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].
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.
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].
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].
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.
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. Start at 8 a.m. in the parking lot at 8711 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, Md. Limit 12. For reservations (required), contact the LEADER: Mark England at [email protected] or 240-308-4114.
THIS TRIP IS FULL. Joint trip with ANS. 3:00-5:30 pm. Bundle up for a 2 1/2 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. Required carpooling to several stops inside will necessitate cracked windows for ventilation and masks to be worn while in cars. Reservations required at least a week ahead of the trip for names and phone numbers to be submitted to the county. Limit: 8 MBC members only for this trip. (Similar second trip on February 19.) Strong preference will be given to new birders and those that have never been to the Oaks Landfill. Meet at 3:00 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].
Speaker: Don Messersmith. This Audubon Naturalist Society trip led by Mark Garland visited many of the best birding areas in this nearby country. As a result we saw all but two of the 21 endemic species plus some wintering U. S. warblers and other birds (151total) in just two weeks. In addition to birds we experienced some of the culture, historic sites, good food and music. Don Messersmith, the last known Charter Member of the MBC, is a retired University of Maryland Professor of Entomology and Ornithology. As a pioneer in leading bird tours, he has traveled to every continent as a bird tour organizer and leader with his own company, World Nature Tours, and other organizations such as Crowder Nature Tours, ANS, American Birding Association, International Expeditions and others. He has taught Ornithology courses for over 50 years.
Join us for a morning of winter marsh and woodland birding. Targets are sparrows, winter songbirds and possibly ducks. We will start at the parking lot. Dress for the weather; bring water and a snack if you like. We will not be too far from the parking lot if anyone needs to leave early. Beginners and young birders are encouraged to join. Limit: 12. For reservations (required), time, and other information, contact the LEADER: Nathan Tea at [email protected].
THIS TRIP IS FULL. Bundle up for a 2 to 2½ 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. We will gather at 3:30 p.m. on the landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. For reservations and more information, contact the LEADER: Mark England at 240-308-4114 or [email protected].
THIS TRIP IS FULL. Joint trip with ANS. 3:00-5:30 pm. Bundle up for a 2 1/2 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. Required carpooling to several stops inside will necessitate cracked windows for ventilation and masks to be worn while in cars. Reservations required at least a week ahead of the trip for names and phone numbers to be submitted to the county. Limit: 8 MBC members only for this trip. (Similar second trip on February 19.) Strong preference will be given to new birders and those that have never been to the Oaks Landfill. Meet at 3:00 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].
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 either get up early or stay overnight in the area! Scopes would be useful. Trip is limited to 8. Possible additional birding on the way down Friday afternoon, including a stop by Salisbury landfill, depending on the weather and the leader’s availability. For reservations (required) and information, contact the LEADER: Clive Harris at [email protected].