Downy woodpecker.
The sun came out today. It had been a while. A mighty wind was whipping the boughs of the tall pines on the hill out back, and construction was happening out on Route 1, and the temperature got into the 40s (F), and snowmelt was going on. Meanwhile, I was sitting at the kitchen table, polishing off the cover of my first novel. By mid-afternoon, I couldn’t take it anymore. Grabbed my dog and headed out. After a few errands, we pulled into the parking lot at Beech Hill.
Skyscape.
Considering the mighty wind, I thought about wearing my parka; considering the sunshine and temperature, I decided to stick with only a hooded sweatshirt. But I did bring my scarf. And I carry gloves in the pickup. Bundled up, then Jack and I started up the trail.
Right away I spotted a chickadee flitting in the trees. Turning up the hill, I spied a downy woodpecker. A bright day, a bountiful sky, grainy slush on the trail instead of ice. I kept my eye out for hawks or bluebirds or robins but saw none. The view, however—not many views compare to the one you get atop Beech Hill.
Up and around the hut, and we started back down. Hood up, scarf around my face, gloves on my hands, sun in the sky—I felt completely comfortable. Which, for some reason, bothered me. I felt too comfortable. So I took off my gloves and stuffed them into my front pocket, pulled my hood off, tucked my scarf back down my neck. And the wind blew, stinging my ears. And my neck fingers felt the chill.
And it was just the right amount of discomfort. I felt alive.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee**
2. Downy woodpecker
3. American crow*
4. Herring gull*
Elsewhere
5. Rock pigeon
6. European starling
7. Mallard
8. Golden-crowned kinglet (v)
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, downy woodpecker, European starling, golden-crowned kinglet, herring gull, mallard, rock pigeon
