Wild TurkeysDespite the light snow and the temperature at a superfluous one degree, no wind made it an almost pleasant day for the 163rd monthly monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. Six participants tallied 20 species, two fewer than February 2014, but above the average of 18 for this month of the year.
Two of the highlights came from two seasons. The klonk-er-ree of a Red-Winged Blackbird was heard, probably from the small group of blackbirds that have overwintered at the marsh. Hope that spring may actually arrive!
A short while later a Northern Shrike was spotted atop a tree on Pleasant Street while a flock of chickadees below sounded the alarm.
A Common Raven was making popping sounds from one of the power poles that cross the marsh.
Twenty-three Wild Turkeys were taking shelter in a row of evergreens along Whipple Hollow Road.
The next marsh walk is scheduled for Thursday, March 19.
Today’s list:
Wild Turkey 23
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove 13
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Shrike 1
Blue Jay 17
American Crow 6
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 33
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
American Robin 1
European Starling 19
American Tree Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 10
Northern Cardinal 13
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 8
American Goldfinch 7
House Sparrow 9