Fall leaf.
November made a cold and windy entrance. High winds and dipping temperatures, and for the first time since spring I wrapped a scarf around my neck before dog and I set off for Beech Hill. And Jack wore his blaze-orange jacket for the first time since last year. I’d looked for his jacket a couple times already, but I’d misplaced it when transferring stuff from my former truck to my current one—couldn’t remember where I’d carried it off to.
Finally tracked it down today in the back room by the door.
Really blowing on the hill. Gray skies. A little rain splatter. Considering the raw weather, I was surprised to meet a couple other hikers up there today. Birds were scarce, too. In fact, I kept mistaking flying leaves for birds. The north wind was flinging leaves loose from the oaks and blowing them high and carrying them along toward the south. It was really rather impressive.
I did see chickadees, yellow-rumps, and a distant crow.
Back home, I saw a titmouse—soon after which the rain arrived. It’s been raining pretty good for much of the night, and it’s expected to continue until it’s time to change the clocks back and beyond, and it’s supposed to turn into snow and sleet tomorrow. Up to five inches worth.
I’m glad I found Jack’s blaze orange jacket.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 11:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
2. Black-capped Chickadee
3. Yellow-rumped Warbler
4. American Crow*
Elsewhere
5. Herring Gull
6. Tufted Titmouse
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, herring gull, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-rumped warbler
