White-throated sparrow.
Damn, what a lovely day. I worked a little in the morning, and then I got bottles and cans and recycling material together and went to the redemption center and dump. And then Jack and I ended up at Beech Hill—hiking early.
Black-capped chickadee, Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport, Maine, 02 November 2013.
We started in the wooded section, each wearing eye-catching orange, and saw quite a few birds—including a hermit thrush and (soon after) a sharp-shinned hawk, zipping between tree trunks. Heard and saw plenty of yellow-rumps, couple of sparrows, a surprise goldfinch, crows. Also saw tiny flying insects and a big fat dragonfly and heard crickets in the fields.
Quite a few people up there, and another dog or two. Truly gorgeous weather.
Immediately afterward, I intended to ride twenty miles on my bike, but I found out the Texas Longhorns were playing an afternoon game. I hesitated. I looked at the weather (rain and possible snow tomorrow?). I decided to go ahead and watch the game—but during half-time, I went out and gave the lawn its final mow of the year.
I see no rain tonight just yet. In fact, the stars are out still. And it’s not all that cold.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 1:15 p.m., I hiked all trails.
1. White-throated sparrow
2. Black-capped chickadee*
3. American goldfinch (v)
4. Yellow-rumped warbler
5. Hermit thrush
6. Sharp-shinned hawk
7. American crow*
8. House finch** (v)
9. Tufted titmouse
10. Downy woodpecker (v)
11. Northern flicker (v)
12. Song sparrow (v)
Elsewhere
13. Blue jay (v)
14. Herring gull
15. House sparrow
16. Rock pigeon
17. Mallard
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Life jacket.
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, downy woodpecker, hermit thrush, herring gull, house finch, house sparrow, mallard, northern flicker, rock pigeon, sharp-shinned hawk, song sparrow, tufted titmouse, white-throated sparrow, yellow-rumped warlber
