Distant red-tail.

Cloudless and sub-freezing still. Ice on the stair. Made and drank some coffee while screwing around online for a while, then took Jack for a morning hike. We were the first vehicle at the Beech Hill Road parking lot today, surprisingly. I love that, though, because it means I can sneak quietly around in pursuit of any birds that might be lurking. Snowy Owl anyone? (Probably just getting my hopes up.)

Black-capped Chickadee.

No owls today, but some interesting species. E.g., a solitary Yellow-rumped Warbler down in the tangles on the woods side of the hill. Also while down there I heard a high, husky trill-like call that I couldn’t place at once. Lucky for me, I spotted the bird perched high in a small, naked tree. A waxwing. A Bohemian Waxwing. I believe that’s the first of this species I’ve ever seen hanging out along.

Also heard a raven and some geese. Spotted a few other species—like a distant Red-tailed Hawk riding a November thermal.

Tonight is starry. I see Sirius.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 10:15 a.m., I hiked the open trail—and a little bit more.

1. Black-capped Chickadee**
2. American Goldfinch (v)
3. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
4. American Crow*
5. Red-winged Hawk
6. Northern Flicker
7. Common Raven
8. Canada Goose (v)
9. Yellow-rumped Warbler
10. Bohemian Waxwing

Elsewhere

11. House Sparrow
12. Herring Gull
13. European Starling

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