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].