Another sunny day, and a mild one. My hike with dog was a tiny bit chilly to start—but it was downright hot when we got done. High temps in the 80s (F) today.
The birds were perhaps a bit quieter than on recent days, but my list still added up to thirty-four species. Notable was a persisting Prairie Warbler and a pair of hawks on the wing.
Tomorrow’s high is supposed to be twenty degrees cooler. Will be interesting to see how different my list will be.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:30 a.m. sun time (7:30 DST), I hiked all trails.
About two inches of rain fell overnight, but sure enough—as forecast—it’d stopped by the time dog and I were ready to hike this morning. Temps in the 50s (F) to start, and foggy on the hill, but it was warmer (and clearer) by the time of our return.
In between times, I managed a list of 44 birds (including a first-of-year Warbling Vireo), but most noteworthy were a pair of trail amphibians.
On the main trail, near the summit, sat a Green Frog. Just sat there on the gravel, letting me take photos. Finally I got close enough that it decided to hop off into the wet grass. And down in the middle of the lower wooded trail, I happened to spy a tiny bright orange newt eft.
It’s been pretty dry, so I expect the fresh douse of water drew the amphibians out. Then again, what do I know.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:16 a.m. sun time (7:16 DST), I hiked all trails.
A bit cooler this morning when dog and I began our hike about a half hour earlier than yesterday. Just as bright, though—and even birdier. Considering a pretty stout wind, I was surprised to end up with a total of forty species.
The white-throats, as is their habit, were scratching about last year’s leaf litter, occasionally delivering one of their signature tseet! notes, and occasionally singing. I decided on a tally of twenty-four birds—but it easily could’ve been more. Those little sneaks were everywhere.
Tomorrow’s supposed to be warmer, with lighter winds. Already looking forward.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:30 a.m. sun time (7:30 DST), I hiked all trails.
