SORTIE

Like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's movie 'The Birds', this red-winged black bird flew circles over my head, occasionally swooping in lower while its mate and neighbors gathered in the nearby trees and reeds, chirping maniacally in my direction.  Although I suspected the cause of the bird's agitation, it wasn't until I was almost upon it that I noticed the intricately woven nest cleverly concealed in a thick stand of reeds.  I backed away so as not to disturb any little ones that might be in the nest, and continued on my hike around the pond, but the birds did not forgive and forget easily.  They followed me from tree to tree, scolding loudly until I finally climbed into my truck and drove away.