Ruby-throated hummingbird (juvenile).
Uncharacteristically, I didn’t sleep well last night.
Ruby-throated hummingbird (juvenile).
My friends know I’m physically active for a guy my age. I ride lots of miles on my bicycle, I hike daily with Jack. Those who really know me (you know who you are) realize I might tend to push myself a little hard—especially for a guy my age. I ride about as fast as I can, I hike in a hurry, take long strides, work up a good sweat. Well, a couple weeks ago I wrenched my right hip. It seemed to be getting a little better, though, until yesterday. Last night I was really limping around. Anyway, I didn’t sleep well.
Today, a rainy day, I nearly ditched my daily hike with dog for the first time in many months. Instead, as the rain appeared to be moving away, I took off work a bit early, grabbed Jack, and drove to Beech Hill, as usual. And found dozens of vehicles in the parking lot. Including one belong to Joe, the preserve steward, who was gathering things for a hike up. He reminded me that it was Coastal Mountains Land Trust annual meeting day.
So we all hiked up—although Jack and I lagged behind. Heard chickadees and (unexpectedly) the high scree! of a broad-winged hawk. (Jays mimic this hawk, but I feel confident this was the raptor itself.) A bunch of the usual birds calling after the rain. And then, as we rounded the long upper turn, a solitary barn swallow appeared and zipped along low above the blueberry fields. (Also unexpected.) And for the second straight day, I heard the song of a yellow warbler.
Eastern towhee (juvenile).
As we passed Beech Nut, we could hear a folk-singing duo entertaining folks in the hut, but we were headed over to where the blackberries are. Also catbirds and yellowthroats. I ate about a dozen ripe, juicy blackberries, I bet—and gave Jack a couple. Then, returning, I heard a loud hum above my head. I knew what that meant. And sure enough, there it was, a young ruby-throat perched on a twig close by. Snapped off a bunch of photos as it eyed us suspiciously, turning its head slightly back and forth and sticking out its outlandishly long tongue.
On our way back over, we stopped to chat for a moment. My hip wasn’t bothering me much, I was happy to discover. Goldfinches circled overhead as we hiked back down. And nearing the parking lot (unexpectedly), I spotted a downy woodpecker bouncing by. It came down in the trees across the road and began to call.
Tonight, I see stars. Tomorrow should be sunny. I wonder if I’ll ride my bike. If I sleep well—who knows?
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:15 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee
2. Broad-winged hawk (voice)
3. American goldfinch
4. Cedar waxwing (voice)
5. Eastern towhee
6. Barn swallow
7. American crow
8. Yellow warbler (voice)
9. Gray catbird
10. Common yellowthroat (voice)
11. Ruby-throated hummingbird
12. Downy woodpecker
Elsewhere
13. Northern cardinal
14. Herring gull
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, barn swallow, black-capped chickadee, broad-winged hawk, Cedar waxwing, common yellowthroat, downy woodpecker, eastern towhee, gray catbird, herring gull, northern cardinal, ruby-throated hummingbird, yellow warbler
