Birdhouses.

A brilliant, snow-covered morning. Temperature of about 20 (F) first thing, but rising up toward freezing as the day progressed. I swept off the truck, scraped ice from the windows, took Jack and my snowshoes to Beech Hill.

I was the first to make a snowshoe track, although a cantankerous fellow with a loose-running dog had made an attempt without snowshoes. When I informed him of the leash rule, he told me he didn’t agree with it—although he didn’t sound very philosophical when he said that. Takes all kinds, I guess.

Lovely snowshoe, though. Few birds, many photos, a few other hikers (even some picnickers) heading up as we returned to the truck.

Tonight is starry and warmish. Finally, winter.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 9:45 a.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. American Crow* (v)
2. Black-capped Chickadee** (v)
3. Mourning Dove

Elsewhere

4. American Goldfinch
5. Blue Jay (v)
6. Tufted Titmouse (v)
7. Downy Woodpecker (v)
8. House Sparrow
9. Herring Gull
10. Mallard
11. House Finch (v)
12. Rock Pigeon

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