Warmer this morning than a day ago, but with a healthy southwest wind. Did not know what to expect, bird-wise.
Not a lot of species to start (nor photo ops), although the highlight was likely the Merlin that we spooked at the summit and I could not photograph as it flapped swiftly away.
Had only a dozen spp. by the time we returned down the lower wooded trail. Did not expect more. But then I heard the voice of a Golden-crowned Kinglet, and spotted a few, and a Brown Creeper appeared. And, after that little pause to attempt actual bird pics, I heard a pair of bluebirds and watched a gull fly away above the canopy.
Clouds are supposed to gather tomorrow, with rain Friday night. Saturday we might get to hike in afternoon for a change.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 7:14 a.m., I hiked all trails.
1. American Crow**
2. Tufted Titmouse
3. American Goldfinch**
4. Black-capped Chickadee
5. Blue Jay
6. Hairy Woodpecker
7. Downy Woodpecker (v)
8. Yellow-rumped Warbler
9. White-throated Sparrow (v)
10. Merlin
11. Purple Finch (v)
12. American Robin (v)
13. Golden-crowned Kinglet
14. Brown Creeper
15. Eastern Bluebird (v)
16. Herring Gull*
Elsewhere
17. Northern Cardinal (v)
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year
Tags: American crow, American goldfinch, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, brown creeper, downy woodpecker, eastern bluebird, golden-crowned kinglet, hairy woodpecker, herring gull, merlin, purple finch, tufted titmouse, white-throated sparrow, yellow-rumped warbler
