A warm morning, leading up to a warm day—mid-60s in afternoon. There was wind, but also sun, and I needed only a light jacket and wore my regular (not insulated) jeans. Good decisions all.
Did not know what to expect today, and ended up highly entertained by what we encountered. Most notable: a first-of-year Osprey, and a first-of-year Mourning Cloak butterfly. Also more Palm Warblers, and a little flock of waxwings that zipped by as we were hiking the open trail.
It’s suddenly dry on the trails—and no real relief in sight. But tomorrow will be a warm one, with Friday maybe even warmer.
P.S. Heard my first spring peepers last night.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:24 a.m. real time (7:24 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. American Robin** 2. Eastern Phoebe** 3. Song Sparrow* 4. Turkey Vulture 5. Tufted Titmouse** 6. American Goldfinch 7. American Crow* 8. Blue Jay 9. Black-capped Chickadee* 10. Northern Cardinal** (v) 11. Palm Warbler 12. Ruffed Grouse 13. Hairy Woodpecker (v) 14. Pileated Woodpecker (v) 15. Yellow-rumped Warbler 16. Osprey† 17. Herring Gull* 18. Eastern Bluebird 19. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (drumming) 20. American Kestrel 21. Cedar Waxwing 22. Golden-crowned Kinglet (v)
Had three more first-of-year birds this morning, much to my surprise and delight. Just about every hike with dog has been a delightful surprise since our return, in fact. This morning’s brought first Veery, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Alder Flycatcher of 2022.
Veery (first of year).
A nice hike otherwise, too—chilly, but not too chilly, overcast but not too overcast. Also interesting were the four Wood Ducks that showed up in the green grassy lawn next door.
Rained this eve. Supposed to get warmer this upcoming weekend.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:12 a.m., I hiked most trails.
