More light snow overnight combined with what fell yesterday to create the first truly winter landscape I’ve seen since returning to Maine. The eastern sky was glowing purple and orange, so dog and I headed up to the hill early, to try to get a photo of it.

Just beautiful up there. Very few early birds, though a couple interesting ones. Most noteworthy, probably, was a big gang of crows mobbing a hawk or owl or fox or something—more than a dozen crows.

But a flicker presented the best bird photo. They’ve been wintering over for several years now.

Warmed up later, and will be warm and clear tomorrow. A bluebird day?

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 7:50 a.m., I hiked all trails.

1. American Crow*
2. Purple Finch (v)
3. Red Crossbill (v)
4. Black-capped Chickadee**
5. Northern Flicker
6. Pine Siskin (v)

Elsewhere

7. Northern Cardinal
8. Tufted Titmouse (v)

(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year