BLACKPOLL WARBLERs

These are the highlights of our migration here. Every year we get some of
them in our yard as they pass through. Our first showed up on Monday and
this morning one was in the tree next to the house. Unfortunately, they are
one of the last things to go thru and signal the end of the spring blitz.
    On another note, the MOS conference this year will be held in bear
country. Be careful how you speak to them. They don't like anything that
sounds like a growl or threatening voice. I already knew this, but I made
that mistake yesterday in Shenandoah Park. I'm not sure exactly what I said,
intending to just let them know I was there and urge them to move on. I
think it was something like "AH, come on!"
    For the first time in my life I had a bear come right at me. I was tired
after  along day fishing and was in no shape to deal with it but I scrambled
into some underbrush to find a place to hide and pray. From about twenty
feet away I saw the bear finally turn and run. Apparently he doesn't like
chicken.
    I clearly made a mistake - probably the tone of my voice. Up until now
all of the bears have run from me. Maybe I'm looking less threatening in my
old age. Don't let it happen to you. Just stay back and shut up. If they see
you, they'll run. I think I got too impatient because I dearly needed to see
my truck and rest before the drive home.
    By the way, the birding was great down there.
    Jerry