Chesapeake Audubon Society Field Trips and Programs

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 an e-mail with your suggestions and comments.

Contact us to register for a field trip and then come explore some of the region's wonderful natural areas. Beginners of all ages are welcome as all trips include attention to novices. NOTE: please send your e-mail address if you would like updates and reminders about field trips and other upcoming events.

Trip Reports and other Special Events

FIELD TRIP INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: If on the night before or the morning of a field trip, steady rain or severe weather (i.e., heavy snow, dangerous winds, flooding, etc.) is forecast, and you have doubts about the trip being held, call the trip leader for information.

2009 Trips:

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Saturday September 19, 8 AM Terrapin Park (Eastern Shore)

Trip Leader: Mark Schilling

Join Mark Schilling at this beautiful location for an exciting morning of birding on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Located by the Bay Bridge, this park offers easy trails filled with both migrating and resident songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. This could be the perfect place to spend this first morning of fall.

Contact Mark at oohsure@mac.com or call him at 410-490-1044 to register and get more on where to meet the group!

Saturday, September 26 – 8-930AM Patterson Park – Best Month for Migration

All bird walk programs begin at the fountain located in the corner of the park closest to the intersections of Lombard Street and Patterson Park Avenue. The walks take place from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and are open to all ages. Bird walks occur rain or shine. No need to register. Call 410-558-2473 with any questions.

Sunday September 27 8AM Ladew Topiary Gardens

Trip Leader: Tim Houghton

Tim will lead us in a search for migrating songbirds in this beautiful Harford County location.  Ladew management has waived the entrance fee for the bird walk as long as we remain on the nature trail and that’s where the birds are! Afterwards, we could eat at the little cafe on the grounds which opens at 11:00.   (There would be an additional fee to view the gardens should you choose to do that on your own after the bird walk.) Register with Tim by either email (thoughton@loyola.edu) or phone (410-510-7504).

· October *

Saturday October 10 Oregon Ridge Nature Center with Ruth Bergstrom
Oregon Ridge was the location of a mining operation during the mid 19th century. Now we can enjoy its many nature trails while searching for birds. Last year we came across dozens of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and we'll search again for the Winter Wren. Be sure to spend time in the Nature Center after the walk. Please let Ruth know you're coming by emailing her at ruthb22@yahoo.com, or calling her at 443-752-1967.

Saturday October 24 Daytrip to the NATIONAL ARBORETUM with Bryan McKay

Come to the National Arboretum! One of DC's best-kept secrets, the 444 acre National Arboretum is a wonderful place to visit. We'll stroll along a short wildflower trail, see the National Bonsai Collection and the Capitol Columns, and visit the East Asian collection's trails overlooking the Anacostia River. Of course, bring your binocs in case any birds pop up, but this will mostly be a walk to enjoy the fall color and autumn plants. Expect to hike about two miles over roads and paths with some small hills. You'll find lots to photograph. The Arboretum is only about a 30 minute drive from the Baltimore Beltway at the BW Parkway. To register, please call Bryan MacKay, 410 747 7132, between 6 and 10 pm by October 22.

Saturday, October 31st, 8:00- 9:30 AM - Fall Migration at Patterson Park
Late fall migration sometimes finds woodcocks in the Park! The walks take place from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and are open to all ages. Bird walks occur rain or shine, binoculars are available if you need them. No need to register. Call 410-558-2473 with any questions.

* November *

Saturday November 28 Annual Fall Visit to Bombay Hook with Hugh Simmons

CAS President Hugh Simmons will lead us through this wonderful refuge by car and on foot (weather permitting) so that we don’t miss anything interesting. The gathering of thousands of Snow Geese is always an amazing sight; watching them coming into the refuge will take your breath away. Please register by November 21st. Contact Hugh Simmons at 410-628-4246;call before 9:00PM please or you can send e-mail to hughsimmons@comcast.net

Saturday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Weekend at Patterson Park
Often a quite month in the Park, but Hermit Thrush and Fox Sparrow are possible. The walks take place from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and are open to all ages. Bird walks occur rain or shine, binoculars are available if you need them. No need to register. Call 410-558-2473 with any questions.

* December *

Sunday December 6 Eagles at Conowingo Dam/Warm Up with The Argentinos

Eagles, eagles everywhere and then hot cider to drink! We’ll meet at the base of the dam at 8 AM and see how many eagles will be visiting the area this year. Last year’s count was way over 100. There is usually a large gathering of Great Blue Herons stoically braving the cold! After a short walk to look for wintering birds along the river path (another Winter Wren or Golden Crowned Kinglet, perhaps?), we’ll gather at the Argentino house – a short 5 miles away - and feast on Harry’s homemade soups and whatever other goodies show up on the table! Please register early so that there is enough to go around. Call Marian Argentino at 410-752-9913 or e-mail her at ChesAudubonInfo@aol.com

Saturday, December 19 - Winter Visitors at Patterson Park
The winter regulars will be spotted, and perhaps a duck or two. The walks take place from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and are open to all ages. Bird walks occur rain or shine, binoculars are available if you need them. No need to register. Call 410-558-2473 with any questions.

* January 2010 *

Sunday, January 10 Winter Birding at Loch Raven with Hugh Simmons

Come visit this Baltimore winter birding spot where we’ll search for winter residents, especially the ducks that make this spot so popular. If the weather is cold, dress warmly in layers and bring something warm to drink. To register, call Hugh Simmons at 410-628-4246;call before 9:00PM please or you can send e-mail to hughsimmons@comcast.net

Sunday, January 17 10 AM Chesapeake Audubon Meet and Eat with Robin Schless

Weather permitting, come and meet other Chesapeake Audubon members. Talk about bird feeding, President's Weekend Great Backyard Bird Count, Chesapeake Audubon's projects, anything at all !! We'll drink coffee, eat something sweet and learn from each other! Gather at my house in Windsor Mill MD--call or write for directions. Robin Schless, 410-277-9213, rjschless@yahoo.com

Saturday, January 31 9 AM - Marshy Point Nature Center with Ruth Bergstrom
We'll look for winter waterfowl as we walk along the many paths and overlooks at this 500 acre waterfront nature center on one of the gateways to the Chesapeake Bay. Bring a scope if you have one. Warm up afterwards as you watch the feeder birds at the nature center. Please email Ruth Bergstrom at ruthb22@yahoo.com, or call her at 443-752-1967 to tell her you're coming.

Chesapeake Audubon Field Trip Leaders

Marian Dodson Argentino, Field Trip & Program Director for CAS, is an ardent nature enthusiast who greatly enjoys being outdoors
 discovering whatever the day has to offer. Although her primary interest is birding, she misses few opportunities to learn about all of the
 flora and fauna that crosses her path. She invites you to come along. Who knows where you might go or what you might see next?

Hugh Simmons is President of Chesapeake Audubon, and is known for his friendly and helpful attitude. Hugh knows his birds, and where to find them.

Bryan MacKay is the author of Hiking, Cycling and Canoeing in Maryland: A Family Guide (2008) and Baltimore Trails: A Guide for Hikers and Mountain Bikers (2002). He especially enjoys introducing people to unique natural places.

Timothy Houghton moved to Maryland last summer and is now teaching literature and writing at Loyola University. He has led walks in many in his previous states of residence, most recently Kentucky, where his last hike was to find the Swainson’s Warbler. Tim’s favorite season of birding is during spring songbird migration and he especially loves warblers.

Mark Schilling, a former staff member, lives on the Eastern Shore and participates annually in the NJ Audubon World Series of Birding. He specializes in birding by ear, and particularly enjoys having novices on his trips.

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