Rain was in this morning’s forecast as late as last evening. Rain did not occur. Instead, an early foggy overcast burned away to let the sun shine through. The birds seemed to appreciate it.
Not that we encountered any particularly odd species, dog and me—although we did spook a grouse—but they were busily angling for food, feeding youngsters, posing for closeups, flying over at a distant, vocalizing while staying out of sight.
Tomorrow, however, I expect the forecast rain (or showers) will arrive. Will be ready for it.
Beech Hill List Starting at 6:37 a.m. EST (7:37 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. Red-eyed Vireo** 2. Ovenbird** 3. Eastern Phoebe 4. Black-throated Green Warbler 5. Eastern Wood-pewee 6. Blue Jay 7. Hairy Woodpecker 8. Northern Cardinal 9. Veery 10. Black-capped Chickadee 11. Osprey 12. White-breasted Nuthatch 13. Black-and-white Warbler 14. American Goldfinch 15. American Crow 16. Scarlet Tanager 17. Hermit Thrush 18. Tufted Titmouse 19. Eastern Towhee 20. Pileated Woodpecker 21. Chestnut-sided Warbler 22. American Redstart 23. Alder Flycatcher 24. Gray Catbird 25. Song Sparrow 26. Yellow Warbler 27. Chipping Sparrow 28. Ruffed Grouse 29. American Robin 30. Cedar Waxwing 31. Common Yellowthroat 32. Field Sparrow 33. Eastern Bluebird 34. Red-winged Blackbird
Another blue-sky morning, with temps in the 50s (F) to start but rising steadily. Mostly calm, slight breeze. The birds are a little quieter these days, I figure because there are nestlings and fledglings about. I’ve been seeing many adults with grubs and caterpillars in their beaks—and evening a few babies getting fed.
Therefore I supposed it’s not surprising that, when dog and I stopped at the hut on the summit this morning, I took a peek at this year’s phoebe nest. sure enough, at least three little birdies in there.
Also spied first fireweed today. I love this time of year.
Beech Hill List Starting at 7:06 a.m. EST (8:06 DST), I hiked all trails.
Black-throated Green Warbler (singing with its mouth full).
This morning dawned sunny and pleasantly cool, mid- to upper-50s (F). The forecasters suggested it’d get warmer, which gave me the idea of hiking over the hill and down the trail to the Erickson Fields Preserve. So that’s what dog and I did.
Was a long hike—both time-wise and miles-wise—but well worth it. The Erickson Fields trail traverses quite a different habitat from Beech Hill’s hardwoods and barrens (old-growth spruce/pine and grasslands), which support a notably different array of wild birds. Had multiple Black-throated Blue Warblers, saw a bunch of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, even heard the very high-pitched song of a Blackburnian Warbler. And at the far end was a grassy field with Barn Swallows zipping around.
I’m astonished that I waited so long to take that lovely hike. We’ll be doing it again real soon, dog and I.
Beech Hill/Erickson Fields List Starting at 6:09 a.m. EST (7:09 DST), I hiked all trails at both preserves.
