American Crow.
I love an overcast day. Especially a calm one. Something about the sense of envelopment, a protective covering, a cozy room here in the low-ceilinged atmosphere of our planet. No fear of slipping away into raw unending blue.
White-breasted Nuthatch.
This was such a day. Got up early, breakfast, desk work. More desk work. (Type design can be tedious.) Finally, a trip with Jack to town to take care of a few errands, and then a hike up a hill.
Just one vehicle when we arrived, which happened to belong to a friend. We met him and his good dog at the summit and had a nice chat. Heard news of a kestrel hunting up there a couple days ago. A few birds about, including a pair of juncos chasing each other across the road. On our way up to Beech Hill, I caught sight of a Red-tailed Hawk being chased by crows.
The temperature hovered below freezing all day. Here, now, tonight, it’s still in the 20s (F), but calm. Sweet. Benign.
Soon I’ll see a kestrel. And hear a woodcock.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:45 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. White-breasted Nuthatch
2. Black-capped Chickadee**
3. American Crow*
4. American Robin*
5. Dark-eyed Junco
6. Tufted Titmouse** (v)
Elsewhere
7. Blue Jay (v)
8. American Goldfinch (v)
9. Mourning Dove (v)
10. Herring Gull
11. House Sparrow
12. Turkey Vulture
13. Rock Pigeon
14. Red-tailed Hawk
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, dark-eyed junco, herring gull, house sparrow, mourning dove, red-tailed hawk, rock pigeon, tufted titmouse, turkey vulture, white-breasted nuthatch
