Jack-my-dog and I rose at about 5 a.m. this much-chillier-and-breezier morning, because I had the idea that we could rush over to Beech Hill and see the total lunar eclipse just before dawn. Got to the (crowded) main parking a little before 6 a.m., but it soon became apparent that we’d missed the eclipse. Many folks coming down with camera and video gear. “How was it?” I asked one. “Pretty good,” he replied (or something like that).
But never mind. I got photos of the pre-dawn sky. I had a bunch of early birds. Then we hurried over to the wooded trailhead and on the upper section of the lower trail, I spied some Pine Grosbeaks. Four of ’em. Heard them first (a very sweet but not very familiar voice), then spied the birds. Was the highlight of our hike.
A dozen birds again. Later, it being election day, I did my traditional last-of-year bicycle ride to the Town Office to vote. Nice. Fun. Appropriate.
I’ve dearly loved this day.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 5:58 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Crow
2. Black-capped Chickadee
3. American Goldfinch
4. Dark-eyed Junco
5. American Robin
6. Yellow-rumped Warbler
7. White-throated Sparrow
8. Eastern Bluebird
9. Pine Siskin
10. Pine Grosbeak
11. Purple Finch
12. Northern Cardinal
Elsewhere
13. Wild Turkey
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, black-capped chickadee, dark-eyed junco, eastern bluebird, northern cardinal, pine grosbeak, pine siskin, purple finch, white-throated sparrow, wild turkey, yellow-rumped warbler
