Pileated Woodpecker (female).

As soon as I stepped out of the truck this morning, I heard her—the Pileated Woodpecker drilling into the trunk of a tree about 50 or 60 feet away. Jack and I stood still, and I took about three minutes of video as the comely bird pecked and paused and called a bit. It kind of made my day.

Heard a Downy Woodpecker, too, and seven other species. In fact, I thought I’d counted nine total—but I can’t remember the ninth, so I suspect I miscounted. Was cold and drifty, and an impending winter storm loomed. We were the first up and down the trail today, Jack and I.

Snowing pretty heavily tonight as I write this. I wonder if we’ll be snowed in—or if we’ll manage to take our daily hike tomorrow after all.

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

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

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
*Voice only elsewhere