The forecast was for a bomb cyclone, and we got one.
Rained overnight, and the wind howled. Conveniently, on the weather radar, a little clear patch appeared in the spiraling storm right over us, so dog and I got out and up the hill.
Windiest day since our return back at the end of April. Gusts up to 50 m.p.h. or more. Wet, too, but not so rainy during our hike. Definitely warm, though—upper 40s (F). Saw no other dogs or humans up there—but a few birds showed up. Very few, although I did see a pair of crows in flight and a bunch of doves as we were leaving.
But the only photo I got was back at home, where a pair of turkeys were pecking about in the windy yard.
Supposed to chill way down tomorrow. Should be interesting.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 8:26 a.m., I hiked the main trail.
1. American Crow* 2. American Robin (v) 3. Downy Woodpecker (v) 4. Mourning Dove
Not long after awakening, I heard a car honk outside. Then I heard a turkey gobble. So I grabbed my camera. That’s how come I got a bunch of photos of tom turkeys displaying out in my front yard. (The hens all fled across the road.)
Warm day, meanwhile—rain arrived mid-morning and stayed for a while. Still above freezing tonight, in fact.
Still winter, though, so we’re not getting out of this quite that easy.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 8:45 a.m., I hiked the open trail.
Another bright morning, but a lot chillier than yesterday. Might’ve had frost last night even. (This spring is markedly colder than the last one.) But Jack and I got up early anyway and hit Beech Hill again.
American robin.
Not as many species as yesterday—and no new 2013 migrants—but still plenty of interesting sightings anyway, as always. Spotted a couple hermit thrushes coming up. Heard a purple finch. Noticed a pair of kestrels in the fields still. Yellow-rumps again in the bayberry. Phoebe is nesting in the eaves of Beech Nut, as usual. Savannah sparrow pair up there, too. Surprised a flock of turkeys down in the western field—they took flight when they noticed us up at the hut.
Returning, I found “Jeepers Creepers” stuck in my head and (after a few moments of wondering) realized that surrounding me were chickadees basically singing the same tune.
Final sighting of the day: a broad-winged hawk in the trees near the parking lot that flapped away as we approached.
Supposed to be meteors tonight. Might have to step out and listen to spring peepers here in a little bit.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:15 a.m., I hiked all trails.
