A few Howard Countians visited Mt. Pleasant this a.m. and between the raindrops had a wonderful morning. An AMERICAN PIPIT greeted us as we arrived. The sparrows were very busy singing with FIELD taking the lead in numbers, SONGS were present but not in as numerous as we've seen elsewhere. The SWAMPS were evident along the streams and WHITE-THROATS numerous in the thickets. A few CHIPPING were a first for MARY JO for 99 and some SAVANNAHS gave us all some of the best views ever. MEADOWLARKS were singing and displaying over the fields. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were setting up in at least 3 different boxes. PALM warblers were numerous with at least 6 birds. LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS were singing from the woods. COMMON LOONS were spotted before the rain started with about 20 birds total. The only raptor up was an AMERICAN KESTREL. The FLICKERS were everywhere with at least 30 seen flying over. Both species of KINGLETS were spotted. Bonnie Ott (Howard County) p.s. Pine warbler in my bradford pear this morning. "The bluebird carries the sky on his back" Henry David Thoreau