This day had some nervousness in it. The forecast called for rain, but the sky stayed cloudy for a while before clearing a little, and a stout wind picked up. Jack and I had a chance at mid-afternoon to take a quick Beech Hill hike. The sky had mostly cleared by that time, but you could tell from the dark southwest sky that a storm was on its way.
Encountered the usual yellow-rumped warblers right away. And a couple chickadees. More yellow-rumps in the bushes along the trail, where they’ve taken to hanging out lately on their way through. Not a whole lot else, though. Not even many humans, and no dogs. A scenic landscape all around, though, and rough water in the bay.
Returning, I heard the voice of a raven behind me and turned to watch the bird soar over, heading more or less southward. (Though I spied another about a half-mile away ahead of us.) Then I saw three crows.
As we neared the base of the hill again, I heard something—a lone robin at the top of a colorful hardwood. Then, flying from the direction of the robin, six other thrushes: bluebirds, singing, flying south.
A pair of common birds, a pair of corvids, and a pair of thrushes.
On the drove home, a few raindrops spattered the windshield. And tonight, it’s been raining off and on—and blowing like crazy.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3 p.m, I hiked the open trail.
1. Yellow-rumped warbler
2. Black-capped chickadee**
3. Common raven
4. American crow*
5. American robin
6. Eastern bluebird
Elsewhere
7. White-breasted nuthatch (v)
8. Herring gull
9. Rock pigeon
10. Blue jay
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, common raven, herring gull, rock pigeon, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-rumped warbler



