Dawn this morning came little later than yesterday, and much brighter. Nearly cloudless, with angular sun spreading through the now-mostly-ochre wooded Beech Hill trails. Didn’t know what to expect, bird-wise.
And had a couple nice surprises. Most exciting: a pair of Fox Sparrows that appeared just about where I’d last seen some several years ago (but in spring). Recognized ’em right away.
Also had a bunch of thrushes—robins and bluebirds—a random gull, and three woodpecker species.
It was a quick hike (had an early appointment) but a very satisfying one.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 8:02 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Purple Finch (v) 2. American Robin 3. American Crow* 4. American Goldfinch (v) 5. Brown Creeper (v) 6. Hairy Woodpecker (v) 7. Yellow-rumped Warbler 8. Tufted Titmouse 9. Herring Gull* 10. Fox Sparrow† 11. Downy Woodpecker 12. Eastern Bluebird 13. White-throated Sparrow (v) 14. Red-breasted Nuthatch (v) 15. Blue Jay** (v) 16. Northern Flicker (v)
Elsewhere
17. Northern Cardinal 18. House Sparrow (v) 19. Ring-billed Gull
Mammals
Eastern Chipmunk American Red Squirrel
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
After the thundershowers of yesterday, things cooled off overnight. This morning was nearly cloudless when dog and I headed up the trail, and the air was a lot cooler than the past few. Plus, at the summit, a nice southwesterly breeze ruffed our hair. (Well, Jack’s, as I don’t have a lot left these days.)
An earlier hike this morning. Temps in the low 60s (F) to start, and a little breeze down in the woodlands. Birds were a little quiet, what with all their secret young ’uns. Took the lower trail and followed a Veery for a hundred yards or more. Finally emerged into the edge realm, and then the open barrens, where my count more than doubles.
Notable was a bird I didn’t list at the time but discovered when viewing photos tonight: a Blue-headed Vireo in a spruce in the grove at the summit. Perhaps more notable was a Cedar Waxwing posing regally atop a dead snag. And on our return, a singing Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:17 a.m., I hiked most trails.
