First view of Beech Nut.
The day after a good snowfall often brings the sun. Today was no exception: bright sunlight, a few high clouds, a bit of a thaw happening on the southern sides, and a little bird activity. This morning a chickadee came calling. House sparrows chirped from across the road. Crows in the vicinity, as always. And a titmouse singing his spring love song.
The trail.
Spent some time working, spent some time playing, did a few chores. Didn’t see many birds in town today—the usual herring gulls—and only one mallard at the Chickawaukie Lake outfall. But surely there’d be a few birds at Beech Hill.
A little wind from the west. A car along the road. Jack and I met a nice couple with a nice dog, Annie. We humans all had snowshoes. My little party ventured up ahead where others had snowshoed before us today.
I was curious about the trail. During the storm yesterday, when dog and I were first to climb the hill, I consciously made a crazy turn just before the steep part of the open trail. I wanted to see if those who came after would follow my path—despite what would surely be some drifting in the interim. Sure enough the now-well-worn track took a crazy turn just before the climb. (I got a kick out of it, although Jack frankly didn’t much care.)
Snow formations.
A blazing sun. White landscape, blue sky, sharp shadows. Interesting snow formations on the fields—including one miniature arch on the uphill side. Beech Nut seemed particularly snowbound today, and the bay particularly scenic (in a wintry kind of way).
No birds, though. None calling, none flitting, none soaring. Just the sun, the snow, the scenery—and a peaceful sort of quiet overlaying everything.
Back home, the house finches were chirping and singing. They sounded eager to get busy with the nest.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
No birds seen or heard on the hill today.
Elsewhere
1. Black-capped chickadee
2. House sparrow
3. American crow
4. Tufted titmouse
5. Herring gull
6. Mallard
7. House finch
Beech Nut.
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, herring gull, house finch, house sparrow, mallard, tufted titmouse
