Seems like a nice sunny morning after a hard rain can be some of the best
birding. I didn't get anything real exotic, but plenty of REDSTARTS,
NORTHERN PARULA, a WORM-EATING and generally lots of activity. A DC
CORMORANT just landed on the lake, something of a rarity here. If I can
catch him, I'll send him back to DC.
    Birds singing their heads off included a SCARLET TANAGER and two
BALTIMORE ORIOLES on either side of the lake. They were perched high and in
plain sight of each other. Daring each other to cross that lake. Tough guys.
Also had several YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS, probably just passing through. I
have not had any stay through a breeding season in my immediate vicinity.
Best treat might have been the WOOD THRUSH I found singing along the North
Branch of the Patapsco. He was perched fairly high in the tree he was in,
but since I was well up hill of him, he was right at eye level for me. Yes,
I know there are plenty of votes out there for Hermit Thrushes and other
lovely singers, but this one remains my favorite song. Watching them do it
just adds to the treat.
    Speaking of thrushes, I can see a Robin taking a bath in the water
garden. Wish that other Wood Thrush would come back down and do that. And I
hope our baby BLUEBIRDS stay another day. I need them for the count
tomorrow. They're all feathered out and ready to go.
    Jerry Tarbell
    Carroll County