I’ve been thinking a lot about Monhegan lately. It’s a long story (literally), but for a couple weeks my mind’s been wandering back to the several trips I’ve taken there over the past few years. It’s a 4.5-square-mile island with a long history, its own myths and legends, an allure to visual artists, and lots of unlikely birds. I last visited only seven or eight weeks ago, but I’m already looking forward to returning.

During my Beech hill hike with Jack today, I got a nice look at Monhegan floating in the pale orange light of a late-November sunset. Also got a look at a lone kayaker down at Chickawaukie Lake. Also a crow, a jay, and a distant gull.

Earlier on this mild, calm day, in town, the aliens were flocking: European starlings and house sparrows.

And tonight—still mild, now clear—my mind’s still out on the island.

Beech Hill List

Beginning at 2 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. Black-capped chickadee (voice)
2. Northern flicker (voice)
3. American crow
4. Herring gull
5. Hairy woodpecker (voice)
6. Blue jay

Elsewhere

7. House sparrow
8. European starling
9. Tufted titmouse

Tags: American crow, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, European starling, hairy woodpecker, herring gull, house sparrow, northern flicker, tufted titmouse

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 26th, 2011 at 11:43 pm and is filed under Lists, Observations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.