JANUARY 2025

JANUARY 1 (Wednesday)
POP-UP TRIP AT LOIS Y. GREEN CONSERVATION PARK

Morning walk through the varied habitats of this excellent 250-acre park, including two ponds, fields, and deciduous and coniferous woods. We’ll be looking for sparrows, waterfowl, and raptors. We will start at 8 a.m. in the parking lot at 8711 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, Md. Walk will last about two hours. (Note: There are no restrooms or water facilities at the park.) The trip will be cancelled if it is snowing or sleeting. LEADER: Dave Powell at [email protected]. No reservations are required for this trip!

JANUARY 4 (Saturday)
BLUE MASH NATURE TRAIL

THIS TRIP IS FULL. WAITLIST ONLY. Join us for the morning as we walk the circuit trail looking for overwintering birds, especially sparrows and raptors. Meet at the Zion Road entrance at 8:30 a.m. Probable waterfowl in both ponds if not frozen over. Leader will have scope for distant views. Waterproof boots recommended. Limit: 12. LEADER: Lauren Carey at [email protected].

JANUARY 5 (Sunday)
BLACK HILL REGIONAL PARK AND GUNNERS LAKE

All birders, but especially new birders, are welcome on this half-day trip that will focus on the identification of ducks at these premier county spots for winter waterfowl. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Visitors Center to Black Hill Regional Park, and bring a spotting scope if you have one. Limit: 15. CO-LEADERS: Gerry Hawkins at [email protected] and Emily Huang at [email protected].

JANUARY 8 (Wednesday)
BLACKWATER NWR

Full day (to dusk). Early waterfowl and lingering migrants plus late afternoon marsh watch. Brown-headed Nuthatch possible. Bring lunch and drinks. Limit: 12. LEADER: Mark England at [email protected].

JANUARY 11 (Saturday)
OAKS LANDFILL, LAYTONSVILLE

THIS TRIP IS FULL.  WAITLIST ONLY.  Bundle up for LATE AFTERNOON (3:00 to 5:30 p.m.) search for wintering sparrows and raptors, including possible Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Mostly open terrain with some ponds, which we will check if they are not frozen over. Reservations required at least a week ahead of the trip for names to be submitted to the county. Meet at 3 p.m. at Landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. Limit: 16. LEADER: Mark England at [email protected].

January 11 (Saturday) (YMOS WALK)
Meadowside Nature Center/Lake Frank

3:15 to 6:15pm Bundle up and join us for a two part adventure! With sunset so early, a naturalist at Meadowside Nature Center will be leading us on a night hike! First, we will meet in the parking lot at Meadowside Nature Center (at the end of Meadowside Lane past the Lathrop E Smith Environmental Education Center) at 3:15pm to walk down to Lake Frank. Second, we will meet back in the parking lot at 4:45pm to meet with the naturalist who will lead the night hike. You can bring a flashlight, but we will try not to use them so our eyes can adjust 🙂 Montgomery County Parks waivers will need to be signed by all participants prior to starting the night hike. You can join for one or both portions of the trip, just be sure to let us know so we don’t leave you behind! Reservations are required via https://tinyurl.com/YMBCWinter45. Please note that guardians are responsible for their youth during the entirety of the trip and must stay with them during this time.

JANUARY 12 (Sunday)
POP-UP TRIP AT RILEY’S LOCK, C&O CANAL

We’ll meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot at Riley’s Lock and see what we find. We’ll walk along the towpath with an eye on the river for mergansers and other waterfowl. We’re likely to see a nice mix of woodland birds, wading birds, and raptors. Open to birders of all skill levels, and new birders are especially welcome. Walk will be cancelled in the event of heavy or freezing rain or snow. LEADERS: Paul Orsinger at [email protected] and Katie Moore at [email protected]. No reservations are required for this trip!

January 12 (Sunday) (YMOS WALK)
Gunner’s Lake

8 to ~10am We will focus on the identification of ducks at this premier location for winter waterfowl. We will meet on the path near Wisteria Drive at Gunner’s Lake (39.162345, -77.256587). There is plenty of street parking along Wisteria Drive right by the edge of the lake. The paved trail around the lake is 1.25 miles plus there will be some walking on grassy/natural surface areas. This trip is great for new birders! Mentors: Dave Powell and Carla Morris. Reservations are required via https://tinyurl.com/YMBCWinter45. Please note that guardians are responsible for their youth during the entirety of the trip and must stay with them during this time.

JANUARY 15 (Wednesday)
JANUARY 2025 MEETING: 7:30 PM
Suzanne Shoemaker, Executive Director and Founder, Owl Moon Raptor Center, presents”Birds of Prey Rehabilitation”

Suzanne will speak on the different steps involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured raptors, as practiced at Owl Moon Raptor Center in Boyds, Maryland, a nonprofit that she founded in 2002. Owl Moon Raptor Center is a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in birds of prey, with a mission is to rescue and rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned birds of prey and return them to the wild in sound, athletic condition; and to educate the public about raptors in the process. Suzanne will also describe the different hazards that birds face, and how she got started in raptor rehabilitation.

Suzanne is a licensed Master Wildlife Rehabilitator (MD and USFWS) and licensed Master Falconer (MD and USFWS). She trained first as an Animal Scientist (AAS, University of New Hampshire 1975), and then as a Wildlife Biologist (BS, University of Massachusetts 1981, MS, Oregon State University 1986), and more recently as a Wildlife Rehabilitator (2002). Suzanne is an expert in animal behavior, ecology, and the adaptations of animals to their natural environment. Suzanne has taught nature and science classes for Friends of the National Zoo, Audubon Naturalist Society, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and independently since 1991.

JANUARY 18 (Saturday)
OCEAN CITY AND THE COAST

TRIP FULL – WAITLIST ONLY.  We will bird the Ocean City inlet in the morning, looking for sea ducks, gulls, wintering shorebirds, and anything else that might be around (hopefully Razorbills). After that we will check a few local areas around OC and then, depending on what is being seen in the area, head further north, possibly to Indian River Inlet or a little further inland. We will meet at 8 a.m. in the Ocean City Inlet parking lot. (To avoid having to get up early enough to arrive at the meeting place by 8 a.m., participants might want to stay overnight in the area.) Scopes would be useful. Carpooling will likely be needed to visit different locations. Limit: 12. LEADER: Clive Harris at [email protected]

January 25 (Saturday) (YMOS WALK)
Oaks Landfill

Bundle up for LATE AFTERNOON search for wintering sparrows and raptors, including possible Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. This trip is caravan style. Mostly open terrain with some ponds, which we will check if they are not frozen over. Reservations required at least a week ahead of the trip for names to be submitted to the county. All parties must enter and exit the landfill together, so latecomers/leaving early cannot be accomodated. This trip is best for youth ages 8 and up due to frequency of getting in and out of the car. Mentors: Mark England and Stella Tea. Reservations are required via https://tinyurl.com/YMBCWinter45. Please note that guardians are responsible for their youth during the entirety of the trip and must stay with them during this time.

JANUARY 25 (Saturday)
POP-UP TRIP AT LOIS Y. GREEN CONSERVATION PARK

Back by popular demand. We will take a winter morning walk through fields and woodland edges. We’ll be looking for sparrows, waterfowl, and raptors. Trails are well-maintained with some hills. Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot at 8711 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, Md.  Questions, contact LEADER: Leo Dilling at [email protected]. No reservations are required!

FEBRUARY 2025

FEBRUARY 1 (Saturday)
OAKS LANDFILL, LAYTONSVILLE

Bundle up for LATE AFTERNOON (3:30 to 6:00 p.m.) search for wintering sparrows and raptors, including possible Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Mostly open terrain with some ponds, which we will check if they are not frozen over. Reservations required at least a week ahead of the trip for names to be submitted to the county. Meet at 3:30 p.m. at Landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. Limit: 16. LEADER: Mark England at [email protected].

February 2 (Sunday) (YMOS WALK)
GREAT FALLS

7:30 to ~11am We will meet at the Great Falls Tavern and then proceed to the river overlook to the right of where the lock bridge enters the towpath. After checking the river for ducks etc. we will walk the River Trail (~2 miles round trip). After that we can walk to the falls. Please note there is an entrance fee to the park. Mentors: Bob Cantilli and Andy Martin. Reservations are required via https://tinyurl.com/YMBCWinter45. Please note that guardians are responsible for their youth during the entirety of the trip and must stay with them during this time.

FEBRUARY 5 (Wednesday)
CARDEROCK, C&O CANAL

Join us from 8 to 10 a.m. for a leisurely early morning walk on the C&O Canal towpath. We will look for woodpeckers, kinglets, sparrows, and winter ducks. Brown Creeper and Winter Wren should also be present. This walk is geared toward new and beginning birders, but all are welcome. Limit: 10. LEADERS: Gene Murray at [email protected] and Susan Higginbotham at [email protected].

FEBRUARY 8 (Saturday) 
RILEY’S LOCK, C&O CANAL

Join us for a morning at and around Riley’s Lock. After spending some time scanning the river for waterfowl, we’ll head upstream on the towpath, checking the turning basin for any elusive waterfowl, and then continue on looking for winter woodland birds. Meet at 8:30 a.m., and consider bringing a scope if you have one. Limit: 10. LEADER: Scott Young at [email protected]. Dave Roberts will co-lead.

FEBRUARY 8 (Saturday, late afternoon)
OAKS LANDFILL (Joint Trip with Nature Forward)
Bundle up for a LATE AFTERNOON carpool search for wintering sparrows and raptors, including possible Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls, at this now-closed landfill adjacent to the Blue Mash Nature Trail. Mostly open terrain with some ponds which we will check if not frozen over. Leader will have scope for distant birds. Limit: 9. Preference given to new birders and those that have never been to the Oaks Landfill. Meet at 3:30 p.m. on landfill entrance road at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville. LEADER: Mark England at [email protected]

FEBRUARY 9 (Sunday)
HUGHES HOLLOW

Join us for a morning of winter marsh and woodland birding. Targets are sparrows, woodpeckers, and possibly ducks. Be prepared for possible wet/muddy conditions. Beginners and young birders are encouraged to join. Limit: 12. LEADER: Kathy Brown at [email protected].

FEBRUARY 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
FEBRUARY 2025 MEETING – 7:30 PM
David Kidwell, NOAA, presents “Algae, Birds, and Ocean Adventures: Uncovering of Harmful Blooms from Maine to Alaska”

Dave will discuss his work to understand harmful algae in Maine and the Bering Strait and Kodiak Island regions of Alaska. Across the country, blooms of harmful pose a risk to human health and communities, disrupt ecosystems, and impact wildlife and birds. Dave will give an introduction to harmful algae and discuss some of their impacts to birds. He’ll also share some of his experiences viewing birds and wildlife while working from a research ship. From shearwaters and jaegers in the Gulf Maine to auklets and whales in Alaska, working and birding offshore is always full of surprises!

A lifelong Marylander, Dave has lived in Damascus since 2012 and has been an avid birder for over 20 years. He currently works as a supervisory environmental scientist for NOAA, where he oversees research on harmful algae, sea level rise, water quality, and other ecosystem science.

FEBRUARY 21 (Friday)
LOIS Y. GREEN CONSERVATION PARK

Morning walk through the varied habitats of this excellent 250-acre park, including two ponds, fields, and deciduous and coniferous woods. We’ll be looking for overwintering songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot at 8711 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, Md. Limit: 12. LEADER: Mark England at [email protected].

MARCH 2025

March 2 (Sunday) (YMOS WALK)
Hughes Hollow

8 to ~10am We will scout out the impoundments as well as the woodland area. To get to Hughes Hollow, follow River Road towards Poolesville and turn left at the second entrance to Hunting Quarter Road (across from Hughes Rd). Follow the road and a parking area will soon be on your right. Plan to wear long pants and footwear for wet/muddy conditions, especially if it has rained recently. Mentor: Lauren Carey. Reservations are  required via  https://tinyurl.com/YMBCWinter45. Please note that guardians are responsible for their youth during the entirety of the trip and must stay with them during this time.

MARCH 2 (Sunday)
LAKE ARTEMESIA

Join us at 7:30 a.m. for a late winter trip to Lake Artemesia. Half a dozen species of ducks or more are likely; early landbird migrants such as Tree Swallow and Eastern Phoebe are possible, and winter birds will still be present. Easy walking on a paved path. Limit: 10. LEADER: Rob Hilton at [email protected]. Lisa Shannon will co-lead.

MARCH 7 (Friday)
GUNNERS LAKE, GERMANTOWN

This little body of water has established a deserved reputation over the years for a nice variety of wintering waterfowl and rather close views of the birds. If the lake is frozen over at the time of the trip, we will switch to a nearby larger body of water. Walking will be along a level, paved path. We’ll start at 8 a.m. along the north side of Wisteria Drive, where there is ample parking. Maps giving directions will be sent to participants. Limit: 10. LEADER: Andy Martin at [email protected].

MARCH 8 (Saturday)
ROCK CREEK’S NORTH BRANCH STREAM VALLEY

Discover upper Rock Creek’s watershed with a variety of habitats. We’ll start along open fields and marshy areas next to Bowie Mill Park with the opportunity to see sparrows, hawks, and early migrants. Turkeys and a woodcock have been spotted in this area. For those wanting a longer foray, a 4-mile loop that includes the stream valley will be possible. The path at this point along Rock Creek is meandering and narrow with some steep sections. We’ll start at 8 a.m. at Bowie Mill Park (https://tinyurl.com/yswz6v95) next to Sequoyah Elementary School with the option to do the shorter paved walk or the longer loop. Limit: 12 (two groups of six). CO-LEADERS: Josephine Cox at [email protected] and Anne Mytych at [email protected].

MARCH 9 (Sunday)
TIMBERDOODLING AT BLUE MASH

Join us for some crepuscular adventuring and witness the whistling Woodcocks! We’ll meet in the gravel lot off Zion Road in Laytonsville at 4 p.m. Pre-dusk we will be watching for late winter stragglers as well as early spring migrants. The grand finale will be listening for the first “peents” of the evening followed by the whistle and whirl of the sky-dancing American Woodcocks. Wear boots and bring a flashlight! Limit: 12. LEADER: Angela Atwood-Moore at [email protected]. Stacy Rabinovitz will co-lead.

MARCH 15 (Saturday)
WHEATON REGIONAL PARK

A bit early for spring migration but who knows? Wheaton RP always surprises us. Ducks, woodpeckers, flycatchers, raptors (sometimes a Merlin!), bluebirds, and towhees are all possible, and if you don’t know WRP, you will enjoy the variety of terrain and landscape. Limit: 12 (two groups of six). LEADER: Evelyn Ralston at [email protected]. Josephine Cox will co-lead.

MARCH 22 (Saturday)
BROOKSIDE GARDENS

If you’ve been wanting to explore this garden oasis in suburban Maryland, here is your chance. Easy walk with mostly local birds and a few winter visitors or early spring arrivals. Good for beginners and anyone wanting to begin their spring birding in a lovely setting. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit: 10. LEADER: Karen Cyr at [email protected].