Pair of bluebirds.
For the past four or five years, little flocks of Eastern Bluebirds have been sticking around all winter here at the 44th parallel. That first year I was shocked to see the colorful little birds flitting around the roadsides during snowstorms. But lately, it’s not been surprising. This morning was in the 20s (F) when Jack and I started up the trail—and windy. Didn’t seem to bother the bluebirds any.
Northern Flickers have also stuck around all winter the past few years. And in the warmer seasons, a few southern species have shown up in the past decade or so—and have nested (e.g., Red-bellied Woodpeckers). On the other hand, I haven’t seen an Evening Grosbeak or heard a Whip-poor-will in a decade or so.
For sure we’re experiencing anthropogenic warming. And as an old guy who’s kept track of local bird populations for going on 40 years, I can tell you it’s happening pretty fast.
But as an eternal optimist, I can tell you it sure was sweet to get good looks at bluebirds this morning.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:30 a.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. American Goldfinch (v)
2. American Crow*
3. Eastern Bluebird
4. Yellow-rumped Warbler
5. Song Sparrow
6. Downy Woodpecker (v)
7. Brown Creeper
8. American Robin (v)
9. Black-capped Chickadee**
10. Herring GullI*
Elsewhere
11. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
12. European Starling
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, black-capped chickadee, brown creeper, downy woodpecker, eastern bluebird, European starling, herring gull, song sparrow, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-rumped warbler
