Icy trail.
Rained like crazy last night, then began to blow. Occasionally I’d awaken to hear strong gusts rattling the windows and the rushing sound up the hill out back and the gigantic oak tree leaning over my bedroom would come to mind. At some point I was aware of sleet scattering against the siding. By sunup, the temperature had (as promised) plummeted to about 10 degrees (F). Still windy, though, and now snowing a little.
Black-capped chickadee.
About midday, I thought Jack and I might as well get it over with. We marched up Beech Hill and back, wind helping us up and hindering our return trip. When wind that cold blows against the front of me, I get a cold-headache around where the brim of my hat meets my forehead. We met no other people (or dogs). Heard only a chickadee in the wind somewhere.
But by late in the day, the snow had let up and the sun had actually emerged, and I decided to take another quick hike, so we did it again.
Still a little windy, not as cold. Fact is, it began to snow a little while we were up there. The trail was icy in places and had small drifts in others. Saw a few chickadees this time—the only bird. Back at the parking lot, we met a young couple just arriving.
En route back home, I saw a mourning dove.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 12 p.m. and again at 4:45 p.m, I hiked the open trail.
1. Black-Capped Chickadee** (v)
Elsewhere
2. American Crow
3. Herring Gull
4. Mourning Dove
v = Voice only
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, herring gull, mourning dove
