The Rutland County Audubon Society will host bird walks in May, including the following:
Tuesday, May 17, 7:30 a.m., Endless Brook Bird and Wildflower Walk: All are welcome. Friendly birders in the group will happily share their knowledge. Bring water, a snack, insect repellent, binoculars, cameras and field guides. There usually is an opportunity to leave early if necessary. This three-mile walk is at a slow pace on easy to moderate terrain with opportunities for observing and taking photographs and will last about three hours. It is sponsored by RCAS and Slate Valley Trails. Contact Joel Tilley for more information at [email protected] (preferred method) or 802-598-2583 in the evening between 7 and 8 p.m. Meet at the Endless Brook trailhead on Endless Brook Road on the left, 0.9 miles from Vermont Route 30.
Thursday, May 19, 7 a.m., West Rutland Marsh Monitoring Walk: Join for the full 3.7-mile loop in this National Audubon IBA (Important Bird Area), or go halfway. Kids, new birders and nonmembers are always welcome. Participants can grow their birding skills with the society’s friendly and accomplished birders. Meet at the marsh boardwalk on Marble Street at 7 a.m. For more information, email [email protected].
Saturday, May 21, Annual Century Count: Rutland County Audubon Society will hold its annual Century Count on May 21. The day is devoted to scavenging the county for all species of birds with the hope of totaling 100 species or more. While it is much like the annual Christmas Count, the count is not limited by 15-mile parameters. This year once again participants will form several groups to cover the terrain. Meeting time will be 7 a.m. Participants should bring lunch and wear boots appropriate for hiking. Carpooling may be available depending on Covid status. To be assigned to a group, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 22, 7:30 a.m., Female Bird Walk: Joel Tilley will lead a female bird walk at the West Rutland Marsh This is a walk to identify female birds, not a walk just for female birders – all are welcome. Why focus on female birds? We often assume that female birds are less interesting to observe because they tend to be less colorful than the males, and “they don’t sing.” This last statement is demonstrably false, as more and more females are recorded with songs, often distinct from those of the males. Northern cardinals and red-winged blackbirds are two common examples. Participants will start to learn to distinguish between the sexes on this walk. Meet at the old boardwalk on Marble Street in West Rutland (not the new boardwalk on Whipple Hollow Road). Contact Joel Tilley for more information at [email protected] (preferred method) or 802-598-2583 in the evening between 7 and 8 p.m.
