Not that cold this morning (above freezing, anyway), but a gusty wind under mostly clear skies kept most birds out of sight. Dog and I encountered only five species—although a chickadee (as usual) posed for photos while dining on a bayberry or two.
(Note: Got distracted today and failed to save today’s video—also forgot to add this post until 30 November. Good thing I make a separate daily list!)
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:41 a.m., I hiked all trails.
Rain in the forecast this morning, but not until mid-morning, so dog and I stuck to our usual schedule—but, it being overcast, began on the open trail. Not much wind, temps in the mid-30s (F), not many birds. Three corvid species, a couple woodpeckers, robin, finch, Brown Creeper.
Also chickadees of course. I kinda think of Black-capped Chickadees as my buddies. Their voices are ever upbeat, voices that help ’em keep good track of each other. They let you get pretty close without freaking out. They give other birds a sense of comfort, too, I’ve noticed—a sort of entourage. Plus, they mob and scold owls. (See yesterday’s report.)
And they pose for photos. Had it not been for one of these little birds, I wouldn’t’ve had any great pics today. So thanks, buddy.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:25 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Crow* 2. Blue Jay (v) 3. Black-capped Chickadee** 4. American Goldfinch (v) 5. Yellow-rumped Warbler 6. Downy Woodpecker 7. Common Raven 8. Brown Creeper 9. Northern Flicker 10. American Robin
Elsewhere
11. Wild Turkey
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
Low-20s (F) this morning, but calm as a lazy summer day. And cloudless: not a single cloud in the sky that I could see—not even out over the bay. And quiet, so quiet. Other than a Downy Woodpecker tapping on a tree near the trailhead, the first few birds I didn’t see, I heard. And then came the bunch of chattering chickadees.
They sounded a little upset, the chickadees, and I saw some flitting through the tree trunks, so I trained my binocs in that direction, and I saw it. A Barred Owl, clearly visible in the morning sunlight. Excitedly, I raised my camera—and the owl had left its perch.
Dangit!
But oh, well. I’m used to dipping on photos. Sure, an owl pic is a rare pic (for me, at least), but I felt sure I’d get others this calm day. And I did, on my return with dog up and over the hill, when I good-sized flock of bluebirds appeared.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:34 a.m., I hiked all trails.
