Last night’s soaking rain sure enough cooled things down a lot and got rid of the recent humidity. Jack had a much easier time of this morning’s hike—as, I suppose, did I.

But there were fewer flying insects. Perhaps that’s why things were so quiet, bird-wise. Fewer species on my list than in many weeks. But a couple of noteworthy ones: Wood Thrush, Herring Gull, Barn Swallow.

Also, in a chance meeting, I had a nice long chat with three long-time friends I hadn’t seen (or talked to) in a while. Kind of the day’s highlight.

Unless, of course, you count the handsome Eastern Coyote that showed up in the yard this early morning.

Beech Hill List
Starting at 6:56 a.m. EST (7:56 DST), I hiked all trails.

1. Red-eyed Vireo (v)
2. Black-throated Green Warbler (v)
3. American Goldfinch**
4. Wood Thrush (v)
5. Eastern Towhee
6. Tufted Titmouse (v)
7. Cedar Waxwing
8. Eastern Wood-pewee (v)
9. Black-capped Chickadee**
10. American Crow*
11. Gray Catbird
12. Yellow Warbler (v)
13. Herring Gull*
14. Song Sparrow*
15. Barn Swallow
16. American Robin*
17. Blue Jay (v)
18. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
19. Common Yellowthroat (v)

Elsewhere

20. Mourning Dove
21. Osprey
22. House Sparrow
23. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
24. Laughing Gull
25. Rock Dove

Mammals

Eastern Coyote

Reptiles

Garter Snake

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