Savannah sparrow.

Today’s bike ride was crazy. Because of the wind. First I headed south, and I got buffeted and thought, whoa, at least heading back north will be easier than this. But later, on the way north, I found myself pumping into a strong headwind. Crazy. Before long I realized the wind was coming from the west. Approximately. Occasionally it’d turn a bit south, occasionally a bit north. So in fact, I had a few stretches of fast cycling both ways.

Savannah sparrow.

Again, the wind. I suppose it might foreshadow a change in the seasons.

Here at the 44th parallel, this time of year is perhaps the most unsettled. You’ll have a typical summer day in August—and yet you’ll notice a small cluster of red leaves on some random maple. You’ll be taking a sweaty hike up a hill, and suddenly a nip of breeze will bring a tiny, foreboding chill. Or you’ll notice birds behaving a little more nervously than they do during the deep dog days.

Today was one of those days. A sunny one, not too warm, with (ahem) a buffeting wind. Crickets provided background music. As Jack and I headed to our late-afternoon Beech Hill hike, a catbird flitted across the road at the parking lot. Within a few minutes I’d listed waxwings and goldfinches—same birds, but seemingly slightly more vocal. And about half-way up, suddenly, a savannah sparrow popped up near the trail and chipped at us for long minutes, allowing me several photos. Has the photoperiod declined enough that they’re beginning to think of migration?

Saw a herring gull soaring out toward the bay. Clear up there, a few clouds in the south. Ate a couple dozen blackberries from our secret patch. Near the wooded trail, I heard the hammering of a woodpecker. Looked for it, never did see it. But judging by the loudness of the hammering, and it’s slowness, and my experiencing watching them excavate tree trunks, I’m gonna call it a pileated.

Savannah sparrow.

During our return descent, a song burst into a flurry of chips in a brushy spot. I caught sight of it (and, apparently, a couple youngsters), though it kept mostly hidden.

Tonight is chilly. Stars up there. Fall is still a month away—but I sense it coming.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Gray catbird
2. Cedar waxwing
3. American goldfinch
4. American crow
5. Savannah sparrow
6. Herring gull
7. Common yellowthroat (voice)
8. Pileated woodpecker (hammering)
9. Song sparrow

Elsewhere

10. House sparrow
11. Great black-backed gull
12. Mourning dove
13. Black-capped chickadee