American redstart.
Three weeks ago this afternoon, I went down hard while descending a hill on Route 1 at a fast speed. Bruises, road rash, a broken collarbone, and a mixture of sheepishness, dismay, and regret. In the days that followed, I visited doctors, wore a sling, had my stitches out, depended on friends to buy me groceries. Not that long ago I managed to drive my standard-trans pickup for the first time.
American redstart (juvie).
I threw off the sling today.
Still a little stiff when lifting my camera, but this lovely, sunny afternoon, when I spotted a male redstart scrambling around to feed a begging youngster, I lifted it anyway. A broad-winged hawk flew over. At the end of his green leash, Jack was his usual patient self.
Lots of folks on Beech Hill today, especially with blueberry sales still going on. Not so many birds apparent. They’re there, just not apparent.
Waxwings in flocks. Many sails out in the bay. I bet this was a perfect day for sailing.
This evening I got reckless, started up the mower, and mowed the lawn for the first time in three weeks. It took a little effort, but as I finished up, I felt as if I’d climbed Mt. Everest.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:45 p.m, I hiked the open trail.
1. Eastern towhee (v)
2. American goldfinch (v)
3. American redstart
4. Broad-winged hawk
5. American crow* (v)
6. Cedar waxwing**
7. Common yellowthroat (v)
Elsewhere
8. House sparrow (v)
9. Herring gull
10. Black-capped chickadee (v)
11. Northern cardinal (v)
12. Gray catbird
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Cedar waxwing.
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American redstart, broad-winged hawk, Cedar waxwing, common yellowthroat, eastern towhee
