Bohemian Waxwings.
This morning, while daydreaming my desk, staring out onto a partly cloudy day, I heard crows hollering at something. Thought about going out to check, but didn’t—and then I heard it. The clear, inimitable cry of a Red-tailed Hawk. At that point I dashed downstairs with my camera, but I knew I’d be too late. Saw the last of the crows sailing over the houses across the street.
Bohemian Waxwing.
It was only the third red-tail scream I’ve ever heard “live”—although I’m sure I’ve heard the movie version thousands of times. More even than the Wilhelm Scream.
In mid-afternoon, Jack and I took to the hill. Few birds, great views, some people, just the one dog. The sky was wild—even saw a few snowflakes at one point. (Temps were in the 30s and 40s (F).)
Sub-freezing tonight. Bright stars. Big waxing moon.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 2:45 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. American Robin
2. Black-capped Chickadee** (v)
3. American Crow*
4. American Goldfinch* (v)
Elsewhere
5. Blue Jay (v)
6. Tufted Titmouse (v)
7. White-breasted Nuthatch
8. Mourning Dove (v)
9. Red-tailed Hawk (v)
10. Herring Gull
11. Rock Pigeon
12. House Sparrow
13. Turkey Vulture
14. Bohemian Waxwing
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Friday trail.
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, Bohemian waxwing, herring gull, house sparrow, mourning dove, red-tailed hawk, rock pigeon, tufted titmouse, turkey vulture, white-breasted nuthatch
