Fort McHenry

Most people know that Fort McHenry is the birthplace of the National Anthem, but did you know it is also a great place to go birding?  This morning, Ben Pescover and Jim Peters led a bird walk along the water, the grassy areas, and the wetlands, which Mr. Peters has been slowly restoring over the past 12 years - it is a special area not to be missed.

Some birds spotted were Bufflehead, American Wigeon, DC Cormorants, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Coot, House Finch, Red-winged Blackbird, Carolina Wren, Junco, and Robin. 

One interesting discovery was the remnants of a Ring-billed Gull that had fallen prey to a Cooper's Hawk. 

Here's another view of the wetlands, note the emissions from the distant cruise ship.  The wetland area is closed to the public except during scheduled walks.  Saturday morning walks are from 8AM-12PM on Mar. 17, April 21, and May 19.  Wednesdays there are walks in the morning at 8AM on Mar. 7, April 4, May 2, and June 6th.  And Wednesday evenings at 6PM on May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, and May 30.  After the walk, be sure to visit the museum!