This morning dawned clear for the first time in several days. Warmish, too—low-30s (F), and not a lot of wind. Dog and I headed for the wooded trailhead in hopes that the trail wasn’t too slippery. We were the first, and I soon heard the voices of birds, and the trails weren’t aggravatingly slippery, and it turned out to be a lovely hike.

I thought the blue skies might presage a bluebird day, and it did! About a dozen or so of that species, with a couple-three yellow-rumps tagging along. Also robins, and other alluring sightings.

Final tally, eleven species. Likely a little snow tonight, but tomorrow should be a similar day. Best enjoy it, since the forecast calls for Friday night’s temps are forecast to dip to –15° (F) or below. Saturday will be an interesting one.

And on and on we go, Captain Jack and I.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:13 a.m., I hiked all trails.

1. White-breasted Nuthatch** (v)
2. Tufted Titmouse (v)
3. Black-capped Chickadee
4. American Crow* (v)
5. American Robin
6. Eastern Bluebird
7. Hairy Woodpecker
8. Yellow-rumped Warbler
9. American Goldfinch (v)
10. Northern Flicker
11. Herring Gull*

Mammals

Snowshoe Hare

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