While walking the perimiter trails of Cylburn Park in Balto. City to try
out my new version of the SongFinder, I was very pleased with the way
this new shirtpocket unit performed. It seemed more sensitive than the
old unit and more truly directional. So, even tho' the sky was increasing-
ly dark to the northwest and the still air was palpably humid, I was enjoy-
ing my walk, after being confined to house with a nasty case of the shing-
les for the past several days. After I'd completed half of the circuit, the
storm was virtually overhead, so I headed for the protection of the porch
fronting the Cylburn mansion. As I accessed the safe confines of the over-
hang, I couldn't help noting the majestic presence of the old walnut tree
standing alone inside the circular driveway fronting the mansion, for the
umpteenth time. 

As I waited for the torrential rains to abate, I ducked inside for a quick 
pit stop of about 5 minutes. When I emerged back outside, I was sur-
prised to note this noble tree had shattered about the base and more or
less crumpled to the ground, almost reaching the steps to the mansion,
with shattered branches covering good portions of the drive. I had not
heard a single sound outside that of the storm while in the back of the
building. One look, and I was reminded of the former Wye Oak  of Tal-
bot County, which I'd enjoyed seeing so much over the years that I'd
birded that area.

For those of you who have also birded the Cylburn Park and environs,
it'll be a different look on the occasion of your next visit. I imagine this
former giant will join the rest of the city's fallen trees, just down the hill
to another birding area of those who regularly bird Cylburn, the "Stump
Dump".  So...even tho' I didn't hear it, did the tree make a noise?

Paul Noell
Balto.  MD