There has been a lot of chat about big sits lately. I am not anybody who
could do that. Too antsy, impatient and easily bored. I've been told I
probably have a long undiagnosed hyperactivity.
    However, today at the end of a hike up a little used old road in the
Catoctins that eventually sorta came to a dead end - there were three
possibilities as to which was the continuation of the old road, none of
which seemed very pleasing - I did the logical thing, found a log and sat
down. And did the ol' hush up and wait bit. I only lasted about 20 minutes
but eventually I heard a Ruby-crowned Kinglet sing, found 2 Hermit Thrushes
and a Winter Wren. Things really do pick up after a while.
    Note to beginners about Hermit Thrushes - they do a thing I call the
'hop up and freeze'. They are often on the ground when you first encounter
them. But if you remain alert to movements, you might spot them as they hop
up onto a low branch. They will just sit there until they think they've been
spotted before they hop up higher and watch you carefully from a new perch.
    The idea of sitting in one spot and waiting for nature to come to you
does work. Even for short little sits. I recommend it.
    Jerry Tarbell
    Carroll County