Thirty-one species were observed at West Rutland Marsh by 15 observers this morning during Rutland County Audubon's monthly walk. This compares with 32 species one year ago on March 19.

Highlights included a pair of of Wood Ducks sitting high in a tree. A pair of Hooded Mergansers was seen in the open water.

A Peregrine Falcon was observed in flight.

Five Tree Swallows were present.

Of the 39 Red-winged Blackbirds tallied, one was a female. The Song Sparrow bus has arrived with 22 counted (only 3 were reported in March 2009). 

Canada Goose     7
Wood Duck     7 
Mallard     13
Hooded Merganser     2
Great Blue Heron     1
Turkey Vulture     3
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Peregrine Falcon     1
Rock Pigeon     3
Mourning Dove     17
Downy Woodpecker     4
Blue Jay     5
American Crow     11
Common Raven     4
Tree Swallow     5
Black-capped Chickadee     31
White-breasted Nuthatch     3
Eastern Bluebird     1
American Robin     17
European Starling     12
American Tree Sparrow     2
Song Sparrow     22
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)     2
Northern Cardinal     4
Red-winged Blackbird     39
Common Grackle     16
Brown-headed Cowbird     2
Purple Finch     4
House Finch     2
American Goldfinch     61
House Sparrow     4

The next marsh walk is Saturday, April 17, 8 a.m.

Sue Elliott
http://www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org