| Please join us for one of these enjoyable outings! Take a look at the calendar and plan to spend some time with other CAS members and friends enjoying relaxing outdoor activities. Do you have an idea for a field trip or would you like to help us lead one? Drop our Field Trip coordinator an email with your suggestions and comments. Beginners of all ages are welcome as all trips include attention to novices. *Please read reports from past field trips* |
Field Trips
Chesapeake Audubon Society Field Trips
JANUARY 2011 Saturday, January 15 - Terrapin Park (Sandy Point) Leader: Hugh Simmons Join Hugh at this beautiful location for a great morning of birding on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Located by the Bay Bridge, this park offers easy trails and a pond filled with both migrating and resident songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. If we hear of any Snow Buntings visiting Sandy Point, we’ll stop for a look on the way home. Join us by contacting Hugh at 410-628-4246 before 9 PM or you can e-mail him at lensonnature@gmail.com for information on meeting times and places. Sunday, January 23, 1-3PM - Pickering Creek - Owls Bird Walk-n-Talk series, Cost: $10 Adult/ $5 Child See description on Nov. 14th event Saturday, January 29 - 8AM Patterson Park Please join us for our first monthly Bird Walk for 2011. It’s always good to see what birds have chosen to make the park their winter home and there is usually a nice surprise at the pond. Meet the group at the fountain, which is in the northwest corner of the park close to the Pagoda. No need to register! The walk runs from 8AM to 9:30AM. We have binoculars for you to use if you need them. It is a fun family activity! Call 410-558-2473 with any questions. Sunday, January 30 - Delaware Beaches Leader: Ruth Bergstrom We'll visit Prime Hook, Cape Henlopen State Park, and/or Delaware Seashore State Park depending on what's being reported for wintering Bay and Sea Ducks. Email Ruth at ruthb22@yahoo.com or call her at 443-752- 1967 to register and for details. FEBRUARY Sunday, February 6, 2-4PM Pickering Creek - Bird Walk-n-Talk, Cost: $10 adult/$5 Child, The new Bird Walk n’ Talk series introduces beginning birders of all ages to the birds found along the Delmarva Peninsula. Each month will be an exploration of the habitat, identification and calls of different bird groups. Naturalists will lead introductions about the monthly bird groups, then adults and children will split up for specialized hikes. Adults learn some in-depth identification skills and bird/habitat connections. Kids look for birds then get to interpret their imaginations into bird crafts. Hot beverages and homemade treats await us on our return to ease the winter chills. Please register in advance by calling 410/822-4903. Pre-registration is required. Children are considered ages 15 and under. |
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| Looking for places to bird in Maryland and surrounding areas? Please click here for ideas and our favorite links. |
CAS team 2011 Birdathon Results - 105 species! Birdathon 2012 is Sunday, May 27th - join us! JANUARY 2012 Sunday, Jan. 8 - afternoon, Blackwater NWR Leader: Ruth Bergstrom We'll search for waterfowl and winter residents while hiking the trails and driving the wildlife loop along the wetlands. Entry fee to sanctuary applies. For information on meeting time and location, please register with Ruth at ruthb22@yahoo.com or call 443-752-1967. Carpooling possible. Sun. Jan. 22 - 1-3PM, Pickering Creek, Bird Walk-n-Talk - Woodpeckers Cost: $10/adult; $5/child (waived for CAS members) The Bird Walk n’ Talk series introduces beginning birders of all ages to the birds found along the Delmarva Peninsula. Each month will be an exploration of the habitat, identification and calls of different bird groups. Naturalists will lead hikes and exploration activities or crafts for both adults and children. Registration is required three days in advance by calling (410) 822-4903. Children are considered ages 15 and under. Sat. Jan. 28 - 8AM, Patterson Park, Winter Ducks Meet at the fountain in Patterson Park, Free! No need to RSVP Come join us for a bird walk through Baltimore’s urban oasis that is Patterson Park. Audubon’s senior naturalist Dr. Dave Curson will lead the walk and answer any questions that may arise. We have plenty of binoculars to share, just contact us if you would like to borrow some (410-558-2473 or PPAudubon@gmail.com.) FEBRUARY Saturday, Feb. 25 - 10AM-2PM, Pickering Creek Bird Walk-n- Talk - Tilghman Island, Diving Birds Cost: $10/adult; $5/child The Bird Walk n’ Talk series introduces beginning birders of all ages to the birds found along the Delmarva Peninsula. Each month will be an exploration of the habitat, identification and calls of different bird groups. Naturalists will lead hikes and exploration activities or crafts for both adults and children. Registration is required three days in advance by calling (410) 822-4903. Children are considered ages 15 and under. This trip leaves from Acme. Saturday, Feb. 25 - 8AM, Patterson Park - Winter Visitors Meet at the fountain in Patterson Park, Free! No need to RSVP Come join us for a bird walk through Baltimore’s urban oasis that is Patterson Park. Audubon’s senior naturalist Dr. Dave Curson will lead the walk and answer any questions that may arise. We have plenty of binoculars to share, just contact us if you would like to borrow some (410- 558-2473 or PPAudubon@gmail.com.) MARCH Monday, March 5, Evening Woodcock Watch with Tim Houghton, Harford Memorial Gardens Tim Houghton is leading a Woodcock Watch at Harford Memorial Gardens on Aldino Road in Harford County. People should arrive at the far back right area 20 minutes before sunset. This was a great spot to watch this amazing courtship display last year. In addition to binoculars, people might want to bring flashlights. Saturday, March 10, is the alternate date, in case of bad weather. Contact Tim to let him know you’re coming and get directions by e- mailing thoughton@loyola.edu or calling 410-510-7504. Saturday, March 10, 9:30-11:30 am, Oregon Ridge, $10 Drawing Birds and Beginning Your Own Nature Journal Drawing and sketching nature is the best way to really see and understand the beauty of what is around us. Mary Kokoski (www.marykokoski.com) will teach beginners the basics of drawing and sketching birds and other nature subjects, to get you started on your own personal nature journal. As spring begins this is the perfect time to begin a personal diary of your interactions with nature's unfolding seasons of life. A supply list will be sent upon registration. Register by emailing information@chesapeakeaudubon.org or calling Ruth Bergstrom at 443-752-1967. Saturday, March 10, 1-3 PM, Bird Walk and Talk Series at Pickering Creek - Wetlands and Wading Birds The Bird Walk n’ Talk series introduces beginning birders of all ages to the birds found along the Delmarva Peninsula. Each month will be an exploration of the habitat, identification and calls of different bird groups. Naturalists will lead hikes and exploration activities or crafts for both adults and children. Registration is required three days in advance by calling (410) 822-4903. Children are considered ages 15 and under. This trip meets at the welcome center. Tuesday, March 13, 6:45-8:15 PM, Timberdoodles at Pickering Creek Location: Welcome Center Cost: $5 person At dusk, the male woodcock spirals into the sky, creating a trilling sound with its wings. Then he descends, fluttering, warbling and zigzagging back to the spot he began. Pickering Creeks’ warm season grass meadows provide ideal habitat for this annual late winter event. Please, dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Registration is required three days in advance by calling (410) 822-4903. Sunday, March 18, 8AM - Irvine Nature Center Leader: Keith Costley With forest, field and marsh this 116 acre site has an extensive trail system and is full of promises. At this time of year, expect between 40 and 50 species with plenty of "little brown jobs." Leader: Keith Eric Costley, 443-985- 6489 or oriolekec1@comcast.net Saturday, March 24, 8AM. Centennial Lake Leaders: Larry Brammer and Ruth Bergstrom We'll walk the 2.4 mile paved loop around this man-made lake near Columbia while searching for waterfowl and winter residents. Join us at a nearby restaurant for brunch afterwards. Please register with Ruth by emailing her at ruthb22@yahoo.com or calling 443-752-1967. Saturday, March 31, 9-11 AM, Bird Walk and Talk Series at Pickering Creek - Bird Banding Demo with the Ward Museum, Cost: $10/adult; $5/child, 15 and under. Meet at the Main Office. Registration is required 3 days in advance. For more information or to register call (410) 822-4903. Saturday, March 31, 8 AM, Urban Birdwatching at Patterson Park for Spring Arrivals Meet at the Patterson Park Fountain (just inside the Park close to where Lombard Street meets South Patterson Park Avenue) for a morning stroll through the Park searching for birds that are visiting the Park. All ages welcome! Bring binoculars if you have them- we have extras for sharing if you need them– just drop us an e-mail, screamer@audubon.org. No need to register. Program is free. APRIL Saturday, April 14, 2-5 pm. Wildflower Hike, Patapsco Valley State Park, Leader: Bryan MacKay Join naturalist Bryan MacKay for a 2.5-mile walk in search of spring wildflowers. Mostly flat and paved, but some rocky trails, too. For more information or to register, email Bryan at mackay@umbc.edu or phone at 410 747 7132 no later than April 12. Sunday, April 15th, 8:30 AM, Adkins Arboretum Leaders: Ruth Bergstrom and Kye Jenkins Let's see what birds have arrived and what's blooming at the 400-acre native plant garden and preserve on the Eastern Shore. After the walk, browse their native plant sale, Master Gardeners are on hand to answer any questions. Please register with Ruth at ruthb22@yahoo.com or call her at 443-752-1967. Friday, April 20, 7:30 AM, Old Rag Mountain Hike, Shenandoah National Park: Leaders: John Love and Kevin McCahill Join us to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day (a couple days early) and enjoy the beauty of nature on the premier day hike in the Washington area. We will meet at 7:30 at the Park-n-Ride at I 70 and RT 32 (located just north of I 70). The climb is strenuous but not technically difficult. It is 7.5 miles round-trip and takes 6-7 hours, including time for lunch at the top. You will need well broken in walking shoes or boots with hiking socks, lunch, at least a quart of water, warm clothing and rain gear and a pack to carry it all in. For those who are interested, after the hike we will stop for dinner in Warrenton, VA. We usually arrive back home around 8 PM. Although they may have lost a step or two in recent years, between them the trip leaders have made the hike up Old Rag more than 50 times! To register for the hike or for more information call Kevin McCahill at 443- 831-3111. Saturday April 28, 9 AM - 1 PM. Azaleas at the National Arboretum, Leader: Bryan MacKay The glory of Maryland in springtime is azalea season, and 50,000 plants are in bloom now at the National Arboretum. We'll walk about a mile of hilly but smooth trails to view the azaleas and the wildflower displays. We may even see a bird to two! For more information or to register, email Bryan at mackay@umbc.edu or phone at 410-747-7132 no later than April 26. MAY Saturday, May 5, Wildflower Hike, Thompson Wildlife Management Area, Leader: Bryan MacKay Located near Front Royal, VA, it's a two-hour drive from Baltimore, but well worth the long trip. This wonderful forest atop the Blue Ridge harbors millions (that's not a misprint!) of large-flowered trilliums. It's an impressive sight. There are lots of wild geranium and mayapples flowering at this time, and several colonies of rare yellow ladies slippers. And birding is good too; it's peak migration, and the trees at Thompson are just starting to green up, meaning the birds are easier to see than back in Baltimore where trees are fully leafed out. We'll hike a three-mile circuit including a part of the Appalachian Trail. It's rocky underfoot but we'll go slowly so the elevation change won't be a problem. Bring binoculars, camera, lunch and water. Might be a nice area to spend the weekend! To register or for more information, contact Bryan MacKay (mackay@umbc. edu) at 410-747-7132. Canceled if rainy. Sunday, May 6, 8AM, Milford Mill Birdwalk with Tim Houghton A new location for us last year, Milford Mill proved why it has long been known to Baltimore’s birders as a great migrant trap. There should be plenty to see and hear at this time of year and Tim is just the leader to find them. To sign up for a wonderful warbler experience, contact Tim by e-mail, thoughton@loyola.edu or call 410-510-7504. Note: This location may change if the trail is undergoing needed repairs. Saturday, May 12, 8 AM, Harford Glen with Ruth Bergstrom We'll celebrate International Migratory Bird Day by helping with the May Count at Harford Glen. Songbirds should be plentiful as we walk along Winter's Run, the ponds, and fields. Join the leader at her home after the hike to tally the results and have lunch. Please let Ruth know you're coming by emailing her at ruthb22@yahoo.com or calling 443-752-1967. Sunday, May 13, 8 AM, Susquehanna State Park Leader: Tim Houghton Harford County’s best place to see Cerulean Warblers building their nest. What birds will the river or the creek add to our list? This spectacular park has a little bit of everything and Tim has become one of our most popular leaders. E-mail him for information on meeting places/parking at thoughton@loyola.edu or call 410-510-7504. Sunday, May 20, 8AM- Soldiers Delight NEA - Warblers, Leader: Keith Costley Flycatchers and Tanagers are featured as we search for late migrates and breeding birds in this globally rare serpentine barrens ecosystem. Meet at historical marker on Deer Park Road. Leader: Keith Eric Costley, (443) 985- 6489 or oriolekec1@comcast.net Saturday, May 26, 10AM Canoe Trip at Marshy Point Leader: Ruth Bergstrom Rachel Carson's birthday is this weekend, and we'll honor her impact on environmental awareness by paddling on tidal creeks that open to the Chesapeake Bay while learning about the watershed. All equipment provided. Fee: $10, children 8-15 free. Register with Ruth by emailing her at ruthb22@yahoo.com or calling 443-752-1967. |
Mark Hollis
