The barrens.
Might be hard to believe, what with the wind and chill, but spring is only about three weeks away. In fact, portents are everywhere: the lengthening photoperiod, the warmer feel of the sun as its arc inches higher, the singing titmouse out back. Saw a sharp-shinned hawk a couple days ago. Saw a red-tailed hawk today near Chickawaukie Lake, with its entourage of crows. Stopped at a light in traffic this morning, I heard the resounding song of a cardinal through the windows of my pickup.
Beech Nut.
At Beech Hill, a handful of robins scattered as we hopped out into the parking lot. Heard the faint peeps of foraging chickadees—and the sweet short notes of eastern bluebirds.
Earlier tonight, I spent a moment contemplating the planets lined up with the moon high in the southwest sky. Some night a month from now, I’ll hear first burbles and tweets of the American woodcock’s miraculous spring flight song.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee
2. American robin
3. Eastern bluebird (voice)
Elsewhere
4. Herring gull
5. House finch
6. American crow
7. Northern cardinal
8. Red-tailed hawk
9. Rock pigeon
10. Tufted titmouse
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, herring gull, house finch, northern cardinal, red-tailed hawk, rock pigeon, tufted titmouse
