Birch.
Raining when I awoke. Pretty much rained all day. Plus, it never got out of the 50s (F). But that’s OK, especially when I think of the folks back home in Texas, where it hasn’t rained a drop in months—and wildfires have burned thousands of acres (including most of lovely, piney Bastrop State Park). Even sweeter, for me, was the very near cry of an osprey this morning out there in the rain.
Cedar waxwing.
But I stuck to my desk all day and didn’t venture out until closing time, when Jack and I headed for what promised to be a soggy hike up Beech Hill.
No one there but us, of course. And some chickadees—a nice surprise. But although I stood there getting wet for a few long minutes, I saw no entourage birds, just chickadees (little darlings that they are). I didn’t expect to see much more in the way of birds. But I did happen to spot a solitary, silent crow flying away in the mist down the southern slope. And near the summit I was surprised to see a savannah sparrow flit across the trail and dip into the wet grass and out of sight. And as we circled Beech Nut I heard the cry of a towhee.
We headed swiftly down through the chill mist and drizzle. Had I been paying closer attention, I might even have nabbed a photo of the hawk that had been perched low in one of the trail-side birches but flapped away at our approach, keeping low to the ground. A sharpie. Nice.
So we slowed our pace down the last rise in case I might be able to spot it on another perch. Instead I heard waxwings and then caught sight of the birds, two of them, flying frantically above us in great circles. Also heard a goldfinch from somewhere (also in flight, I’m pretty sure). Were the birds on the move because of the hawk? Not sure, but suddenly it flew again—again from a nearby, low perch—sailed across above us about forty feet, and continued off to the south.
Chickawaukie Lake.
So we picked up our pace again and startled a catbird in the thick foliage of the lower trail. Better to walk slowly when out birding.
Still raining tonight. Still pretty cold out. That means I’ll be sleeping well.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee
2. American crow
3. Savannah sparrow
4. Eastern towhee (voice)
5. Sharp-shinned hawk
6. Cedar waxwing
7. American goldfinch (voice)
8. Gray catbird
Elsewhere
9. Osprey
10. Mourning dove
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, black-capped chickadee, Cedar waxwing, eastern towhee, gray catbird, mourning dove, osprey, savannah sparrow, sharp-shinned hawk
