White-throated Sparrow.

The temperature rose swiftly for a change this sunny morning, reaching double-digits (F) by the time Jack and I headed out for our hike. Before we did that, though, I spied a few little passerines dining on a Staghorn Sumac out back. One particular drupe caught the attention of a both a White-throated Sparrow and a female Northern Cardinal—but the latter, larger bird chased the former away.

Northern Cardinal (female).

Our hike was glorious. I sang along with a little group of Black-capped Chickadees delivering their spring “Fee-bee!” (They can already tell the photoperiod is lengthening.) And than a big adult Bald Eagle flew by.

Today was a sweet respite between this past week’s deep freeze and tomorrow’s promised winter hurricane.

Beech Hill Just
Beginning at 10 a.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Tufted Titmouse** (v)
2. Black-capped Chickadee**
3. Northern Flicker
4. Bald Eagle
5. American Crow*

Elsewhere

6. Northern Cardinal
7. White-throated Sparrow
8. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
9. Herring Gull

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere

Bald Eagle.