I knew the rain was coming, so I prepped (emotionally, at least) for a challenging morning hike with dog. Sure enough, the overnight rain—and a temperature in the high 40s (F)—had turned the recent six-plus inches of snow into so much slush. Still, we headed up to the main Beech Hill trailhead, as always, albeit a little later than usual.

As expected, we were first up the slushy trail—wading, basically—and met no other dog or human. I saw no birds either. (Heard the two most dependable species, crow and chickadee.) But did, early on, spy the Snowshoe Hare perched outside its little warren cave.

Pretty sure it’s the same hare I’d seen twice before—same little hidey-hole, anyway—but, boy, was he sopping wet. And so were we.

A brighter, calmer morning tomorrow, and will stay below freezing all day.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:56 a.m., I hiked the main trail—and then some.

1. American Crow* (v)
2. Black-capped Chickadee** (v)

Elsewhere

3. Mourning Dove
4. Tufted Titmouse (v)
5. Northern Cardinal (v)
6. Wild Turkey

Mammals

Snowshoe Hare

(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year