Wind chill.

Last night I left the propane-fueled space heater on all night for the first time this winter. What with the chance for strong winds and plummeting temperatures, I thought it might take the edge off early—whereas usually I’m content to jump out of bed naked into low-50s (F) temperatures, take a quick shower, and dress in many layers. Definitely took the edge off. In fact, it wasn’t really as cold out as I thought it’d be.

S-curve.

The outside temperature was 7 degrees when I first looked. Definitely very windy, though—so the wind-chill warnings made sense. And then, as the sun rose in a cloudless sky, the temperature began to tip. Down to 5 degrees, then 4. I checked the weather online and determined that things should warm up slightly in afternoon, and the winds should moderate, so Jack and I didn’t head out until about 1:30 or two. The temp here was about 5 then. Didn’t seem all that bad.

Wind on the hill, though. But still I didn’t need gloves. (I find that pulling my hands up into my coat sleeves keeps them warmer.) And my GoPro-mounted ball cap seemed OK. Worried about Jack’s bare paws a little—but he did OK.

In fact, we saw three other people up there. Surprising. Also drifts—high drifts. Good thing I donned snowshoes.

Just one bird species on the hill: crow. Plenty of others elsewhere, though. Most of them in flight.

It’s down to zero again tonight. Crazy that in a couple days  it’s supposed to get up around 50 degrees and rain. Should be interesting.

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

1. American Crow*

Elsewhere

2. American Goldfinch (v)
3. Herring Gull
4. Mallard
5. Rock Pigeon
6. House Sparrow

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere