A mostly overcast, breezy morning with temps in the 50s (F). We got an earlier start than yesterday, dog and I, and the birds seemed especially active—perhaps because they’ve got babies to feed. When the summer solstice approaches, it’s the time nestlings and fledglings.
In the woods, for instance, Ovenbirds were vocally warning us against getting near their nests on the forest floor. And I spied a pair of fledgling chickadees being fed by a parent near the summit. And at the summit proper, in the eaves of Beech Nut, I caught sight of a phoebe with a beak crammed with insect food.
A busy time of year it is, for the bird life. (Likewise, the life of a birder.)
Beech Hill List Starting at 7:18 a.m. EST (8:18 DST), I hiked all trails.
The overnight rain came heavily and steadily, but it’d most moved away by this morning. Dog and I waited to start up the trail until the rain had passed. Although the trees were drippy, we didn’t get very wet—and despite the overcast I managed a few decent photos.
Most notable this morning was a miss: a bright yellow-orange songbird flitting in some shady undergrowth around a stone wall along Beech Hill Road. I feel sure it was an oriole, but I couldn’t manage a pic or good look.
Supposed to clear up some tomorrow. And a couple days after that, summer will arrive.
Beech Hill List Starting at 9:00 a.m. EST (10:00 DST), I hiked all trails.
This day was supposed to be a rainy one, and it did shower a little first thing, as dog and started up the main trail. But then the rain stopped and a thick fog rolled in. Still, somehow, I ended up with more than thirty bird species on my list.
Notable was a cuckoo where I’ve seen or heard one twice before, three thrushes, and a cute female Black-and-white Warbler that posed just long enough for me to focus and grab a fairly sharp photo of her.
Most of the rest of the day and evening was very rainy—and tomorrow will be, too (so they say).
Beech Hill List Starting at 6:48 a.m. EST (7:48 DST), I hiked all trails.
