After being idled for several weeks with a bad back, I decided to take an
afternoon constitutional at Cromwell Valley Park. As with earlier posts,
I found the bird activity at a lull. My new SongFinder did pick up some
birds, the most noted being CATBIRDS and CAROLINA WRENS in a
virtual tie. Several WARBLING VIREO's were also noted, in addition to
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, BLUE JAY, C. CHICKADEE and 
A. ROBIN.

An extended loop to the east was unproductive as I endured  warm and
humid, windless conditions. Part of the return circuit was through the
shaded woods, where numerous clucks and chips were beyond my ex-
pertise. As I rested on a bench at the woods edge, I was treated to a call
at once familiar but odd-sounding. Finally, I decided it was the maniacal
rendering of the PILEATED WOODPECKER. Just then, I spotted a fair-
ly large bird in the distance, headed for a far ridge. After getting it in my
binoculars, I saw it was, indeed, my woodpecker friend. As I returned to
my car, I was diverted by the feeding antics of several GOLDFINCH and,
lastly, a sudden burst of activity by the RUBY-THROATED HUMMER.

Paul Noell
Balto.  MD