Savannah sparrow (juvenile).
It was a muggy one. The sun rose hot, steamy clouds rose in its wake, and we didn’t have much wind to speak of. Did a few early errands, worked a little, then got out on my bike. Despite the heat, it might’ve been my fastest ride of the year so far—thanks to the allure of evaporative cooling.
Cedar waxwing (juvenile), Beech Hill, 14 July 2012.
I perspire pretty freely during exercise, and I’m glad I do. What wind I managed to generate pedaling took the edge off nicely. Was pretty wonderful—until I stopped. Had to keep going, so I coaxed Jack—who, bless his heart, doesn’t sweat—into the pickup, and we ran the air-conditioner during our short drive to Beech Hill.
Muggy in the woods, as well. Deer flies buzzed. A few mosquitoes. Dragonflies and butterflies. Saw the black tails of two snakes disappear off the trail as we approached. Encountered no humans at all on the hill—but quite a few birds.
The usual species, mostly, but a couple of relatively unusual ones (for Beech Hill): a singing male cardinal, the wicka-wicka-wicka! of a flicker. Secretive alder flycatchers at two points along the trails (not that unusual, but highly skittish just now). After hearing no Savannah sparrows yesterday, I heard a couple today—and saw a youngster on the porch wall of Beech Nut. Watched several herring gulls flap by, which is also a little out of the ordinary. Heard a single ovenbird calling.
By the time we reached the summit, my shirt was sopping and stuck fast to my torso. Which was fine, considering the coolness it afforded my busy ol’ body.
Northern cardinal.
Several years ago, I would’ve jumped in a quarry and swam around on a day like today. It would’ve been a perfect day for swimming.
Got to find me a new swimming hole.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:45 p.m., I hiked the wooded trails.
1. Red-eyed vireo*
2. Veery
3. Common yellowthroat (v)
4. Chestnut-sided warbler (v)
5. American redstart (v)
6. American robin* (v)
7. Eastern towhee
8. Northern cardinal*
9. Cedar waxwing*
10. Alder flycatcher
11. Northern flicker (v)
12. Yellow warbler (v)
13. American crow* (v)
14. Gray catbird* (v)
15. Black-capped chickadee (v)
16. American goldfinch* (v)
17. Song sparrow*
18. Savannah sparrow
19. Herring gull*
20. Hermit thrush (v)
21. Ovenbird (v)
Elsewhere
22. Laughing gull (v)
23. Chipping sparrow (v)
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
