Cloud.
For the past two nights, I’ve dreamed of riding a bicycle without handlebars. That, along with a temperature that made it up into the 50s (F) this sunny midday, convinced me it was finally time to break out my bike.
I had, ironically, waited until early afternoon, when I figured the day would reach its warmest, when by then clouds had moved over everything. Still warm, though, and not much wind, and the 18-mile ride was sublime. (In another bit of irony, I actually rode without hands—i.e., no handlebars—for at least one of those 18 miles.) Only two motorists cut me off, but I was ready for them. And two pedestrians told me hello in Camden. And it didn’t rain.
Also, I heard a ton of birds along my cycling route—just about every overwintering local inland resident except woodpeckers. And after the ride, I took a nice hike up Beech Hill with Jack.
Crows and chickadees and titmice on the hill. And in the southern sky, a lovely cloud.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:15 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee**
2. Tufted titmouse** (v)
3. American crow*
Elsewhere
4. House finch (v)
5. Blue jay (v)
6. Herring gull
7. Northern cardinal (v)
8. American robin
9. House sparrow (v)
10. Rock pigeon
11. European starling
12. Mallard
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, European starling, herring gull, house finch, house sparrow, mallard, northern cardinal, rock pigeon, tufted titmouse
