Sure enough, it was a snowshoe hike today for me (with dog following). Sure enough we had a bunch of snow—maybe eight to 12 inches, depending. And sure enough, the winds were extremely high—20mph or so. (Power went out last night for about three hours, but all was well today.)
We were the first on most of the trails today, despite getting a late start (on account of I was shoveling the drive). Coming up the main Beech Hill trailhead, we soon encountered a tree across the trail. And in various other places along, our progress was blocked by snow bound branches drooping over the trail. Took a while, maybe the longest hike since our return. And we both used a lot of energy.
But despite the wind, I listed a few birds—even got a photo of a robin. Hiked 10,220 steps (so my phone says) and burned a lot of calories.
Tomorrow will have sun and half the wind.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 7:15 a.m. (8:15 stupid DST), I hiked all trails.
1. Blue Jay (v)
2. American Crow*
3. Black-capped Chickadee**
4. American Robin
5. Herring Gull*
6. American Goldfinch** (v)
Elsewhere
7. Northern Cardinal (v)
8. Common Raven (v)
9. Mallard
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year
