Northern Flicker.
In the teens first thing this morning. Pretty nearly cloudless. Not windy, at least. Worked a lot before taking an early afternoon hike with Jack.
Not much up the hill today. No cars, no people, no dogs. The sound of a chainsaw and an earth-moving machine across from the gate where a new house is (apparently) going in.
Then, at the summit, flickers. First spotted a pair in a tree. They flew. Then spotted a pair—the same one, perhaps—up behind the spruce grove. They called to each other, calling out their name, then took off toward the woods. The cry of another flicker came from the opposite direction.
At least three flickers today. They’ve wintered over the past three years.
Not winter yet, though.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 2 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Northern Flicker
Elsewhere
2. House Sparrow
3. American Goldfinch (v)
4. Herring Gull
5. American Crow
6. Mourning Dove
7. Rock Pigeon
v = Voice only
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, herring gull, house sparrow, mourning dove, northern flicker, rock pigeon
