Low temps when I first looked at the thermometer this morning: 15° (F). Gray skies (a little glow in the east), and calm air. But nippy.

A lot of folks had headed up the hill yesterday afternoon, so the trails were nicely packed down, and the hike was a nice one. Truly a beautiful gray-sky winter’s day. Few birds still—but more species than yesterday.

Notable were a couple of ravens (both calling those magical calls of theirs), but winter days around here seem more birdy when the sun’s out. That won’t be the case tomorrow, though, as tonight a winter storm will arrive—a storm that’s supposed to drop another eight or ten inches of snow.

Ah, a Maine winter as it should be.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:38 a.m., I hiked all trails.

1. American Crow
2. Common Raven
3. Northern Flicker (v)
4. Black-capped Chickadee
5. American Goldfinch (v)
6. Downy Woodpecker

Elsewhere

7. American Robin
8. Northern Cardinal
9. Red-bellied Woodpecker
10. Blue Jay

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