I have a feeling I’ve begun a post this way more than once before, but what a difference a day makes. Maybe the chilly air—upper-40s (F) first thing—or a favorable overnight wind direction, but what a bright and birdy morning greeted dog and me as we headed up the wooded trail.
Two kinglet species, four woodpecker species, ever-present yellow-rumps, another Swainson’s Thrush, a random junco.
But the highlight of this hike was our chance encounter—on the upper wooded trail—with a trio of Red-eyed Vireos. They were plucking berries in the yellowish vegetation just feet from the trail, and in the morning light I was convinced they were Philadelphia Vireos, a species I hadn’t seen in years. But an expert bird ID friend saw my photo caption and set me straight.
Ever educational, this birding thing.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:54 a.m., I hiked all trails.
This morning’s early sky was thinly overcast with dappled clouds. A little humid, no wind. Rather quiet, bird-wise, for the most part—but they were still lurking in the leafy periphery and flapping soundlessly overhead.
Another Swainson’s Thrush (same bird?), a good-sized flock of robins, many chickadees, and a gang of roadside turkeys. Plus, a little family of Savannahs (my favorite sparrow).
In eleven days, it’ll be fall.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:15 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Crow* 2. Gray Catbird 3. Cedar Waxwing 4. Eastern Towhee 5. Common Yellowthroat 6. Song Sparrow 7. Black-capped Chickadee 8. Blue Jay** 9. American Goldfinch 10. American Robin 11. Red-breasted Nuthatch** 12. Yellow-rumped Warbler 13. Eastern Wood-pewee (v) 14. Brown Creeper (v) 15. Black-and-white Warbler 16. American Redstart 17. Red-eyed Vireo 18. Swainson’s Thrush 19. Savannah Sparrow 20. Osprey 21. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 22. Wild Turkey*
Elsewhere
23. Northern Cardinal 24. Mourning Dove 25. Herring Gull
Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel Eastern Chipmunk
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
No clouds in the sky this fair morning, but a light wind blowing from the west. Few birds to start, but it seems at this time of year they’re moving around in the edges, readying for migration.
Most notable? A cooperative Swainson’s Thrush that posed for me. I’ve seen so few of these—maybe four or five, tops—that it’s still a thrill. Especially when I have photographic proof. Also noteworthy: another Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and a little wave of Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Nice species count today. What count might I have tomorrow? I wonder.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:30 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. Northern Flicker (v) 2. American Crow* 3. Red-eyed Vireo 4. Black-capped Chickadee 5. American Robin (v) 6. Cedar Waxwing 7. Red-breasted Nuthatch** 8. Eastern Towhee 9. Gray Catbird 10. Swainson’s Thrush 11. American Goldfinch 12. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 13. Common Yellowthroat (v) 14. Blue Jay** 15. Yellow-rumped Warbler 16. Eastern Phoebe 17. Song Sparrow 18. Herring Gull* 19. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 20. Yellow Warbler 21. Savannah Sparrow 22. Tufted Titmouse (v) 23. Eastern Wood-pewee (v) 24. Pileated Woodpecker (v)
Elsewhere
25. Mourning Dove
Mammals
Eastern Chipmunk
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
