Eastern Bluebird.
True, it was colder than yesterday. True, snow is on the way. True, I had a two-hour midday dental appointment to prep for yet another crown. But toward the end of the day, with the sun descending, as Jack and I arrived at Beech Hill, who should turn into the parking lot but my friends Lori and Chris—now Jack’s friends also. We all had a lovely hike.
Not least because of all the birds we heard and/or saw—most notably the little flock of bluebirds that Chris happened to spot off in the ruddy, snowless stubble. (Never mind that there’ll be snow in that field tomorrow: I kind of doubt February bluebirds will be going anywhere.) We chatted, aimed our binocs at the periphery, spied a hardy paddle-boarder over near Indian Island Light. The air was still, with a chill.
The light was nice, too.
And so was the company.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Mourning Dove
2. Black-capped Chickadee*
3. White-breasted Nuthatch
4. American Robin
5. Eastern Bluebird
6. Downy Woodpecker (v)
7. Northern Flicker (v)
8. Herring Gull*
Elsewhere
9. American Crow
8. Rock Pigeon
9. European Starling
10. Ring-billed Gull
11. Mallard
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, downy woodpecker, eastern bluebird, European starling, herring gull, mallard, mourning dove, northern flicker, ring-billed gull, rock pigeon, white-breasted nuthatch
