This morning early as we hiked up the wooded trail, dog and I, the sun was out and the air was warm. Warm for the time of day, that is—and not long after, just plain warm. And that warmth drew the insects out. And the insects drew the warblers (and other birds).
My count today—much to my surprise—topped my previous count for the year (by one). Plus, I had two first-of-year birds: Chestnut-sided Warbler and Northern Parula.
Returning down the trail, in fact, we encountered a little warbler fallout—yellow-rump, black-throated green, parula. How fun the next few days will be.
(Also got a pretty nice photo of my favorite sparrow.)
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:04 a.m. real time (7:04 DST), I hiked all trails.
The morning was chilly (30s (F) to start), but little wind, and the sun shone through, and spring birds were abundant—if not necessarily wanting their photo taken.
Still, it was lovely to encounter a singing first-of-year Blue-headed Vireo. Also five woodpecker species, three thrush species, a pair of warbler species, a kestrel, a turkey, a blackbird, and more.
Tomorrow will be cloudy, with rain coming later. Already looking forward to it.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 5:31 a.m. real time (6:31 DST), I hiked all trails.
The most powerful blizzard I’ve ever experienced happened here in April about forty years ago. This morning’s chill was a blip by comparison. Still, it was coldish (low- to mid-40s (F)) and windy and overcast during my morning hike with Jack. I knew there wouldn’t be as many species on my list today as on yesterday’s—but still it was an awesome day.
Spooked a grouse, spied a raven, spied a kestrel, barely spied a well-camouflaged thrush, heard two dueling sapsuckers drumming.
The afternoon was less windy, with mostly blue skies and warm enough temps (about 60° (F)) that I wore a thin t-shirt when dog and I went on a dump run.
Spring is hard to pin down around here—which is what makes it so fun.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:13 a.m. real time (8:13 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. American Robin** (v) 2. Eastern Bluebird 3. Herring Gull* (v) 4. Black-capped Chickadee (v) 5. American Goldfinch** (v) 6. Song Sparrow** (v) 7. American Crow* 8. American Kestrel 9. Common Raven 10. Yellow-rumped Warbler 11. Ruffed Grouse 12. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 13. Hermit Thrush 14. Tufted Titmouse (v) 15. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (drumming) 16. Eastern Phoebe (v) 17. Broad-winged Hawk† 18. Blue Jay (v)
Elsewhere
19. Mallard 20. Wild Turkey 21. Red-breasted Nuthatch (v) 22. House Sparrow 23. Canada Goose 24. Rock Pigeon
Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
