7 November 2026

Archive for February, 2016

Winter at last

Friday, February 5th, 2016
Birch, Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport, Maine, 05 February 2016.

Birch.

Awoke to a snowy landscape. Maybe two-three inches on the ground, and wet snow descending pretty steadily. Temperature: 32 degrees (F).

After a couple hours of my typical morning routine, the snow had not let up, and I decided to take Jack up to Beech Hill for an early hike. We were the first there. The snow got a little heavier—and was wind-blown toward the summit (coming from the southwest, seemed like). Stung my eyes on our descent. No bird species seen or heard, although I’m not surprised: only three species on my list for the whole snowy day.

The roads were slippery as hell, frankly, four-wheel drive be damned. Avoided a couple mishaps. Did a couple errands. Returned to polish off some desk work.

And here it is tonight—and still snowing. There’s a foot on the ground, at least. Winter at last.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 10 a.m., I hiked the open trail.

No birds seen or heard on the hill today.

Elsewhere

1. American Goldfinch
2. Herring Gull
3. Downy Woodpecker (v)

v = Voice only

 

Blue-gray atmosphere

Thursday, February 4th, 2016
Eagle fly-by, near Mount Battie, Camden, Maine, 04 February 2016.

Eagle fly-by.

At about 8 a.m. (EST), when I first glanced at the temperature, I kind of did a double-take. That’s ’cause it was 49 degrees (F). On February 4th. At the 44th parallel.

Churning atmosphere, from Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport, Maine, 04 February 2016.

Our churning atmosphere.

Out in the dim, damp yard, I heard the rollicking call of a Pileated Woodpecker. Stood there for a moment until it called again—and the call was getting closer, and I looked up and saw the bird bouncing through the air high above the canopy. Soon after, I heard a batch of crows hollering at something, followed the sound, and spotted a big adult bald eagle winging its way along the same route as the woodpecker—maybe a little higher.

In afternoon, the Beech Hill trail was a muddy one, but that didn’t stop at least four of us hiking parties. Saw evidence of others. Heard only three bird species, though.

The blue-gray clouds were kind of amazing.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. American Crow* (v)
2. Black-capped Chickadee* (v)
3. Downy Woodpecker (v)

Elsewhere

4. Blue Jay (v)
5. Pileated Woodpecker
6. Mourning Dove
7. House Finch (v)
8. Bald Eagle
9. Herring Gull

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere

Chilly rain

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
Waterlogged, Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport, Maine, 03 February 2016.

Waterlogged.

Very dim skies early, about 30 degrees (F). Within an hour or so, the temperature rose and it began to drizzle. After another hour or so, the clouds grew too heavy—and we had a steady light rain for pretty much the rest of the day.

Also winds. Pretty stout winds, too. Southeasterly winds. Jack and I hiked the muddy hill late info. No other humans or dogs were crazy enough to venture up there, and I only encountered one bird species (chickadee).

Only three birds on the day—a chilly, watery day.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Black-capped Chickadee

Elsewhere

2. American Crow (v)
3. American Goldfinch

v = Voice only

 
Bird Report is a (sometimes intermittent) record of the birds I encounter while hiking, see while driving, or spy outside my window. —Brian Willson



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