Savannah Sparrow.
Just about every day for the past couple of weeks, I’ve walked slowly around the first curve in the Beech Hill trail, just beyond the parking lot, and have caught at least a brief glimpse of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. A couple times an adult female, once an adult male, a couple times a juvenile—today, an adult female and a juvie. The trunks they’ve perforated are in the shade. Sometimes they sit perfectly still in hopes you don’t see them. This afternoon, they both emitted little alarm cries before flitting off through the thick shady foliage.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
In the brilliant sun, where the blueberries are ripening, Savannah Sparrows have begun to sing again. I love the subtle, sibilant song of the Savannah Sparrow. It’s easy to miss, but it really carries.
These nights have been cool and lovely. You’ve got to soak ’em up, because they’ll end all too soon.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 5:15 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. American Redstart (v)
2. Cedar Waxwing
3. Black-capped Chickadee (v)
4. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
5. Eastern Towhee (v)
6. Purple Finch (v)
7. Yellow Warbler (v)
8. Chestnut-sided Warbler
9. American Robin* (v)
10. Song Sparrow**
11. Common Yellowthroat
12. Gray Catbird*
13. Red-eyed Vireo** (v)
14. Savannah Sparrow
15. American Crow*
16. Eastern Phoebe
Elsewhere
17. Herring Gull
18. Ovenbird (v)
19. House Sparrow
20. Rock Pigeon
21. Chipping Sparrow (v)
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American redstart, American robin, black-capped chickadee, Cedar waxwing, chestnut-sided warbler, chipping sparrow, common yellowthroat, eastern phoebe, eastern towhee, herring gull, house sparrow, ovenbird, purple finch, red-eyed vireo, rock pigeon, savannah sparrow, song sparrow, yellow warbler, yellow-bellied sapsucker
