Snowy Owl.

Got a nice surprise on a yucky hike up Beech Hill today with dog. Wet snow fell over much of Maine, but here along the coast—with the temperature just above freezing—it was mostly just a chill, raw drizzle.

But right away there were ravens. A pair of them, flying, croaking. I got a fairy crappy photo of one.

Common Raven.

And then a busy little chickadee nearby.

And at the summit, after coming up along the side of the hut, I scanned the western slope and spotted it: a lone adult Snowy Owl. Got a few distant photos, then tried for a video—and within a few seconds, the owl took off. Got some footage of its remarkable flight—the flapping, the sailing, white—and some audio of me breathing. (Oops.)

Can’t complain, can’t complain.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 12:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Common Raven
2. Black-capped Chickadee
3. Snowy Owl
4. Northern Flicker

Elsewhere

5. American Crow
6. Herring Gull

v = Voice only

Black-capped Chickadee.