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
Wind and rain overnight became wind and fog this early morning. Good news for dog and me: We could hike at our usual time without getting too soaking wet.
A thick fog, and a strong blow. Few birds were interested in coming out in it—only six species today—but we were the only ones on the hill this morning, and we hiked all the usual trails. And I only found one tick on Jack (and none on me).
Besides, it was a thrill: the roaring wind, the low visibility, fallen branches (and one small tree) in the trail, a general sense of uncertainty. Heightened senses.
More rain came after we returned home, and later, the sun came out. What a Saturday. Both of us loved this day.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:29 a.m., I hiked all trails (and then some).
1. American Crow* 2. Black-capped Chickadee** 3. Blue Jay (v) 4. Northern Flicker 5. Red-breasted Nuthatch (v) 6. American Goldfinch (v)
A little later, a little warmer than yesterday’s hike—perhaps a little calmer air, as well. All this combined to deliver a few more birds. And an interesting variety, from thrushes, to woodpeckers, to finches, to corvids, to sparrows—even my first waxwing in a while.
Most notable might’ve been the (very loud) Red-shouldered Hawk that appeared low above the trees—too low for a photo, alas, but you can’t miss this species’ call.
Busy otherwise today—a fruitfully busy one. Frankly, I could relieve this day forever and be content.
But tomorrow will come another one. And what’ll happen, no one knows.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 8:06 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Tufted Titmouse 2. American Crow 3. American Robin** 4. Red-breasted Nuthatch (v) 5. Purple Finch 6. Black-capped Chickadee** 7. Downy Woodpecker 8. Red-bellied Woodpecker 9. American Goldfinch 10. Hairy Woodpecker 11. Yellow-rumped Warbler 12. Blue Jay** (v) 13. Eastern Bluebird 14. Northern Flicker 15. Cedar Waxwing 16. Song Sparrow (v) 17. Savannah Sparrow 18. Red-shouldered Hawk 19. White-throated Sparrow 20. Brown Creeper
Mammals
American Red Squirrel
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
