This morning the Howard County bird club went to the "Meadowbrook Park" aka Rt 100 park and ride. A large group of birders lucked out with a fine selection of birds. Highlights were WHITE-CROWNS perched in the multi-flora. SWAMP sparrows singing and poking among the cattails. SAVANNAHS perched in the multi next to SONGS. FIELD and WHITE-THROAT totaled our sparrows at 6 species. 3 adult RUSTY blackbirds allowed us to approach very close and observe them flipping over leaves in the water as they searched for food. A singing BROWN THRASHER was the first for the year for many. 5 GREAT BLUE HERONS together in a line flying over was exciting. A lone CORMORANT was another nice flyover. EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were in abundance. A BARN SWALLOW was the first of the year but only seen by DARIUS ECKER. Without a doubt the highlight of the trip was an AMERICAN BITTERN. The entire group was able to view the bird very well. This was a lifer and or county bird for many. Bonnie Ott , Howard county bird club p.s. 3 Loons flying over my Ellicott City house this a.m. Palm warbler in the backyard yesterday "For me there are few more enjoyable experiences than seeing my first swallow of the year, even if it is only a brief flash of deep metallic blue and an impression of grace and beauty as the bird flies low on its way to its summer home...." Peter Tate