A lot cooler today than yesterday, and a bit blusterier. But also mostly blue above, and the leaves have started to obscure the canopy. And birdsong was everywhere this morning as dog and I headed up the hill.
First-of-year bird? A loudly singing Wood Thrush. Most notable sighting? Possibly the pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks hanging out in the leafy trees about half way up. (Saw a third below.) In fact, as I was watching the female, she suddenly took off, and a Cooper’s Hawk came zipping by—an unsuccessful chase, I’m pretty sure.
Spied another tanager today. Three geese flew over. Many, many warblers.
Yet again, I anticipate another fun walk tomorrow.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:05 a.m. sun time (7:05 DST), I hiked all trails.
A bit cooler this morning when dog and I began our hike about a half hour earlier than yesterday. Just as bright, though—and even birdier. Considering a pretty stout wind, I was surprised to end up with a total of forty species.
The white-throats, as is their habit, were scratching about last year’s leaf litter, occasionally delivering one of their signature tseet! notes, and occasionally singing. I decided on a tally of twenty-four birds—but it easily could’ve been more. Those little sneaks were everywhere.
Tomorrow’s supposed to be warmer, with lighter winds. Already looking forward.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:30 a.m. sun time (7:30 DST), I hiked all trails.
A foggy morning down here near sea level. Up on the hill, the blankets of mist lay below us, making the inland hills look like islands—a pretty amazing-looking landscape.
Birds were out and about, too. Ganging up (flickers), moving about (yellow-rumps, waxwings, crows), lurking (towhees, catbirds), vocalizing (nuthatches, chickadees, woodpeckers, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak). The equinox is near.
As is fall migration.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:49 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Wild Turkey 2. Red-breasted Nuthatch 3. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 4. American Crow* 5. Eastern Towhee 6. Black-capped Chickadee 7. Common Yellowthroat 8. Gray Catbird 9. Field Sparrow 10. Cedar Waxwing 11. Northern Flicker 12. Song Sparrow** 13. Blue Jay (v) 14. American Goldfinch (v) 15. Yellow-rumped Warbler 16. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (v) 17. American Robin (v) 18. Red-bellied Woodpecker (v) 19. Downy Woodpecker
Elsewhere
20. Mourning Dove 21. Northern Cardinal (v)
Mammals
Eastern Chipmunk
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
