Common Raven.
The day before the storm
A pair of ravens flew
One at a time across the sky,
Each muttering magic calls
Of “glug” and “cluck” and “cu.”
White-breasted Nuthatch.
Before tomorrow’s storm
A Northern Cardinal sang,
As did a Black-capped Chickadee
And a Brown-headed Cowbird—
First cowbird of the year.
Before new snow piles up
My dog Jack and I hiked
Among ten hopeful bird species,
Singing, anticipating
The coming equinox.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 9 a.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. American Crow*
2. Black-capped Chickadee**
3. Blue Jay (v)
4. Tufted Titmouse (v)
5. American Robin* (v)
6. Common Raven
7. Northern Cardinal
8. Herring Gull*
9. Brown-headed Cowbird† (v)
10. White-breasted Nuthatch**
Elsewhere
11. Mallard
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, brown-headed cowbird, common raven, herring gull, mallard, northern cardinal, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch
