Common Raven.

The day before the storm
A pair of ravens flew
One at a time across the sky,
Each muttering magic calls
Of “glug” and “cluck” and “cu.”

White-breasted Nuthatch.

Before tomorrow’s storm
A Northern Cardinal sang,
As did a Black-capped Chickadee
And a Brown-headed Cowbird—
First cowbird of the year.

Before new snow piles up
My dog Jack and I hiked
Among ten hopeful bird species,
Singing, anticipating
The coming equinox.

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

1. American Crow*
2. Black-capped Chickadee**
3. Blue Jay (v)
4. Tufted Titmouse (v)
5. American Robin* (v)
6. Common Raven
7. Northern Cardinal
8. Herring Gull*
9. Brown-headed Cowbird† (v)
10. White-breasted Nuthatch**

Elsewhere

11. Mallard

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