Sundown.
Another auto appointment today. (Supposed emissions-control issues the computers can’t seem to trace.) Thus, I spent most of the day working inside—although I did take a break to shovel the heavy, packed, icy snow from the front walk. And on the way to the shop I saw a sharp-shinned hawk fluttering low across busy Route 1.
Finally made it to Beech Hill as the sun hung low over the Rockville Ridge. Neither heard nor saw any birds until I reached the summit, where I heard—then saw—a flock of snow buntings making wide circles around Beech Nut. The bird twittering most seemed to have shaken loose from the flock and was working on catching up. Eventually they swirled away down the southern slope in the direction of the setting sun.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Snow bunting
Elsewhere
2. American crow
3. Black-capped chickadee (v)
4. Herring gull
5. Sharp-shinned hawk
6. Rock pigeon
7. European starling
v = Voice only
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, European starling, herring gull, rock pigeon, sharp-shinned hawk, snow bunting
