This morning’s hike was a fun one. Sub-freezing temps, but calm, with a nearly cloudless sky. In the woods, little birds abounded—chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches, a couple woodpecker species. Quieter at the summit, until I rounded Beech Nut and spied a Horned Lark.

First of the species I’d seen since last I’d seen one at Beech Hill, at least four—and maybe five or six or seven—years ago. Mostly I’ve seen them in flocks, I think, but this was a solitary bird who posed for a minute.

Thanks, lark.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 7:51 a.m., I hiked all trails.

1. American Goldfinch
2. Tufted Titmouse (v)
3. Black-capped Chickadee
4. Hairy Woodpecker
5. White-breasted Nuthatch**
6. Brown Creeper
7. American Robin
8. Horned Lark
9. American Crow* (v)
10. Red-breasted Nuthatch
11. Canada Goose (v)
12. Eastern Bluebird
13. Yellow-rumped Warbler
14. Downy Woodpecker (v)

Elsewhere

15. Ring-billed Gull
16. Herring Gull

(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year