Eastern bluebird.
What can I say about this day? The sun rose earlier than yesterday. Titmouse singing out back. Mourning dove calling from the roof of a house across the road. Crows swarming. The temperature dipped rather dramatically from yesterday, but the wind died down some. Still, I didn’t ride my bike for the second time in 2012—that’ll have to wait until, say, Monday.
Shadows.
Worked hard at my desk, tiring my brain. The sun streamed through the southern windows. The heat didn’t even come on.
Late in the day, dog and I got antsy and so high-tailed it outta here. We hit town for an errand or two, then drove out Route 17 toward Beech Hill. The ice appears to be leaving Chickawaukie Lake, which showed liquid water around the fringes. Scraps of clouds moved over the big sky.
We were alone climbing the muddy trail—except for three bluebirds perched in the photogenic birch. I managed a few photos before they flew away amid flutey calls. The sun cast our long shadows against the ruddy fields, and the bay spread serenely away to the east, dotted with its familiar islands. No other birds up there, but we did meet our dog friend Chuck on the way back down.
And back at the birch, I was surprised to see six bluebirds perched there this time—alas, too late to grab more photos.
Driving home, I noticed a wide yard full of robins, spaced intermittently, prowling the softening earth.
Mount Desert.
Tonight, while admiring Jupiter’s pursuit of Venus—I don’t believe I’ve ever seen those two planets so (apparently) close together—a bat fluttered across the twilit sky. It’s a changing, melting, humming, stirring, expectant time of year.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Eastern bluebird
Elsewhere
2. House finch
3. Tufted titmouse
4. American crow
5. Mourning dove
6. Herring gull
7. Rock pigeon
8. American robin
Tags: American crow, American robin, herring gull, house finch, mourning dove, rock pigeon, tufted titmouse
