[It's just not that easy. Fierce glares mean the professor just tries to hide a little better, and very obviously isn't getting anywhere fast with doing so. There's something to be said for effort, surely! There's a distinct squeak when he's actually addressed by the hulking green whatever-it-was. It can talk!

... It might be trying to trick him. Maybe the tree was the best defense he could have!]

Ah. W-well, that's good but I'm ... I think I might be safer right where I am for now, uh, sir.

[This is so not what he came into the woods to find!]

S-say, uhm. Since you can talk and all.. have you.. um. H-have you seen anything.. like a small. ... A little blue and red bird, maybe..?

[He's still hiding. It's still a terrible job at hiding.]