Took a hike up Beech Hill with Jack-my-dog early today for a change. Sunny, chilly, bright, portentous. Jays, catbird, and then a flurry of activity in the greenery on the way up—a little flock of White-throated Sparrows, along with at least one Tennessee Warbler. The chilly temperature, the flurry of bird activity, the fact that it’s getting along toward mid-September—no doubt migration has begun.
This morning’s hike felt so good that dog and I took another one come evening. Still clear, still cool, still reminiscent of fall migrations past.
In a week or so I’ll be on Monhegan Island. Can hardly wait.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., and again at 5:45 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Blue Jay** (v)
2. Gray Catbird (v)
3. White-throated Sparrow
4. Eastern Towhee
5. Tennessee Warbler
6. American Goldfinch (v)
7. Cedar Waxwing**
8. Purple Finch
9. Common Yellowthroat
10. American Crow*
11. Black-capped Chickadee
12. Song Sparrow (v)
13. Northern Flicker (v)
Elsewhere
14. House Finch (v)
15. Herring Gull
16. Mourning Dove
17. Double-crested Cormorant
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, Cedar waxwing, common yellowthroat, double-crested cormorant, eastern towhee, gray catbird, herring gull, house finch, mourning dove, northern flicker, purple finch, song sparrow, Tennessee warbler, white-throated sparrow