photograph and text by Brian Willson

Late hike with Jack. Cool, clear, and very windy—so windy that I had trouble hearing the faint sounds of the remnant native birds. I did hear the note of a hermit thrush. Twice. And two roving bands of chickadees. A solitary waxwing. A solitary catbird. A crow. The only bird I saw up there this evening was a distant herring gull riding the wind.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 6 p.m., I hiked the wooded trails.

1. Hermit thrush (v)
2. Black-capped chickadee (v)
3. Cedar waxwing (v)
4. American crow* (v)
5. Herring gull*
6. Gray catbird* (v)

Elsewhere

7. White-throated sparrow
8. American goldfinch
9. Mourning dove

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere