American coots.
On this chilly, mostly sunny morning, I heard the angry voices of crows. They were nearer than they’d been a couple days ago, so I dashed out back with my camera—just in time to see a red-tailed hawk soar away, followed by hollering crows. No photo, but still fun to see.
Beech Nut.
Later, dog and I headed for our daily Beech Hill hike, but with a detour alongside Chickawaukie Lake. For the first time in a while, the thick raft of American coots was floating near the turnout. Stopped, grabbed a few photos. Also photographed Beech Hill from the distance of the lake. Just call it “opposite day.”
Soon after, Jack and I paused in our hike so I could get a look at the cluster of coots from the summit of the hill. That counts, in my book. Second bird on my two-bird list.
Tonight I thought I might venture out to look for the any sign of the Geminid meteor shower, but the sky’s clouded over and a wind has risen. Instead I heard the frantic-sounding honks of a Canada goose flying away somewhere up in the night sky.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-capped chickadee (voice)
2. American coot
Elsewhere
3. American crow
4. Red-tailed hawk
5. Herring gull
6. Canada goose
The inland hills.
