Centennial Lake

There were more joggers than birds on this overcast, misty morning, but we were treated to many gorgeous cherry trees:

We only spotted Canada Geese, Mallards, and a Pied-billed Grebe on the lake, but noted about a dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers in the trees.  White-throats and Juncos were still found in the brush, a lone tree swallow was working the lake, Bluebirds and Flickers were near the entrance, and Red-wings were calling along the shore.

Other birds noted were Red-shouldered Hawk, Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, WB Nuthatch, a Great Blue Heron, Song, Swamp, and Chipping Sparrows. 

Last year at this time, there were lots of waterfowl on the lake, the warmer temperatures probably moved them north early.  After walking the 2.4 mile circuit with a few detours, we headed over to Mimi's Cafe for a hearty brunch.

Irvine Nature Center

We were greeted with fog and cold, which followed us during the entire the field trip.  Trip leader and excellent birder Keith Costley led us straight to the area where the LeConte's Sparrow had been seen, but it didn't make an appearance  unfortunately.  Some of the participants hiked back to see it later however.  Keith did scare up Snipe, Virginia Rail, and it was excellent habitat for Swamp, Song, Chipping, Savannah, and Fox Sparrow. 

Other birds noted were Raven, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Phoebes, Cedar Waxwing, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, and Pileated Woodpecker.

Irvine Nature Center has 116 acres of woods and meadows with walking trails, and a robust environmental education program for kids.  Adults can find a lot to do there too.  Attend their upcoming birding seminar -
Feathers in Flight on May 5th, and the annual native plant sale and seminar on August 25th.

Nature Journal Workshop

CAS board member and artist Mary Kokoski introduced a group of eager learners, including one 8 year old, to the craft of nature journaling this morning.  Enjoy a sampling of our first pencil drawings:

We then added watercolors or colored pencils:

One of Mary's drawings:

Thank you again Mary for your expert instruction, and to Oregon Ridge Nature Center for the use of their library.  You can view Mary's work on her website http://www.marykokoski.com/.  One of her pieces will be available at the silent auction at Chesapeake Audubon's 30th Spaghetti Dinner on April 28th.  Join us!

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!