Jeannette and I made a run for the hills yesterday, taking off to the western mountains on our day off. We elected to hike the two summits of Baldpate (no relation to the wigeon) Mountain in Grafton Notch State Park.

A moderate, but steady pace, allowed for ample opportunities for birding, which was quite productive. As we began our ascent of the first peak, we were serenaded by Swainson’s Thrushes and Black-throated Blue Warblers, who would become replaced by White-throated Sparrows and Blackpoll Warblers as we approached the summit. I was pleasantly surprised to encounter three Yellow-bellied Flycatchers in the woods, and our total of 13 singing Blackpoll Warblers was decent. We ran into two Boreal Chickadees, 4 Pine Siskins, and a single Ruby-crowned Kinglet as well.

Looking at the East Peak from the top of the West Peak (3680ft)

Looking at the West Peak from the top of the higher East Peak (3812ft)

After reaching the West Peak, we headed into the saddle – with a really cool bog that was festive with the fluffy blooms of Cotton Grass, and up the East Peak. On our way up, a flock of 15 White-winged Crossbills flew overhead, and we saw another pair a short time later. Then, on our way back, we happened upon a pair of Gray Jays.

Now, back to that itch . . .

We also checked out a few spots in the park on our way to and from the trailhead, including Screw Auger Falls.

Oh, and just to demonstrate that even in summer it’s definitely worth hitting the local patches, I picked up a Brown Thrasher this morning for my 121st species at Hedgehog Mountain Park!