Flushed two woodcock this sunny morning. Flushed one of them twice. All three times I hunted carefully for youngsters but didn’t see any—although I didn’t want to pester the woodcock families too much.
Also saw my first Beech Hill Bobolink in at least three years. Also, somehow, ended up with thirty-three species on today’s list.
Later today there came a couple of thundershowers, which was fun.
More fun tomorrow.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:30 a.m., I hiked the open trail—and then some.
1. Eastern Bluebird 2. Blue Jay** 3. American Goldfinch 4. Veery (v) 5. American Woodcock 6. Chipping Sparrow* 7. Chestnut-sided Warbler** (v) 8. American Crow* 9. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (v) 10. Alder Flycatcher 11. Ovenbird (v) 12. Tree Swallow 13. Eastern Towhee 14. Song Sparrow** 15. Field Sparrow (v) 16. Savannah Sparrow 17. Nashville Warbler (v) 18. Gray Catbird** (v) 19. Common Yellowthroat (v) 20. Eastern Phoebe* 21. Cedar Waxwing 22. Red-eyed Vireo** (v) 23. Eastern Wood-pewee (v) 24. Hermit Thrush (v) 25. Black-throated Green Warbler (v) 26. Black-throated Blue Warbler (v) 27. Black-capped Chickadee** 28. Bobolink 29. Herring Gull* 30. Great Crested Flycatcher (v) 31. Mourning Dove* (v) 32. Northern Cardinal** (v) 33. American Redstart (v) 34. American Robin*
Elsewhere
35. Mallard 36. European Starling
v = Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere
On my Beech Hill hike with Jack this morning, I encountered 18 bird species—among them American Woodcock, Eastern Phoebe, Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Red-winged Blackbird, Killdeer, and Eastern Bluebird. Just a wonderful hour of walking around.
A thought occurs:
Despite the gray, chilly, muddy, leafless landscape you might see out your windows, this is a perfect time of year to take up birding. Spring migration is happening, folks. So if you’re not already a birder, considering grabbing a pair of binoculars, buying (or borrowing) a field guide, and stepping out for a look and listen. Prepare to be inspired, thrilled, frustrated, astounded, pleased with yourself, and filled with awe.
Honestly, I envy novice birders, recalling that sweet awakening to a world I’d never known. No matter your age or personality or politics, birding will improve your life. Believe me.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 8:30, I hiked the open trail.
1. Hairy Woodpecker 2. American Robin* (v) 3. Northern Cardinal** (v) 4. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 5. Tufted Titmouse** (v) 6. American Woodcock** 7. Mourning Dove* (wingbeats) 8. Red-winged Blackbird 9. Song Sparrow** 10. Eastern Bluebird 11. American Crow* 12. American Kestrel 13. Northern Harrier 14. American Goldfinch 15. Great Blue Heron 16. Killdeer 17. Black-capped Chickadee** 18. Eastern Phoebe**
Elsewhere
19. Herring Gull 20. Rock Pigeon 21. Mallard 22. House Sparrow
v = Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere
Awoke to snow, a couple inches of wet stuff cloaking everything. Kind of fun, really. Jack and I were the only ones on the hill this morning—other than a few birds, I mean. No great photos, alas, but I spied a kestrel and heard redpolls and a raven.
No photos elsewhere, either, even after the sun came out in afternoon and melted most of the snow. But I did spot a woodcock out back this evening. That was cool.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 9:30, I hiked the open trail.
1. American Crow* 2. American Kestrel 3. American Robin* (v) 4. Common Raven (v) 5. Common Redpoll (v) 6. Herring Gull* 7. Northern Cardinal** (v) 8. Song Sparrow*
Elsewhere
9. House Finch (v) 10. European Starling 11. Rock Pigeon 12. Common Loon 13. American Woodcock 14. White-breasted Nuthatch 15. Mourning Dove (v)
v = Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere
