Some days just have a load of cool in ’em. This was one of those days.
First was the early morning, and the chill in the air, and the bright sun that rose, splashing yellow light on the bronze oak leaves. The nip in the air at this time of year makes you just nervous enough to feel thrilled. No frost yet, but soon.
Second was the flock of geese that’s been browsing in a green, green grass field off Meadow Street. Perhaps they’re a nuisance these days, but I like to look at them.
Third was my afternoon hike with Jack, and the sun-and-clouds kind of sky, and the look of the cloud-shadows on the distant hills, and the familiar red blueberry barren, and the cooperative hermit thrush that made up for all the missed photos of yellow-rumps.
And, finally, there came a late-afternoon rainbow just as I walked out of work. Who doesn’t love a rainbow?
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 2:15 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Hermit Thrush
2. American Crow* (v)
3. Yellow-rumped Warbler
4. Black-capped Chickadee** (v)
5. American Robin* (v)
6. Song Sparrow (v)
7. Northern Flicker
8. American Goldfinch** (v)
9. Hairy Woodpecker** (v)
Elsewhere
10. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
11. House Sparrow (v)
12. Canada Goose
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, black-capped chickadee, Canada goose, hairy woodpecker, hermit thrush, house sparrow, northern flicker, song sparrow, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-rumped warbler