White-breasted Nuthatch.
We’re in that odd period when most migrating birds have flown the coop (so to speak)—whether that coop was here or farther north—and those non-migrating birds (whose numbers seem to vary every year) are getting antsy to load up on late-season rations, and therefore the number and variety of winged things is kind of hard to predict. Today, for instance, began with a White-breasted Nuthatch, continued with a surprise overflight by a mature Bald Eagle, and also had a little flock of bluebirds in it.
Milkweed seed.
Today was a rather mild day, though, true, with little wind and a lot of sunshine. Who wouldn’t enjoy a flit about outside, man or bird. Or dog.
My dog and I enjoyed our quick mid-afternoon hike, despite the fact that I saw only two species at Beech Hill Preserve—and both of those were zipping around the roadsides. Otherwise, it was simply a day of bronze and copper and gold.
And the blue of a blue-blue sky.
And a rapidly shortening photoperiod.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Dark-eyed Junco
2. Eastern Bluebird
3. Yellow-rumped Warbler (v)
4. American Crow* (v)
5. Black-capped Chickadee** (v)
6. Hairy Woodpecker (v)
7. American Goldfinch (v)
Elsewhere
8. White-breasted Nuthatch
9. Blue Jay (v)
10. House Sparrow (v)
11. Herring Gull
12. American Robin
13. Bald Eagle
14. Mallard
15. Mourning Dove
16. White-throated Sparrow (v)
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, bald eagle, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, dark-eyed junco, hairy woodpecker, herring gull, house sparrow, mallard, mourning dove, white-breasted nuthatch, white-throated sparrow, yellow-rumped warbler
