The forecast rain arrived a bit earlier than the weather radar suggested, so dog and I got rather soaked this morning, but we didn’t care. Moderate temperatures, nice bit of wind, on-and-off showers keeping Jack cool—frankly, we both loved it.
We only hiked the main trial, though, meaning my daily list has few bird species. And only one that posed for a semi-decent photo: a juvie towhee.
Thundershowers overnight, but the sun should emerge at some point tomorrow.
Beech Hill List Starting at 7:03 a.m. EST (8:03 DST), I hiked the main trail.
1. Gray Catbird 2. Black-capped Chickadee 3. American Goldfinch (v) 4. Eastern Towhee 5. American Crow 6. Eastern Bluebird (v) 7. Song Sparrow* 8. Eastern Phoebe 9. Common Yellowthroat (v) 10. Herring Gull* 11. Cedar Waxwing 12. Red-shouldered Hawk 13. Northern Cardinal (v) 14. Hermit Thrush (v)
Elsewhere
15. Mourning Dove
Mammals
16. American Red Squirrel
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
When dog and I started up the wooded trail this morning, the temperature was in the 50s (F). Mostly sunny, and I knew this summer day would warm, but the coolness invigorated us both, I think. Also a few birds.
Before long, for instance, standing in one place, I added five woodpecker species to my early list. Near the top of the woods, I heard the loud, croaking calls of two ravens (first in weeks). At the end of our hike, I spied the first redstart in a while—and, for good measure, heard the unmistakable cry of an Osprey.
In other news, before our hike I heard a Carolina Wren in the woods at the edge of the yard, and afterward, I helped reintroduce a lost juvie robin to its parent(s). An all-around good day.
Beech Hill List Starting at 7:05 a.m. EST (8:05 DST), I hiked all trails.
First I looked at the thermometer this morning, the temp was in the 50s (F). But soon enough, the nice cool hike to start for dog and me became rather warm. The breeze helped—as did the ol’ birding distraction. Still plenty of juvies (among them a towhee that posed), but my total species count was pretty low.
Still had a few exciting moments—a calling Red-shouldered Hawk, juvie towhees and Chestnut-sided Warblers.
This afternoon some rain fell, and I heard a rumble of thunder. Looking forward to seeing how tomorrow shapes up.
Beech Hill List Starting at 7:22 a.m. EST (8:22 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. Red-eyed Vireo 2. Blue Jay 3. American Goldfinch 4. Black-throated Green Warbler 5. Chestnut-sided Warbler 6. Veery 7. Downy Woodpecker 8. Eastern Towhee 9. Eastern Wood-pewee 10. Black-capped Chickadee 11. Tufted Titmouse 12. American Crow 13. Cedar Waxwing 14. Alder Flycatcher 15. Song Sparrow 16. Red-shouldered Hawk 17. Common Yellowthroat 18. Gray Catbird 19. Hermit Thrush 20. Turkey Vulture 21. Tree Swallow 22. Hairy Woodpecker
Elsewhere
23. Herring Gull 24. Eastern Phoebe
Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
