This day was supposed to be a rainy one, and it did shower a little first thing, as dog and started up the main trail. But then the rain stopped and a thick fog rolled in. Still, somehow, I ended up with more than thirty bird species on my list.
Notable was a cuckoo where I’ve seen or heard one twice before, three thrushes, and a cute female Black-and-white Warbler that posed just long enough for me to focus and grab a fairly sharp photo of her.
Most of the rest of the day and evening was very rainy—and tomorrow will be, too (so they say).
Beech Hill List Starting at 6:48 a.m. EST (7:48 DST), I hiked all trails.
Dog and I hiked the hill in fog this morning. I love the fog. I wouldn’t love it if it covered the landscape every day of the year, but a day or two now and then feels rather comforting, protective.
In the fog today, I listed many birds—most from their voices. Notable was a Brown Thrasher in the same spot across the road where I last saw it weeks ago; I suppose it went quiet after finding a mate or something. Also heard a raven, had only one crow, and found another yellowthroat to pose for me.
Will be showery tomorrow. I don’t know what to expect, bird-wise—but I never really do.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:29 a.m. sun time (8:29 DST), I hiked all trails.
The morning rain wasn’t supposed to arrive for a couple hours after dog and I would reach main Beech Hill trailhead, so I was happy to be hiking in a mostly overcast day—a day with quite a few birds despite the semi-gloom. Temps were nice (60° F or so), wind was light, the air was fragrant, a little blue in the eastern sky.
Ended up with thirty-one species—including, at the very end, the voice of a loon sailing off toward Chickawaukie Lake.
Afterward, we ate some lunch, then I rode my bicycle up to the Town Office to vote (a long-time tradition). And after that, I made a dump run.
All in all, a mighty fruitful day.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:38 a.m. sun time (7:38 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. Red-eyed Vireo** (v) 2. Veery 3. Northern Cardinal (v) 4. Song Sparrow* 5. American Crow* 6. Chestnut-sided Warbler 7. Ovenbird 8. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (v) 9. Mourning Dove** (v) 10. American Redstart (v) 11. Eastern Towhee 12. American Goldfinch 13. Cedar Waxwing 14. Gray Catbird** 15. Common Yellowthroat 16. Field Sparrow (v) 17. Alder Flycatcher (v) 18. Yellow Warbler 19. Eastern Bluebird 20. Black-capped Chickadee (v) 21. Eastern Phoebe 22. Savannah Sparrow (v) 23. Prairie Warbler (v) 24. Hermit Thrush (v) 25. Eastern Wood-pewee 26. Black-and-white Warbler (v) 27. Black-throated Green Warbler (v) 28. Blue Jay (v) 29. Tufted Titmouse (v) 30. Common Loon (v)
Elsewhere
31. Wild Turkey 32. Chipping Sparrow 33. Pine Warbler (v) 34. Rock Pigeon
Mammals
Eastern Chipmunk American Red Squirrel
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
