Supposed to be cloudy all day, with high wind and rain later, so Jack and I headed up the main trail this day. Quite windy already, didn’t expect many species—and sure enough had only five by the time we’d gotten nearly back to the parking lot. Then things got interesting.
This morning’s hike was a fun one. Sub-freezing temps, but calm, with a nearly cloudless sky. In the woods, little birds abounded—chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches, a couple woodpecker species. Quieter at the summit, until I rounded Beech Nut and spied a Horned Lark.
First of the species I’d seen since last I’d seen one at Beech Hill, at least four—and maybe five or six or seven—years ago. Mostly I’ve seen them in flocks, I think, but this was a solitary bird who posed for a minute.
Thanks, lark.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:51 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Goldfinch 2. Tufted Titmouse (v) 3. Black-capped Chickadee 4. Hairy Woodpecker 5. White-breasted Nuthatch** 6. Brown Creeper 7. American Robin 8. Horned Lark 9. American Crow* (v) 10. Red-breasted Nuthatch 11. Canada Goose (v) 12. Eastern Bluebird 13. Yellow-rumped Warbler 14. Downy Woodpecker (v)
Elsewhere
15. Ring-billed Gull 16. Herring Gull
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
Warmish (30s (F)), calm, and mostly clear as dog and I headed up to the wooded trailhead. Although I typically try not to, this morning I had expectations. Expectations because of the calmness, the clearness, the warmish temperatures. I figured we’d see bluebirds, at least.
And I did see bluebirds—later in our hike‚—but not before I saw the most noteworthy species: a lone Hermit Thrush as we were returning up the manicured main trail. Thought it was a sparrow at first so was rather surprised and thrilled to see it. Watched as it left the trail briefly to grab (and swallow) a good-sized caterpillar. Took a few photos before slowly beginning to walk again. Of course it would fly away.
Another nice surprise was a Pileated Woodpecker I happened to spy taking off as we descended back toward the truck. Never got a look at it again.
Supposed to rain overnight. We shall see what Monday morning brings.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:41 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Black-capped Chickadee 2. Tufted Titmouse (v) 3. Hairy Woodpecker 4. American Crow* (v) 5. American Robin 6. American Goldfinch (v) 7. Brown Creeper (v) 8. Purple Finch (v) 9. Northern Flicker 10. Yellow-rumped Warbler 11. Red-breasted Nuthatch 12. Pine Siskin (v) 13. Eastern Bluebird 14. Hermit Thrush 15. Pileated Woodpecker 16. White-breasted Nuthatch**
Mammals
American Red Squirrel (v)
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
