Northern Harrier.
Northern Harriers are my favorite raptors, I’m pretty sure. Their dependable arrival in October, their low, graceful, circuitous flight, their close attention to the barrens, even their seeming patience with crows—all add up to the kind of bird you’d just like to get to know. I was delighted to see one roaming the hill this afternoon.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
It made me happy also to come upon little flocks of both Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. October birds, to me, exemplify the perfection of the season.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 9 a.m.—and again at 4 p.m.—I hiked the open trail.
1. Blue Jay**
2. Golden-crowned Kinglet
3. Eastern Towhee (v)
4. Yellow-rumped Warbler
5. American Crow*
6. Song Sparrow
7. Black-capped Chickadee (v)
8. Northern Flicker
9. American Robin
10. European Starling
11. White-throated Sparrow
12. Gray Catbird (v)
13. Hermit Thrush
14. Eastern Phoebe
15. Northern Harrier
16. Ruby-crowned Kinglet
17. Pileated Woodpecker
Elsewhere
18. Rock Pigeon
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, eastern phoebe, eastern towhee, golden-crowned kinglet, gray catbird, hermit thrush, northern flicker, northern harrier, pileated woodpecker, rock pigeon, ruby-crowned kinglet, song sparrow, white-throated sparrow, yellow-rumped warbler
