Birders almost equaled bird species for RCAS’s monthly monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh this morning. With clear skies and the forecast promising temperatures in the 60s, no one minded much.
Nineteen observers counted 21 species. Although this seems low it still beats last year’s 19 which is also our 16-year average. Past November walks have yielded anywhere from 11 to 27 species.
There were no real surprises. Raptors consisted of five red-tailed hawks and one Cooper’s hawk.
A belted kingfisher was seen from the boardwalk as it flew from Water Street to the power lines. A northern flicker was heard and a red-bellied woodpecker was seen.
Eastern bluebirds were heard singing, but not seen. Sparrows were represented by three American tree sparrows and a lone junco.
The next walk is scheduled for Thursday, December 8.
Today’s list:
Mallard 4
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 6
Mourning Dove 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 23
American Crow 9
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 43
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
European Starling 20
American Tree Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 1
Northern Cardinal 4
American Goldfinch 20