I knew we’d get rained on this morning, dog and me. All the forecasts called for it. And, sure enough, we got rained on.
But as wet as we got, it was totally worth it.
Saw no one else on the hill—just a dozen bird species. And greenery, getting greener. And distant foggy views. And my first glimpse of a towhee this year. And a female bluebird swallowing a worm.
I’d do it again in a minute. (And might have to tomorrow!)
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:49 a.m. real time (7:49 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. Northern Cardinal** (v) 2. Song Sparrow** 3. American Crow* 4. Black-capped Chickadee 5. Chipping Sparrow (v) 6. American Robin (v) 7. Eastern Towhee 8. Eastern Bluebird 9. Yellow-rumped Warbler (v) 10. Blue Jay (v) 11. Red-winged Blackbird 12. Tufted Titmouse (v)
Elsewhere
13. Mallard 14. Herring Gull
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
My favorite sparrow is the Savannah Sparrow. This sweet little bird is a fan of the blueberry barrens of Beech Hill Preserve during breeding season, then they leave for points south (as far as the Yucatan Peninsula) in winter. Similar to a Song Sparrow but with lighter-colored, more dapper-looking attire, and sporting a yellow eyebrow.
Most fun for me is their insect-like song—a sibilant trill with occasional other notes, often ending in a little hiccup.
Thus, it was with some excitement that I came upon a first-of-year Savannah on the hill this chilly overcast morning.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:13 a.m. real time (8:13 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. American Robin** 2. Black-capped Chickadee** 3. Downy Woodpecker 4. Song Sparrow** 5. Red-winged Blackbird (v) 6. Blue Jay (v) 7. Mourning Dove (v) 8. Northern Cardinal** 9. American Crow* 10. Red-breasted Nuthatch** (v) 11. Chipping Sparrow 12. Eastern Towhee 13. Field Sparrow 14. American Goldfinch 15. Eastern Phoebe** 16. Yellow-rumped Warbler 17. Tree Swallow 18. Eastern Bluebird 19. Savannah Sparrow† 20. Northern Flicker 21. Hermit Thrush 22. Herring Gull* (v) 23. Brown Creeper (v) 24. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 25. Hairy Woodpecker 26. Common Raven 27. Common Loon (v) 28. Brown-headed Cowbird (v)
Today dawned cooler and damper, with thick fog. We arrived at the main trailhead a bit later than in recent days, dog and I. Still, nobody else there. Well, unless you count the sparrows and doves and cowbirds and nuthatches, woodpecker, etc., etc. Quite a few birds enjoy a foggy morn—especially since it means dampening up a rather dry few days.
No firsts-of-year species today, but a nice sighting was an in-between-coated Snowshoe Hare. (Hardcore birders like mammals, too.)
Yet another keenly enjoyable hike with my best friend.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:47 a.m. real time (7:47 DST), I hiked all trails.
