Northern shrike.

I awoke this morning to the voice of a saw-whet owl. I’m sure of it. I’m pretty sure of it. Although I’ve never seen one of these little resident owls, I’ve heard their voices at night—a repetitive series of high, fluty hoots that sound almost like some dainty steam-punk sound (thus their name)—and I was so sure of what heard this morning while asleep that I was awake in an instant. The sound was so near that the owl must’ve been perched on a low branch of the big oak tree outside my window. I even counted the hoots: seven of them. And then they stopped. And when I looked out I saw no owl.

Birch.

Really, though, I so sure that’s what I heard that I’m adding the species to today’s list. It seemed really quite miraculous.

The day was warm—really warm, close to 50 degrees (F)—and wet. Drizzle and rain took care of the recent snow traces. Crows called from the naked hardwoods. After working at the kitchen table (on a new website for my photographic prints, by the way) until late in the day, it came time for me and Jack to get a some exercise. You’ll never guess where we decided to go.

No one else greeted as at the Beech Hill parking lot. A warm wind was blowing from the south, and a few branches were squeaking and clattering. I saw only a chickadee down there.

On up the muddy trail, no other birds sang or flew that I noticed. No coots at the lake. But nearing the summit, I heard a tiny cheep! that I recognized as the note of a tree sparrow. And then I caught sight of the handsome, chestnut-capped little guy darting about in a bush. It flew before I could take its picture. Two unusual sightings in a day.

Returning, a solitary silent crow flew by, headed out toward the bay. And about half-way down, I happened to spot a shrike on a branch of a little lone oak tree. I grabbed a couple photos, and then the bird dipped to the ground where I hoped it would snag a vole or something, but it returned to a perch empty-beaked. Tried for more photos, but it was dim and drippy and not great conditions for distant photography. But oh, well. Yet another cool bird.

Not many species on today’s list, but quite a variety nonetheless.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Black-capped chickadee
2. American tree sparrow
3. American crow
4. Northern shrike

Elsewhere

5. Saw-whet owl (v)
6. Herring gull

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere