Warmish (30s (F)), calm, and mostly clear as dog and I headed up to the wooded trailhead. Although I typically try not to, this morning I had expectations. Expectations because of the calmness, the clearness, the warmish temperatures. I figured we’d see bluebirds, at least.
And I did see bluebirds—later in our hike‚—but not before I saw the most noteworthy species: a lone Hermit Thrush as we were returning up the manicured main trail. Thought it was a sparrow at first so was rather surprised and thrilled to see it. Watched as it left the trail briefly to grab (and swallow) a good-sized caterpillar. Took a few photos before slowly beginning to walk again. Of course it would fly away.
Another nice surprise was a Pileated Woodpecker I happened to spy taking off as we descended back toward the truck. Never got a look at it again.
Supposed to rain overnight. We shall see what Monday morning brings.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:41 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Black-capped Chickadee 2. Tufted Titmouse (v) 3. Hairy Woodpecker 4. American Crow* (v) 5. American Robin 6. American Goldfinch (v) 7. Brown Creeper (v) 8. Purple Finch (v) 9. Northern Flicker 10. Yellow-rumped Warbler 11. Red-breasted Nuthatch 12. Pine Siskin (v) 13. Eastern Bluebird 14. Hermit Thrush 15. Pileated Woodpecker 16. White-breasted Nuthatch**
Mammals
American Red Squirrel (v)
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
Low-20s (F) this morning, but calm as a lazy summer day. And cloudless: not a single cloud in the sky that I could see—not even out over the bay. And quiet, so quiet. Other than a Downy Woodpecker tapping on a tree near the trailhead, the first few birds I didn’t see, I heard. And then came the bunch of chattering chickadees.
They sounded a little upset, the chickadees, and I saw some flitting through the tree trunks, so I trained my binocs in that direction, and I saw it. A Barred Owl, clearly visible in the morning sunlight. Excitedly, I raised my camera—and the owl had left its perch.
Dangit!
But oh, well. I’m used to dipping on photos. Sure, an owl pic is a rare pic (for me, at least), but I felt sure I’d get others this calm day. And I did, on my return with dog up and over the hill, when I good-sized flock of bluebirds appeared.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:34 a.m., I hiked all trails.
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
