Everybody knows the best birding is in the AM, preferably before 10. So I
finally gave up waiting for the predicted rain to move in when I saw the sun
come out. And walked around the lake up here in N Carroll County. I didn't
leave the house until after 2 PM.
    Seems like everybody was out and singing -  both Orioles (BAOR and
OROR), some Warbling Vireos, a Yellow-throated Vireo, a Thrasher, Catbirds,
a Yellow Warbler, Bluebird, Tree Swallows, Acadian Flycatcher, etc etc.
    Then I got down along the East Branch of the Patapsico (yes there is now
an "i" in it. What the heck - if people are gonna say it that way, make it
official) and I heard a Kentucky up ahead of me. I never got a good look at
it but I did see it fly. The one I was watching yesterday at Morgan Run did
the same thing. When it decided to move it really took off. Never realized
how fast they fly. This bird does not just lope along from perch to perch,
like the Acadian does when it does its flutter thing. They go with their
pants on fire. No wonder they seem to disappear from one spot and turn up 50
yards away. I once had one sing a complete circle around me and I never saw
the bird. They move very quickly from one singing  spot to another. Like
ghosts they slip away.
    And I have never had a Kentucky down along that section of the stream
before. Years ago there was one upstream from there about a quarter of a
mile. They seem to be expanding into new spots out here. Hope that trend
continues.
    I like this bird. May they never be declared a pest, but I hope their
numbers reach a point that somebody considers it.

    Jerry Tarbell
    Carroll County