Swamp sparrow.
Today I did some moving and hauling and carrying of heavy things. And packing and unpacking and sorting through boxes. And then Jack and I took a quick trip to the grocery store before meeting some friends at Beech Hill.
Sailor’s delight.
It was a late hike, and a chilly one, but not a quiet one, really, not what with quite a few people and dogs up there still as the sun headed down. We saw and/or heard quite a few bird species, too, for the time of year—including a surprise swamp sparrow, which hopped up onto a twig soon after we’d started walking. Also got a glimpse of a fast-flying merlin (for the second straight day). The number of yellow-rumps, however, was much dwindled from yesterday; only saw a handful.
Back at the parking lot, I realized I’d forgotten Jack’s poop bag, so we said goodbye and I headed back up for it. On my return, dusk had come, and I didn’t even see the little dark car that had squeezed in beside where I always park my pickup. Sideswipe! My bad. Sorry.
Cool and fragrant night tonight.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 5 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Wild turkey
2. American crow*
3. Black-capped chickadee (v)
4. Blue jay (v)
5. Swamp sparrow
6. Downy woodpecker
7. Yellow-rumped warbler
8. Song sparrow
9. Merlin
10. White-throated sparrow
11. Mourning dove (wingbeats)
Elsewhere
12. Herring gull
13. Tufted titmouse (v)
14. Mallard
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, downy woodpecker, herring gull, mallard, merlin, mourning dove, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, tufted titmouse, white-throated sparrow, wild turkey, yellow-rumped warbler
