Another sunny morn, a bit chillier than yesterday but with less wind. And another slow start up the wooded trail—and, yes, another surpringly nice batch of spring birds.
Most noteworthy were two first-of-year Eastern Kingbirds hanging about in the blueberry barrens, catching flies. A total of forty-three species was also nice. And the very last bird of the day: a Broad-winged Hawk in the woods, staring down the photographer.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:31 p.m. sun time (7:31 DST), I hiked all trails.
Blue sky, cool temps, and a nice breeze greeted dog and me as we started up the wooded trail. Plenty of birds were there to greet us, too.
It didn’t seem at first that I’d have much of a list, but the higher we got, the more birds I saw or heard. And then—as has happened in recent days—we hiked a ways down the Erickson Fields trail down toward Beech Hill Road and added a bunch more species.
Notable today was a first-of-year Canada Warbler. I didn’t get a look at it, but the Merlin app insisted that’s what made the quick little jumble of a warble I was hearing across the road—and after we got home I matched my GoPro recording with the Cornell Labs’. (Wish I’d got a peek.)
Similar weather expected tomorrow. Will I encounter another first of year?
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:31 p.m. sun time (7:31 DST), I hiked all trails.
A lot cooler today than yesterday, and a bit blusterier. But also mostly blue above, and the leaves have started to obscure the canopy. And birdsong was everywhere this morning as dog and I headed up the hill.
First-of-year bird? A loudly singing Wood Thrush. Most notable sighting? Possibly the pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks hanging out in the leafy trees about half way up. (Saw a third below.) In fact, as I was watching the female, she suddenly took off, and a Cooper’s Hawk came zipping by—an unsuccessful chase, I’m pretty sure.
Spied another tanager today. Three geese flew over. Many, many warblers.
Yet again, I anticipate another fun walk tomorrow.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:05 a.m. sun time (7:05 DST), I hiked all trails.
