American kestrel.
Today was cloudless, pretty much, and chillier than yesterday—upper 40s (F), I’d guess—and although I’d intended another bike ride, I didn’t end up getting out at all until the day was nearly done. My only trip with Jack? You guessed it.
Black-capped chickadee.
We found a handful of other cars in the Beech Hill parking lot. And I found a few birds first thing—heard them, anyway—including a few more yellow-rumps. Stragglers. As we got about half-way up, I spotted a hawk veering across the trail ahead of us and assumed it was another harrier until it pulled up on a small tree branch and I recognized it as our smallest falcon. An American kestrel stopping by.
The kestrel flew to a farther perch before I could attempt photos, so they weren’t as fine as I’d hoped. But still. Always nice to see one of these handsome little birds.
Met a friend and her daughter on their way down, and we chatted for a moment while a Savannah sparrow patrolled the trail nearby. Chickadees up there also, and a flicker calling in the distance.
Our return trip was nice, too, facing the setting sun, inhaling the bracing air. A house finch flew over, chipping. Then, near the road, a flock of juncos fluttered away.
Tonight—a still, crisp, starry night—I’m thinking about the prospective “perfect storm” that’s expected to strafe the eastern seaboard within the next few days.
Should be interesting.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. White-breasted nuthatch (v)
2. American crow* (v)
3. Hairy woodpecker
4. Yellow-rumped warbler
5. American robin* (v)
6. American kestrel
7. Savannah sparrow
8. Black-capped chickadee**
9. Northern flicker (v)
10. House finch
11. Dark-eyed junco
Elsewhere
12. Herring gull
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
