I might as well join the parade. I was walking around at dusk in Pine Valley
Park, Manchester, Carroll, MD, USA when I heard what sounded like the sort
of bill-clacking that owls do. Searched all over and couldn't find the
culprit. But it apparently saw me.
    I did get a nice look at a Rose-breasted Grosbeak down across the lake
last evening. Might have been a young male. Seemed to have some color in its
chest but not quite what Sibley shows for 1st year males.
    Also heard what sounded like a Warbling Vireo that wasn't doing its
regular song but something sort of like that.

    As for the rumours of my death - pay no mind to them. I started them
myself to see if the tax man would buy it.

Jerry Tarbell
Carroll County and parts of "the other side"