American robins.
The first of February, and wnter has returned. At least winter temperatures have returned. Didn’t get much warmer than 20 degrees (F) today—a day, however, with plenty of sun and little snow, thanks to the recent thaw. Even the ice on the open Beech Hill trail has mostly melted away.
Barren.
When Jack and I got there late in the day—late, but not quite so dark—no one was there to greet us. None but a few chickadees, that is. And a wicked, gusty wind. The barrens were russet or bronze, and down the southern slope, I noticed a flock of robins zipping around a big clump of staghorn sumac.
Elsewhere, I spotted quite a few birds (and heard house sparrows). Soon, it being February, eagle nesting will commence. I might even do a little ice skating.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee
2. American robin
Elsewhere
3. American crow
4. House sparrow (v)
5. Herring gull
6. Rock pigeon
7. Ring-billed gull
8. Mallard
9. Mourning dove
v = Voice only
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, herring gull, house sparrow, mallard, mourning dove, ring-billed gull, rock pigeon
