Cold front blew through overnight. Actually, it continued to blow through during the day and evening—or seemed to. I spent as little time out in it as possible until it was time for dog and I to head up to Beech Hill, where the wind was playing winter games, tobogganing down the slopes. Bundled up good. Walked fast. Saw the raft of coots over at Chickie—but that was about it, bird-wise.
This evening I thought it might be interesting to ask my Facebook friends what their temperature was. Regina (Texas) had 51 degrees (F). Annie (Alaska) had -14. That pretty much bracketed everyone else—17 in the Boston area (Eva), 39 in Florida (Natalie), 27 in North Carolina (Ann), 43 in the California mountains (Cat). Hereabouts, the thermometer readings ranged from 8 to 12. Ten degrees here, by the way.
I was kind of hoping to hear from my friend Jack (New Zealand), but I suppose he’s too busy enjoying the austral summer down there.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail
1. American coot
Elsewhere
2. American crow
3. House sparrow
4. Herring gull
5. European starling
6. Mourning dove
Tags: American coot, American crow, European starling, herring gull, house sparrow, mourning dove


