Cedar waxwing.

Yet another lovely day—one that included long-overdue trips to the dump and bottle-redemption center. Yet another long bike ride. And yet another nice hike up Beech Hill at the end of it with Jack. This day, he and I met a couple from New York who were visiting—turns out they’d gotten married in Austin, my old hometown. Stayed on the hill much longer than usual, what with a good excuse to ramble (i.e., bend someone’s ear). I must learn to temper that tendency.

Lots of waxwings today. Many waxwings. Also towhees and yellowthroats, song sparrow and catbirds, even the voice of a red-eyed vireo coming from the trees down the southern slope.

I’m grateful for days like today.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:45 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. American crow*
2. Black-capped chickadee**
3. American goldfinch
3. Mourning dove*
4. Cedar waxwing**
5. Song sparrow
6. Eastern towhee
7. Red-eyed vireo (v)
8. Gray catbird (v)
9. Common yellowthroat

Elsewhere

10. Blue jay (v)
11. Herring gull
12. Rock pigeon
13. Osprey
14. Great black-backed gull
15. American robin (v)

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere