This morning I went out to listen for migrants and was surprised by the
number of singing swamp sparrows.  I went down to the river (Patuxent, Jug
Bay) and had a hard time trying to estimate the number of different singing
swamp sparrows; it was complicated by the many other songs from white-thr.
sp's, song sp's, red-w blkbds, and 3 different white-eyed vireos.  I
conservatively estimate that at least 8 swamp sparrows were singing at
once, and I watched about 20-25 that did not appear to sing while were busy
foraging.  I have bird-watched this area for 7 years now, but don't recall
ever seeing this many swamp sparrows in one spot.  Despite all the singing
passerines, I was surprised to find no warblers.

Also, the strange white pigeon returned to the feeders this morning.  I got
a better look at it, and it is definitely an escapee, although it is still
spooky as ever.  It has a band on the right leg, but not a banders type of
band.  It looks like rubber or some other type of soft material, that is
umarked and white and loops the leg twice, so I now suspect it is a carrier
pigeon.  I  don't know if there is any difference between these and rock
pigeons, but  I bet they are identical genetically.

Jeff Shenot
Croom, MD