Today was supposed to be storm day, and indeed there was wind and precipitation, but not as strong a wind, and not as much precipitation as I expected. At home, just a trace of snow, but at Beech Hill—just a mile and a half away inland—a couple of inches by the time we reached the trailhead. We were the second hiker group (following a solitary human) of the day.
Quite a few chickadees, distant crows, a flicker sighting, and a raven in overflight. We hiked all trails, and along the lower woods I heard a loud crack and watched as a huge branch of a hardwood tree plummet to the ground in the middle distance. That’ll get your attention.
On our return trip, more chickadees and a titmouse posed for photos.
Tomorrow is Christmas Count day, so we’ll be walking elsewhere early, but well likely still hit the hill in afternoon for a change. (The first time since our return to Maine?)
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:27 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Crow (v)
2. Black-capped Chickadee**
3. Northern Flicker
4. Red Crossbill
5. Common Raven
6. Tufted Titmouse*
Elsewhere
7. Mallard
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, common raven, mallard, northern flicker, red crossbill, tufted teitmouse
