THIS TRIP IS FULL. 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 will 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. For reservations (required), more information, and directions, contact the LEADER: Mike Bowen at 202-236-0510 or [email protected]. Anne Cianni will co-lead.

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, and likely we’ll see woodpeckers and other resident woodland species. The path at this point along Rock Creek is meandering and narrow with some steep sections. Start at 7:30 a.m. at Bowie Mill Park (https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/bowie-mill-local-park/) next to Sequoyah Elementary School with the option to do the shorter paved walk or the longer loop. Limit: 12 in two groups of six each. For reservations (required) and more information, email one of the CO-LEADERS: Josephine Cox at [email protected] or Anne Mytych at [email protected].

A bit early for spring migration but who knows? Wheaton RP always surprises us. Ducks, woodpeckers, flycatchers, raptors (sometimes a Merlin!), bluebirds, towhees are all possible, and if you don’t know WRP, you will enjoy the variety of terrain and landscape. Limit: 12 in two groups of six each. For reservations (required) and directions, contact one of the CO-LEADERS: Evelyn Ralston at [email protected] or Martha Morris at [email protected].

Colonial waterbirds that depend on islands for nesting in Maryland’s Coastal Bays have been steadily declining in recent decades due largely to the erosion and loss of their nesting islands. Three species, Common Tern, Royal Tern and Black Skimmer, are now listed as Endangered in the State of Maryland and are at risk of disappearing from the Coastal Bays as breeding species. A new partnership of Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Coastal Bays Program is trying to reverse downward population trends by installing artificial nesting platforms as part of a larger strategy to expand breeding habitat for these birds. The first year of this project, 2021, was a promising start. David Curson has worked as Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon in Maryland since 2004.

THIS TRIP IS FULL. Explore the scrub habitat below the power lines cutting through Cabin John RP. Spend the morning studying multiple sparrow species with the potential for an American Kestrel that bred here the last two years. We will be walking the dirt road with a few moderate inclines. Limit: 6. For reservations (required) and more information, email the LEADER: Max Wilson at [email protected].

We’ll be looking for early warblers and lingering waterfowl as we head upstream for a several hour walk. Easy level walking. Start at the Pennyfield parking lot at 7 a.m. Limit: 6. For more information and for reservations (required), email the LEADER: Dave Powell at [email protected].