Had a lovely hike with dog this morning. Coolish, a slight breeze, bright sun above the shady early canopy. The most memorable moment came early, when a Wood Thrush flitted up onto a branch directly in front of us. I froze. Jack froze. I took a bunch of photos in the dim light, hoping one or two would come out OK.
(Wood Thrushes are a shy breed, in my experience, so I felt rather blessed.)
We didn’t hike as early as yesterday, dog and I, and the temperature was a bit warmer, and the air was still, and the woods were pretty quiet to start. Had only about dozen species on my list by the time we reached the top of the lower wooded trail (which I now find I like to begin with)—but then things got a little interesting.
Quite a nice selection today—though nothing too outlandish. My personal best moment, perhaps, was hearing the voice of a raven late in our hike. (I miss ravens.)
A few birds posed, many more demurred. But that’s OK. There’s always tomorrow to look forward to.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:07 a.m., I hiked all trails.
Got up to the trail head early, dog and I. And, wow, what a day.
Noteworthy:
Wild Turkey poult in tree.
• a first-of-year Chimney Swift flew over as we approached the summit • a Wood Frog appeared on the lower wooded trail, expertly camouflaged • a White-tailed Deer bounded away as we reached the summit (and for the first time I heard the alarm call of a white-tailed deer—since this one must’ve had a fawn or two nearby) • a group of about sixteen turkeys flushed as we returned down the upper trail, with the many poults flying up into the trees
I’d redo this hike again, if I could. (Ahh, summertime!)
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:07 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Red-eyed Vireo** 2. Black-throated Green Warbler (v) 3. Hermit Thrush (v) 4. Ovenbird (v) 5. American Goldfinch** 6. Tufted Titmouse (v) 7. Black-and-white Warbler 8. Chestnut-sided Warbler 9. Northern Cardinal** (v) 10. American Crow* 11. Black-capped Chickadee 12. American Robin* (v) 13. American Redstart 14. Downy Woodpecker 15. Northern Flicker (v) 16. Eastern Wood-pewee 17. Blue Jay (v) 18. Eastern Towhee 19. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 20. Brown Creeper (v) 21. Common Yellowthroat 22. Turkey Vulture 23. Gray Catbird (v) 24. Yellow Warbler 25. Song Sparrow** 26. Cedar Waxwing 27. Chimney Swift† 28. Alder Flycatcher (v) 29. Field Sparrow 30. Red-breasted Nuthatch** (v) 31. Prairie Warbler (v) 32. Savannah Sparrow 33. Wild Turkey
Elsewhere
34. Rock Pigeon 35. Broad-winged Hawk (v)
Mammals
Eastern Chipmunk White-tailed Deer
Amphibians
Wood Frog
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
