Northern Harrier.

Sure enough overcast today, as forecast—and with a little dusting of snow on the ground even. Not cold, though. Right about freezing. Out back of the house flitted a number of active yard birds, including a pair of vocal Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Interesting that they were so common back home in Austin but are so alluring here.

Brown Creeper.

Took an early Beech Hill hike with Jack. Earlier than usual, anyway (late morning). A couple other cars in the parking lot—and many little birds above it. Multiples of four species: Brown Creepers, White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, and Tufted Titmice. Heard the notes of a finch. Heard the caws of crows.

As we started up the slipper trail, a snow flurry came. As we climbed higher, it flurried more. Great white flakes filled the chilly air. And I spotted the harrier.

Same bird as yesterday, I feel sure—a female, and/or possibly a youngster. It flew low over all the slopes, veering and twisting and passing through little senderos. As the snow thickened, I kept spotting it. Not sure I’ve ever seen a harrier in the snow.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 11:30 a.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Black-capped Chickadee**
2. White-breasted Nuthatch*
3. Brown Creeper
4. Tufted Titmouse (v)
5. House Finch** (v)
6. Downy Woodpecker
7. American Crow* (v)
8. Northern Harrier

Elsewhere

9. American Goldfinch (v)
10. Red-bellied Woodpecker
11. Rock Pigeon
12. Herring Gull
13. Common Raven (v)

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

Harrier in the snow.