Date:         Mon, 8 May 2000 21:20:38 -0400
Reply-To:     blkrail <blkrail@gateway.net>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         blkrail <blkrail@GATEWAY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Bank Swallow, Least Bittern,
              Hog-nosed Snake at PRR North Tract
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Hi Folks,

Bank Swallow has now arrived at the Patuxent Research Refuge, North Tract=
,
seen this evening over Blue Heron Pond.  Unfortunately, I was not able to
locate the bird of the day--a Least Bittern seen this morning at New Mars=
h.

In the world of herps, I encountered a beautifully marked adult Hog-nosed
Snake near Lake Allen.  When I confronted it, it flattened its raised nec=
k
as if to "spread its hood" in a very cobra like fashion.  When I blocked =
its
retreat, it attempted several times to get around me, and finally went
through its death throes, writhing "in agony" and turning itself upside
down.  But this critter had little patience, and after little more than f=
ive
seconds of "being dead" decided it was time to get on with it, and I obli=
ged
by allowing it to slither into the weeds.  It was a first rate show, thou=
gh.

Stan Arnold
Glen Burnie
blkrail@gateway.net

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