Cooler than yesterday, with a bit of a disadvantageous (northerly, westerly) breeze, but still the birds arrived. More species on my list today than on any other day this year.
Notable were first-of-year Blackburnian Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. Also had a random kinglet, a kestrel dining on a snake, and only a single crow. But the warblers were stars on this sunny spring day.
Eight warbler species showed up this morning (including the firsts-of-year above), each singing its distinctive spring song. Just lovely.
I do hope they turn up again tomorrow, when I lead my first Beech Hill bird walk in a while.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:13 a.m. real time (7:13 DST), I hiked all trails.
This morning early as we hiked up the wooded trail, dog and I, the sun was out and the air was warm. Warm for the time of day, that is—and not long after, just plain warm. And that warmth drew the insects out. And the insects drew the warblers (and other birds).
My count today—much to my surprise—topped my previous count for the year (by one). Plus, I had two first-of-year birds: Chestnut-sided Warbler and Northern Parula.
Returning down the trail, in fact, we encountered a little warbler fallout—yellow-rump, black-throated green, parula. How fun the next few days will be.
(Also got a pretty nice photo of my favorite sparrow.)
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:04 a.m. real time (7:04 DST), I hiked all trails.
White-throated Sparrows arrived en masse this morning. First sightings on the hill this year (several), and a few at home. Other species beginning to pass through also—Ovenbird, Blue-headed Vireo—and new migrants galore.
The day began fairly warm and ended up in the mid-70s (F). The air smelled pure and clean and fresh.
Lots of insects (good news for warblers). No deer ticks yet, either. Lovely.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 5:40 a.m. real time (6:40 DST), I hiked all trails.
