Chestnut-sided warbler (juvie).

Another busy ol’ day. Too busy for a bike ride, even—but Jack and I did take our routine Beech Hill hike. Sun, warm, breeze, a few looming clouds. At first not many birds made themselves apparent. The usual species. Notably, though, a white-throated sparrow popped up at the summit flitted up into one of the spruce trees.

Common yellowthroat.

Saw young chestnut-sided warblers again. Yellowthroats were also quiet. Did hear a yellow warbler (missing yesterday); did not hear or see bluebirds or waxwings.

Returning, nearing the parking lot, I heard a black-billed cuckoo very near and we froze. Tried sneaking slowly up on it, but I just can’t seem to spot those guys in the thick greenery. Also, maybe my hearing isn’t directional enough these days. Oh, well.

After a flurry of last-minute species (mostly heard, except for a broad-wing, which flew suddenly over), I ended up with twenty-one on my list somehow.

Calm and mild this evening, with a waxing moon.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 5 p.m., I hiked the wooded trail.

1. Red-eyed vireo (v)
2. American goldfinch (v)
3. Eastern towhee
4. Common yellowthroat
5. Mourning dove*
6. American redstart (v)
7. American robin
8. Yellow warbler (v)
9. Savannah sparrow
10. Song sparrow**
11. American crow*
12. Field sparrow
13. White-throated sparrow
14. Gray catbird
15. Black-capped chickadee (v)
16. Chestnut-sided warbler
17. Alder flycatcher
18. Black-billed cuckoo (v)
19. Broad-winged hawk
20. Chipping sparrow (v)
21. White-breasted nuthatch (v)

Elsewhere

22. Herring gull
23. House sparrow
24. Northern cardinal (v)

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere

Jack in the grass.