Brrrrrr! Twelve degrees greeted eight participants for our 149th consecutive monthly monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. Fortunately a crystal clear day and no wind compensated for the chilly temperatures.
Nineteen species were tallied, matching last year’s December count, and one above our December average.
While a handful of American Tree Sparrows took advantage of the feeding station at the kiosk (some singing), a large flock of 23 was observed further down Marble Street. The cheery song of a Carolina Wren was heard along Whipple Hollow Road.
Other highlights included two Red-tailed Hawks basking in the morning sun and a lone Red-winged Blackbird, hopefully winging south.
The next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, at 8 AM.
Today's list:
Canada Goose 32
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove 30
Downy Woodpecker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 21
Black-capped Chickadee 42
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 1
European Starling 3
American Tree Sparrow 31
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 8
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 8
House Sparrow 6