This morning’s hike was a fun one. Sub-freezing temps, but calm, with a nearly cloudless sky. In the woods, little birds abounded—chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches, a couple woodpecker species. Quieter at the summit, until I rounded Beech Nut and spied a Horned Lark.
First of the species I’d seen since last I’d seen one at Beech Hill, at least four—and maybe five or six or seven—years ago. Mostly I’ve seen them in flocks, I think, but this was a solitary bird who posed for a minute.
Thanks, lark.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:51 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Goldfinch 2. Tufted Titmouse (v) 3. Black-capped Chickadee 4. Hairy Woodpecker 5. White-breasted Nuthatch** 6. Brown Creeper 7. American Robin 8. Horned Lark 9. American Crow* (v) 10. Red-breasted Nuthatch 11. Canada Goose (v) 12. Eastern Bluebird 13. Yellow-rumped Warbler 14. Downy Woodpecker (v)
Elsewhere
15. Ring-billed Gull 16. Herring Gull
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
This morning—our first in Standard Time—we hiked the trails at the usual hour, dog and I. Except the clock called it 7 o’clock instead of 8. [Don’t get me started on my feelings about ridiculously stupid DST!] The air was unseasonably warm and a little muggy, and the wind was high.
Few other folks up there at such an “early” hour. Few birds, too—thanks, I figure, to the winds. However, I managed a few photos and a dozen species on my list.
No harriers today, though.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:14 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Tufted Titmouse (v) 2. Black-capped Chickadee** 3. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 4. Purple Finch (v) 5. American Crow* 6. Yellow-rumped Warbler 7. Dark-eyed Junco 8. White-throated Sparrow 9. Blue Jay (v) 10. American Robin 11. Common Raven (v) 12. Song Sparrow
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
