It was very sweet tonight to be close enough to zoom back to Elkton when I
finished working. As soon as I saw Amanda's e-mail, I went to the park. When
I first arrived the bird was not visible, and I thought I was going to miss
out again, but as I drove around the far side near the marsh, I could see
"Big Bird" underneath the pine trees.

The crane grazed placidly the whole time I was there, except when a man
jogged by with an exuberant Husky. The crane spotted the dog long before the
dog spotted the bird. The crane stood up very straight and stared at the dog
the whole time. The light was very good at this point, and I could see a
strand of grass, or a small twig, hanging from the bird's mouth. Apparently
it was startled in mid-mouthful. (When it turned its head, I could see
straight through its nostrils, too.) After the dog was safely out of the
crane's danger zone, it dropped the twig and resumed eating whatever it is
that cranes eat. 

A few joggers and walkers told me the bird has come very close to them. I
watched it for about a half hour, and when I left it was still munching
away.

Thank you to everyone who posted status reports today. If others come to see
the bird tomorrow, I hope you'll take the time to walk the park, which is
pretty birdy with ospreys, egrets, indigo buntings, northern parula,
kingbirds, wood thrush, etc. Turkey Point and Fair Hill are good additional
nearby destinations, as is Courthouse Point WMA, which has several vocal
chats. In fact, our summertime "Seasons at Fair Hill" field trip will be
held on Saturday, July 17. Details are below:

Summer at Fair Hill means specialty breeding birds:  Scarlet Tanager, Veery,
Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, Cerulean
Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Bobolinks, and more!  Of course, the scenery
at Fair Hill can't be beat - lush woods, rolling hills, extensive hayfields,
crystal clear streams.  Be prepared for a longish hike over trails that are
narrow  and may be steep and muddy in places.

Meet at the Covered Bridge Parking Lot at Fair Hill at 7:00 a.m. for a ½ day
trip. From Rt 273, go north on Rt 316 (Appleton Rd) for about one mile and
then enter Fair Hill at Black Bridge Rd on the left. Follow this gravel road
for about 2 miles to the Covered Bridge Parking lot.  

Parking fee required;  Honor System in use; bring small bills to pay fee ($3
Maryland residents; $4 out-of-state visitors).  Wear good shoes or boots for
walking.

Trip leader:  Richard Donham 

Pat Valdata
Elkton