As forecast, it snowed a little overnight. But after that, at least down here near the coast, it drizzled, sprinkled, rained. Up on Beech Hill, though, there was a tad more snow—maybe two inches total. But the temperature was nearly 40° (F) when we hit the hill, so things felt more watery than snowy.
But, man, were there birds. Nothing too outlandish, no first-of-years, but many species. Something like fourteen spedies by the time we left the parking lot.
On up the hill, not to many others—and no bluebirds for a change—but down in the woods, as dog and I descended on the trail where it gets fluid and muddy, I said aloud to Jack, “There might be a woodcock down here.” Didn’t scan the trail, however, so when I flushed it, right away I felt like an idiot.
At least I called out the little guy.
Nineteen species again this morning—a number I’ve hit a few times this spring. Looking forward to another cool hike tomorrow. (Will I hit twenty?)
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 7:47 a.m. real time (8:47 DST time), I hiked all trails.
1. Blue Jay
2. Northern Cardinal
3. American Crow
4. Mourning Dove
5. Tufted Titmouse
6. Dark-eyed Junco
7. Black-capped Chickadee
8. Downy Woodpecker
9. Hairy Woodpecker
10. Red-bellied Woodpecker
11. Red-breasted Nuthatch
12. Song Sparrow
13. American Goldfinch
14. American Robin
15. Herring Gull
16. American Woodcock
17. Pileated Woodpecker
18. White-breasted Nuthatch
19. Eastern Bluebird
Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, American woodcock, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, dark-eyed junco, downy woodpecker, eastern bluebird, eastern gray squirrel, hairy woodpecker, herring gull, mourning dove, northern cardinal, pileated woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, red-breasted nuthatch, song sparrow, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch
