Another lovely Beech Hill hike with dog. A hike with a couple newly arrived warblers (at least as far as I’ve seen in our short time back here). Four species today, more to come for sure.
The lists are longer than those in Utah, so it takes me longer to compile ’em. Thus my narratives are liable to be shorter for a while (apologies). Suffice it to say Jack and I are thoroughly enjoying our return to this familiar hike and all the inspiring smells and sights and sounds and feels it brings.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:55 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Eastern Phoebe* 2. American Goldfinch (v) 3. American Robin 4. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker† (v) 5. Northern Flicker (v) 6. Black-and-white Warbler† 7. Northern Parula† 8. Black-capped Chickadee 9. Tufted Titmouse (v) 10. Yellow-rumped Warbler 11. American Crow* 12. Eastern Towhee 14. Blue-headed Vireo 15. Field Sparrow (v) 16. Song Sparrow 17. Eastern Bluebird 18. Chipping Sparrow 19. White-throated Sparrow (v) 20. Herring gull* (v) 21. Tree Swallow 25. Black-throated Green Warbler† (v) 26. Red-breasted Nuthatch (v) 27. Sharp-shinned Hawk 28. Blue Jay† 29. Brown Creeper 30. Hermit Thrush
Elsewhere
31. Mourning Dove
Mammals
Red Squirrel White-tailed Deer
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
Had an eerie sense of déjà vu during my Beech Hill hike with Jack this early morning. As if caught between two times and places. After thousands of hikes up the hill over the years, we took a couple-three years off—and still I feel kind of caught in between Utah and Maine.
The trails were wider, the trailside underbrush cleared out. (No doubt this helps discourage black-legged ticks.) But after following all trails today, I felt I’d recollected all there is to know about the place. I’m sure that’s not entirely true—but still.
Thirty-two bird species. (Yay!) Among them many old familiar faces, beaks, eyes, habits. Could hardly stop searching—then admiring—whenever we’d hear the voice of a new bird.
A very fun morning.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:58 a.m., I hiked all trails.
