Ruddy Duck (female).

A different sort of day. Nearly 40 degrees (F) when I first checked this morning, and the temperature continued on up to—eventually—50-something. Took Jack up to Beech Hill early, where a few others had the same idea. Not a lot of species there, but I did hear a bluebird and see a tree sparrow.

American Coots.

On the way to town (for a quick trip to the grocery store) is when things got interesting. Hadn’t been by Chickawaukie Lake for a while, and I noticed that seasonal coot invasion was underway. I also noticed a handful of diving ducks near the Route 17 turnout—so I pulled in. They were Ruddy Ducks, four or five of them, females and youngsters looked like. Can’t remember the last time I’ve seen any of those (if ever).

Probably a hundred coots. A few goldeneyes. Geese at the swim Beech. Town birds in town.

Did a little desk work but then decided 50-something was too good to pass up, so I went for a long bicycle ride. Felt great. Eighteen miles. En route, I added a bunch more species to today’s list—including a solitary Pileated Woodpecker near Route 1. I heard the bird first, then spotted it high in a tree, then pulled my bike over and dug my camera out of my backpack. I knew I’d stuck it in there for some reason.

Tonight it’s cooling off a bit. I hear we’ll be getting a little rain.

Pileated Woodpecker.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 9:30 a.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Blue Jay (v)
2. American Crow*
3. Black-capped Chickadee**
4. Eastern Bluebird (v)
5. American Tree Sparrow
6. Northern Cardinal* (v)

Elsewhere

7. American Goldfinch (v)
8. Herring Gull
9. American Robin
10. Mourning Dove
11. American Coot
12. Ruddy Duck
13. Common Goldeneye
14. Canada Goose
15. Rock Pigeon
16. House Sparrow
17. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
18. Tufted Titmouse (v)
19. European Starling
20. Pileated Woodpecker

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere