Weskeag Marsh.
The two dogs and I spent a quiet morning working and/or napping, but by midday we were getting antsy, so we took a little ride.
Winter bay.
First, to Beech Hill, where a pair of ravens were swooping around the summit. The trail was icy and uneven and really rather treacherous for a guy wearing worn out hiking boots, but I never fell down. At the top, I spotted a flicker in flight. Also some gulls in flight down toward Route 1. Then I saw one of the ravens with something in its beak. And heard some crows.
After Beech Hill, we ran a few errands, one of which took us near the Thomaston town line, so I swung down Buttermilk Lane just to take a peek at Weskeag Marsh in winter. Thought I might see a hawk or a snowy owl, but all I saw were a line of crows way out in the ice. In a short couple months, this wetland will be crawling with migrating shorebirds—well, not crawling exactly, but you know what I mean.
The rest of the day passed quietly and with mixed sun and clouds above. A pretty lovely February day, all things considered.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 12:45 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Common Raven
2. Northern flicker
3. Herring Gull*
4. American Crow*
Elsewhere
5. House Finch (v)
6. Tufted Titmouse (v)
7. Black-capped Chickadee
8. American Robin
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, common raven, herring gull, house finch, northern flicker, tufted titmouse
