’Tis the season for wild bird curiosities. Most notable this morning during my hike with dog this bright, nippy morning was a Snow Bunting hanging around Beech Nut, pecking around in the snow-free grass.
But also there were two grouse, a Mallard in the “vernal” pool, and a first-of-year Fox Sparrow.
The sparrow in particular caught my attention, since I’ve been thinking about the only individuals of that species I’ve ever seen on the hill, maybe eight or two years ago, at about this time of year. Did not see this bird, but its bright, brief song was unmistakable.
Tomorrow is April (Captain Jack’s fifteenth birthday!). It’s supposed to rain much of the day. I wonder what kind of miracles will occur.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 7 a.m. sun time (8 stupid DST), I hiked all trails.
1. American Robin
2. Tufted Titmouse**
3. Black-capped Chickadee
4. Downy Woodpecker
5. Golden-crowned Kinglet
6. Blue Jay**
7. Mallard
8. Ruffed Grouse
9. Northern Cardinal (v)
10. Eastern Bluebird
11. American Crow*
12. Herring Gull*
13. Song Sparrow**
14. Yellow-rumped Warbler
15. American Goldfinch**
16. Snow Bunting
17. Fox Sparrow (v)†
18. Pileated Woodpecker (v)
Elsewhere
13. Wild Turkey
14. House Sparrow (v)
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, downy woodpecker, eastern bluebird, fox sparrow, golden-crowned kinglet, herring gull, house sparrow, mallard, northern cardinal, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, snow bunting, song sparrow, tufted titmouse, wild turkey, yellow-rumped warbler
