I knew it’d be nippy this morning (’cause I mostly believe the prognosticators), and it was. About 17° (F) when dog and I headed up to the wooded trailhead. But also a brilliant, earlier-rising sun, hardly any clouds, calm air—and more birds than I expected.

Most notable, creeping up through the woods, were the singing species: chickadee, titmouse, and Brown Creeper. (First singing creeper of the year.) It seemed like a bluebird day, but I wondered about the temperature—I needn’t have. Plenty of bluebirds on the hill. Also the usual tagalong yellow-rumps, and quite a few robins. Goldfinches, too.

And returning through the woods, I heard a drumming grouse—another sign that birds are confused by the warmer weather.

Good day, good dog, good hike. (Tomorrow could be similar, but warmer.)

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:14 a.m., I hiked all trails.

1. Tufted Titmouse (v)
2. American Robin
3. White-breasted Nuthatch**
4. Black-capped Chickadee**
5. Brown Creeper
6. American Crow*
7. American Goldfinch
8. Eastern Bluebird
9. Yellow-rumped Warbler
10. Ruffed Grouse (drumming)
11. Downy Woodpecker**

Elsewhere

12. Northern Cardinal (v)

(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year