THIS TRIP IS FULL. 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. We will start at 7:30 a.m. at Bowie Mill Park (https://tinyurl.com/ym8rn8zb) next to Sequoyah Elementary School with the option to do the shorter paved walk or the longer loop. Limit: 12 in two groups of 6 each. LEADER: Anne Mytych at [email protected].

This trip is currently FULL, with WAIT-LIST ONLY. 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. Specific maps giving directions will be sent to participants. Limit: 10. LEADER: Mike Bowen at 202-236-0510 or [email protected]. Anne Cianni will co-lead.

THIS TRIP IS FULL. WAITLIST ONLY. Bundle up for a 2-hour LATE AFTERNOON 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. Limit: 16. Meet at 3:30 p.m. on landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. For reservations and more information, contact the LEADER: Mark England at 240-308-4114 (cell) or [email protected].

THIS TRIP IS FULL. Join us for a youth bird walk from 8am -10am at Gunners Lake.  The walk will focus on the identification of ducks at this premier location for winter waterfowl.   All children must be accompanied the entire time by an adult.  We will meet on the path near Wisteria Drive at Gunners Lake.  The paved trail around the lake is 1.25 miles. Abundant street parking is available. Bring binoculars if possible and dress for the weather.  This youth walk will be mentored by Brooke Levey and Ed Vigezzi.  Reservations required. Limit: 10 youth. RSVP: Brooke Levey ([email protected])

THIS TRIP IS FULL. 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. We will start at 8 a.m. in the parking lot at 8711 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, Md. Limit: 12. LEADER: Mark England at [email protected] or 240-308-4114.

Join us for a morning at and around Riley’s Lock where we will first spend some time scanning the river for waterfowl. After that we’ll head upstream on the towpath, checking the turning basin for any elusive waterfowl and then continuing on to look for winter woodland birds. Meet at 8:30 a.m., and bring a scope if you have one. Limit: 8. LEADER: Scott Young at 202-313-1444. Dave Roberts will co-lead.

THIS TRIP IS FULL.  WAITLIST ONLY. Bundle up for a 2-hour LATE AFTERNOON 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. Limit: 16. Meet at 3:30 p.m. on landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. For reservations and more information, contact the LEADER: Mark England at 240-308-4114 (cell) or [email protected].

Join us for a morning of winter marsh and woodland birding. Targets are sparrows and possibly ducks. We will begin in the parking lot. Dress for the weather, and bring water and a snack if you like. Beginner and young birders are encouraged to join. Limit: 12. CO-LEADERS: Roy Howard at [email protected] and Anne Mytych at [email protected].

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 Razorbill). 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 start at 8 a.m. in the Ocean City Inlet parking lot so plan to either get up early or stay overnight in the area. Scopes would be useful. Possible additional birding on the way down Friday afternoon, including a stop by Salisbury landfill, depending on the weather and the leader’s availability. Limit: 10. LEADER: Clive Harris at [email protected].

THIS TRIP IS FULL.  WAITLIST ONLY.  Bundle up for a 2-hour LATE AFTERNOON 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. Limit: 16. Meet at 3:30 p.m. on landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. For reservations and more information, contact the LEADER: Mark England at 240-308-4114 (cell) or [email protected].

THIS TRIP IS FULL. Join us for a leisurely morning walk from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the C&O Canal towpath. We will start at Carderock at 8 a.m. and will walk upriver as we look for ducks, woodpeckers, kinglets, and sparrows. Brown Creeper and Winter Wren are possible. This walk is geared toward beginning birders, but all are welcome. Limit: 8. LEADERS: Gene Murray at [email protected] and Susan Higginbotham at [email protected].

All birders, but especially new birders, are welcome on this half-day trip, which will focus on the identification of ducks at these premier county spots for winter waterfowl. We will gather at 8 a.m. at the Visitors Center in Black Hill Regional Park. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. Limit:15. LEADER: Gerry Hawkins at [email protected] or 571-277-8406.