On difference between Utah and Maine is weather: Whereas the high desert has days and weeks with little change in the weather (blue skies, warm temps, bright sun), Maine’s weather is variable, changing, rich with unique atmospheric conditions.

This morning, dog and I hiked in fog. Thick fog. Fog that dampened the distant noise of car tires on Route 1, the far sounds of construction machinery—fog that made me feel like we were hiking inside a big, gray room. I wondered at first if I’d see (or hear) many wild bird species, but it soon became apparent that I needn’t have worried. Plenty of fun and interesting species.

Forgot to deck ourselves out in blaze orange, though. (Bowhunting season is upon us, and resident hunting will soon follow, with general deer hunting coming in November.) Won’t forget tomorrow. Kept my cool today, though, and all was well.

Supposed to rain tomorrow. Liable to be a quick one—but will be diggin’ another change in the Maine weather.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:58 a.m., I hiked all trails.

1. Wild Turkey
2. Yellow-rumped Warbler
3. Black-capped Chickadee
4. Blue Jay (v)
5. Cooper’s Hawk
6. Swamp Sparrow
7. Song Sparrow
8. Eastern Towhee (v)
9. Tufted Titmouse (v)
10. American Robin
11. American Crow** (v)
12. Hermit Thrush*
13. Hairy Woodpecker
14. Brown Creeper

Elsewhere

15. Herring Gull

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