Hairy woodpecker.
Today was a day much like yesterday, except the time was all screwed up. I’m beginning to wonder about Daylight Savings Time. I mean, what’s the point, really? Is the idea to change people’s sleeping habits—move them up or back an hour? I suppose that’s the point, but why? I don’t know. Just feeling a little ornery about it. Not that resetting clocks really bothers me much. It doesn’t change anything important, just human scheduling. Not something I pay much attention to anyway (as those who know me will attest).
Moon, Beech Hill, Rockport, Maine, 06 November 2011.
I awoke and rolled out of bed, same as usual. Took my usual shower, had my usual breakfast. Went out with Jack, as usual. Heard the usual jays out there, saw the usual crows. Then I spent the day writing. That was kind of unusual—in a good way.
But because I changed the clocks back to regular time, I had to keep an eye on the sun to plot out my daily hike with dog. No problem. We got there a little more than twenty-four hours after we’d arrived yesterday. There was one notable difference, however: the parking lot was nearly full. Maybe because the temperature topped out a little higher than it had a day ago, or maybe because it was Sunday. Who knows? Who cares? The hill gave us the same trail underfoot, the same views of the lake and bay. The same moon rose—a bit lower above the hill.
Fewer birds, though. Saw crows. Heard a flicker and a jay. Saw no raft of coots at Chickawaukie Lake. Greeted numerous hikers going up and down.
Back at the lot, I heard a nuthatch and a chickadee and spotted a female hairy woodpecker hammering away at a nearby tree trunk. After I snagged a couple photos, we continued on our merry way.
Chickawaukie Lake.
Which has led us to this. Dog asleep on the couch beside me, I feeling ready for bed—by the clock, an hour earlier than yesterday.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:15 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. American crow
2. Northern flicker (voice)
3. Blue jay (voice)
4. Hairy woodpecker
5. White-breasted nuthatch (voice)
6. Black-capped chickadee (voice)
Elsewhere
7. Herring gull
Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, hairy woodpecker, herring gull, northern flicker, white-breasted nuthatch
