We got between fifteen and eighteen inches of snow in the last 24 hours, I’d guess. Jack and I didn’t make it to the hill until about 10 a.m., (DST), but we were the first. Carving a fresh snowshoe track out of deep west snow was quite a task—dog of course follows my track—but the endorphins flowed.
Snow Bunting and Snowy Owl, Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport, Maine, 14 March 2018.
Even better came a reward toward the summit: a young Snowy Owl. I’d been scanning for one. Saw none. Then this owl flapped low overhead as we headed through the spruce grove. A crow got wise and chased the owl through the snowy air down toward a lower field. I figured it was worth carving a track down there also, just in case. So down we slogged. No owl.
Returning, I happened to look up at the distant hut—which had an owl on top. It soon flew off away from us, but I hurried back up anyway. Lucky for me it stood on the “owl stone” where I’ve seen at least three owls stand before. Spent a while vatching, photographing, videoing.
As I videoed, a flock of Snow Buntings appeared and circled the young owl, who watched with turning head. These two species—which nest in the same Arctic latitudes—were clearly familiar with each other.
What with a bunch of shoveling, I got some good exercise this morning.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 10 a.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. American Goldfinch (v)
2. Black-capped Chickadee* (v)
3. American Crow**
4. Pileated Woodpecker (v)
5. American Robin (v)
6. Snow Bunting
7. Tufted Titmouse (v)
8. Snowy Owl
Elsewhere
9. Northern Cardinal
10. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
11. Herring Gull
12. Rock Pigeon
13. Downy Woodpecker
14. House Finch
v = Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere
This bright, frigid, breezy morning, I had the great good fortune of coming upon a young Snowy Owl on the hill, scanning the landscape. Didn’t spot it until we’d reached the summit. It had its eye on us but we didn’t come near and it stuck around until we left.
No other dog or human up there—just a bluebird or two.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 10:15 a.m., I hiked the open trail.
