Beech Nut.
We had what you might call crazy weather here on the 44th parallel today. High winds, power outages, warm temperatures. And by warm—it’s still January, remember—I mean 50 degrees (F), at least. But by mid-afternoon, the overcast broke up, and the sun shone down through fast-moving clouds. So, naturally, Jack and I got out in it.
Shadows.
As we started up the Beech Hill trail, a few chickadees flitted through the trees. I heard a titmouse. The trail had changed since yesterday, what with some soaking rain last night—soggy, muddy, with still a few patches of slick ice. I heard the calls of a flicker from down the slopes. The wind blew strong and steady from the south-southwest, but I managed to keep my hat on. A couple other hikers up there.
Mainly, though, the mix of sun and clouds made for some dramatic photos.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee
2. Tufted titmouse (v)
3. Northern flicker (v)
Elsewhere
4. American crow
5. Herring gull
6. American robin
v = Voice only
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, herring gull, northern flicker, tufted titmouse
