A morning similar to yesterday’s, but with no threat of rain. About 60° (F), breezy, dim, misty, with a cool breeze. We began our hike later than usual, dog and I, and I heard/saw few birds to start (although three Great Blue Herons in overflight was noteworthy). But after we’d covered about three-quarters of our route, things began picking up.
A vireo with two youngsters. A pair of gulls flying over. A kestrel in the summit, getting checked out by a hummingbird. Then—again, in a repeat of yesterday—as we approached the parking lot, we encountered a couple dozen birds, at least, flitting about the trees and trail.
The forecast was for rain pretty much all day. Up early to check the weather radar, noting that, although it’d rained at some point overnight, it wasn’t raining now. Radar showed no rain for a couple hours—so right away dog and I hit the trail.
Quiet, as I’d expected. Cool, fresh air, dramatic sky, but few bird species. Still a lovely morning.
On our return, only about a hundred yards from the truck, I noticed a bunch of little birds poking about in a couple hardwoods above the trail. First one I spotted was a Northern Parula. And for the next maybe ten minutes, Jack waited patiently while I stood there snapping photos of birds. Added eight species to my list during those minutes.
Not long after our return home, it began to rain. All day, pretty much—and pretty hard at times. Supposed to continue off and on until morning.
Real good to have the rain.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:59 a.m., I hiked all trails.
Another in a string of fair, cool mornings. When much of the rest of the country is suffering through heat waves and droughts and fires and flooding, dog and I are particularly lucky in these challenging days.
Plus, I had thirty bird species on my list today. Notable: a gull in the woods (?), first Hermit Thrush in a while, first Veery in a while, first Ovenbird in a while, first Savannah Sparrow in a while. The latter, in particular rather thrilled me.
What a lovely morning. To be followed by a day of rain—or so they say.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:40 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Black-capped Chickadee 2. American Crow 3. Red-eyed Vireo 4. Red-bellied Woodpecker 5. Ovenbird 6. Herring Gull 7. Brown Creeper 8. Hermit Thrush 9. White-breasted Nuthatch 10. Tufted Titmouse 11. Red-breasted Nuthatch 12. Eastern Towhee 13. Veery 14. Gray Catbird 15. American Goldfinch 16. Hairy Woodpecker 17. Song Sparrow 18. Yellow-rumped Warbler 19. Purple Finch 20. Common Yellowthroat 21. Savannah Sparrow 22. Field Sparrow 23. Cedar Waxwing 24. Rose-breasted Grosbeak 25. Yellow Warbler 26. Ruby-throated Hummingbird 27. Eastern Phoebe 28. Blue Jay 29. Least Flycatcher 30. Northern Flicker
Elsewhere
31. Northern Cardinal 32. Carolina Wren
Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel Eastern Chipmunk
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
