Tilghman Island

Pickering Creek Audubon Center schedules Bird Walk-n-Talks to introduce participants to groups of birds such as woodpeckers, feeder birds, and on Saturday, diving birds.  We headed off to Tilghman Island with trip leader Terry Allen in search of these birds despite wind gusts of almost 40 mph. 

In spite of the weather, Terry managed to spot an impressive number of species including Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Long-tailed Ducks, Lesser Scaup, and Surf Scoter. 

We also noted Dunlin, Sanderling, Tree Swallow, Coot, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Tundra Swan, and Black Duck.

After leaving Tilghman, we drove to Pickering Creek to find the Virginia's Warbler but came up empty, it was just too windy.  We did note Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, and many Hooded Mergansers, and were surprised to hear a deafening chorus of frogs.  Join Pickering's next Bird Walk-n-Talk on March 11th for Wetlands and Wading Birds, or March 31 for bird banding.  Many thanks to Terry Allen for his bird spotting skills, and Pickering's Educator Mandy Smith.

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!

Blackwater NWR

We've had to cancel this trip the last two years due to snow or ice storms.  Not today!  It was a beautiful day to drive along Wildlife Drive and observe Bald Eagles, White Pelicans, Tundra Swans, and thousands of Canada Geese. 

We walked the Marsh Edge Trail (which I believe is now closed due to nesting Eagles) where we heard Brown-headed Nuthatches and a Golden-crowned Kinglet.  The Woods Trail treated us to a Downy, Goldfinches, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatches, and a Red-belly. 

Can you see the White Pelican preening itself?  There were a total of six.  We also observed a male Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, TV's, Hooded Mergansers, Pintails, Shovelers, and a Coot. 

We ended the day by dining at Old Salty's Restaurant on Hooper's Island, enjoying the sunset as we feasted on their delicious soups and seafood.  Join us next time! 

Conowingo Dam

This time of year, the number of Bald Eagles sighted at the dam has been as high as over 150 birds!  Although the numbers weren't that high on Saturday due to the height of the Susquehanna River, the 30 or 40 adult and juvenile birds we did see were active and quite spectacular.

  

 

On the island, scores of Great Blue Herons braved the cold and some were actively fishing.   The short hike along the old railroad tracks didn't turn up the Winter Wren we so often see unfortunately.  Our hosts, Marian and Harry Argentino did not disappoint.   Three types of chicken soup were waiting for us at their gracious home along with other goodies.  They've promised to host the event again next year, don't miss it!

Scenes from Bombay Hook NWR

Patterson Park

Patterson Park is always full of surprises.  This morning on Patterson Park Audubon's monthly bird walk, a Red-tailed Hawk flew into a small tree near the pond.  As a small crowd of Mallards gathered under it, we wondered if it was contemplating taking one for a meal.  But instead it jumped into the shallows and started splashing around to take a bath. The Mallards were as fascinated as we were.

Although numbers of birds weren't high, we also saw a Merlin, Kestrel, Coots, Black Duck, Swamp and Song Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Flicker, Hermit Thrush, and Juncos. 

If you haven't joined the walks - they are held the last Saturday of the month (except in Dec. they are a week early).  As you can see, sometimes birders even bring their dogs.

Bryan led us on a five senses hike along the Patapsco River where we observed many berry filled shrubs, a beautiful waterfall, ferns, deer, and even a few birds.  What fun it was to walk across two swinging bridges!  Enjoy scenes from the walk.