Rain in the forecast this morning, but not until mid-morning, so dog and I stuck to our usual schedule—but, it being overcast, began on the open trail. Not much wind, temps in the mid-30s (F), not many birds. Three corvid species, a couple woodpeckers, robin, finch, Brown Creeper.
Also chickadees of course. I kinda think of Black-capped Chickadees as my buddies. Their voices are ever upbeat, voices that help ’em keep good track of each other. They let you get pretty close without freaking out. They give other birds a sense of comfort, too, I’ve noticed—a sort of entourage. Plus, they mob and scold owls. (See yesterday’s report.)
And they pose for photos. Had it not been for one of these little birds, I wouldn’t’ve had any great pics today. So thanks, buddy.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:25 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Crow* 2. Blue Jay (v) 3. Black-capped Chickadee** 4. American Goldfinch (v) 5. Yellow-rumped Warbler 6. Downy Woodpecker 7. Common Raven 8. Brown Creeper 9. Northern Flicker 10. American Robin
Elsewhere
11. Wild Turkey
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
What a lovely hike this morning with my best friend. Just above freezing, not much of a breeze, mostly overcast—an overcast aglow. Before long I heard a Red-bellied Woodpecker’s call (first in a good while), also a titmouse (first in a little while). No buntings at the summit, but a bunch of bluebirds and yellow-rumps, and a solitary Red Crossbill.
Chickadees up there, too, along with a red squirrel and goldfinches. Saw no one else in the quiet woods, but I did hear the croak-croak of a raven.
Thanksgiving tomorrow. Wonder if we’ll encounter a turkey.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:44 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Goldfinch** 2. Tufted Titmouse 3. Red-bellied Woodpecker (v) 4. Purple Finch (v) 5. American Crow* 6. Eastern Bluebird 7. Red-breasted Nuthatch 8. Yellow-rumped Warbler 9. Black-capped Chickadee** 10. Downy Woodpecker (v) 11. Red Crossbill 12. Common Raven (v)
Elsewhere
13. White-breasted Nuthatch 14. Herring Gull
Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel American Red Squirrel
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
A nearly cloudless morning, much warmer (and less windy) than yesterday. Few birds along the wooded trails—but more up on (or near) the open summit.
The buntings were still hanging around Beech Nut (perhaps different buntings), and again chickadees flitted about everywhere. Heard a flock of finchy-sounding birds flying overhead but couldn’t see or identify them.
Yellow-rumps and bluebirds galore. Also goldfinches. A couple woodpecker species—and a raven announcing his presence in the blue, blue sky.
Most noteworthy? A skein of a dozen Canada Geese, southbound.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:28 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Black-capped Chickadee** 2. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 3. American Goldfinch 4. American Crow* (v) 5. Red-breasted Nuthatch 6. Yellow-rumped warbler 7. Snow Bunting 8. Blue Jay (v) 9. Downy Woodpecker 10. Canada Goose 11. Eastern Bluebird 12. Common Raven 13. Northern Flicker (v)
Elsewhere
14. Herring Gull
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
