher)  3
Eastern Phoebe  5
Eastern Kingbird  5
Yellow-throated Vireo  1    
Warbling Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  8
Blue Jay  3
American Crow  7
Common Raven  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2
Tree Swallow  6
Barn Swallow  2
Black-capped Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  1
Marsh Wren  12
Veery  18
Wood Thrush  2
American Robin  8
Gray Catbird  11
Brown Thrasher  1
European Starling  15
Cedar Waxwing  15
American Goldfinch  11
Song Sparrow  16
Swamp Sparrow  18
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Common Grackle  4
Ovenbird  5
Black-and-white Warbler  7
Common Yellowthroat  19
American Redstart  8
Yellow Warbler  15
Canada Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  6
Indigo Bunting  1
House Sparrow  4