Common raven.

Zero, tops, when I awoke this morning. Sunny as all get-out. A little whiff of breeze (which, when you’re talkin’ zero, is significant). Needless to say, perhaps, I didn’t get out in it until it came time for Jack and me to head up to Beech Hill.

View from Beech Nut.

I worried a little about dog’s pads. I mean, here I was in waterproof hiking boots, insulated pants, two layers of undershirts, a hooded sweatshirt, a heavy winter coat (with hood), and gloves, and he was, well, completely naked. But he was a trooper, and we made it all the way up and back, no problem. Naturally, we were the only beings foolhardy enough to attempt the hike. But that just makes us special.

Coming up the first slope, I saw a big lone black bird flapping toward us from over the summit. I knew immediately it was a raven. And if for some reason I hadn’t known, it then began to croak loudly just to confirm its ID. That was the only bird around today when we were.

Cold. Breezy. Quick hike. Clear sky.

Late this afternoon, Jack and I went to pick up Boone, an Australian cattle dog friend of ours (full-blooded)—and a real sweetheart. He’s here with us for the week, so we’ll all be hiking together.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Common raven

Elsewhere

2. American crow
3. Black-capped chickadee
4. Tufted titmouse
5. Herring gull
6. Rock pigeon