American crow.
When I first glanced out at the thermometer this morning, not that long after dawn, the arrow was pointing below zero (F). When I first stepped out into the sunny day, the temperature was probably hovering about zero—and above me in the trees somewhere, a chickadee was singing its spring fee-bee! Considering it’s not even winter yet, that’s what I’d call optimism.
Low sun.
Crows were zipping about out back, cawing at each other. You could almost see their breaths.
Worked a bunch, shoveled out a corner that’s been creating ice (under-snow runoff), dashed up to Beech Hill with Jack. Didn’t bother with snowshoes today (although I did bring them, just in case). It was in the teens, but some cloud cover had moved over, and the air was still, so I didn’t put up my hood until we’d neared the summit. Saw a few chickadees, heard a vocal flicker.
Tonight it’s snowing again, pretty steadily. Will be interesting to see how much new snow I’ll be contending with tomorrow.
And it’s not winter yet.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 2:45 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee*
2. Northern flicker (v)
Elsewhere
3. American crow
4. Herring gull
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, herring gull, northern flicker
