Chesapeake Audubon Society Field Trip Results

Wish You Could Have Been There - 2004 Summer Trip Report

June finds lots of birds in the Patapsco River Valley and our walk there on June 19th featured both warblers and woodpeckers. From the Northern Waterthrush in the middle of the road in Orange Grove to the up close and personal view of a Worm-Eating Warbler in a tree by the river, we were lucky to have great looks at these birds. A Red-Bellied Woodpecker watched us from its nest hole and a pair of Hairy Woodpeckers played a game of chasers, keeping just ahead of us in the trees. The locusts were plentiful and loud, making it difficult to locate birds by sound but they couldn't mask the lovely song of the Wood Thrush or the distinctive notes of the Northern Parula Warbler.

Insects took center stage again on June 26th during our annual attempt to answer the question "What's Bugging You?" We were joined this year by a very active, very curious scout group who seemed unusually adept at finding bugs and kept yours truly hopping all night. They are welcome back anytime!

In July, we visited Mears Farm for a morning of summer birding and met with great success. A young Yellow-breasted Chat was unaware that he was supposed to be secretive and difficult to find and entertained us for quite some time before his mother's exasperated calls penetrated his consciousness. Thank you, Bill Ellis, for that excellent find! The Blue Grosbeak was also quite nice. Our Summer Stroll by the Susquehanna was a bust; construction closed the path along the river and we were only allowed to visit the area right near the Conowingo Dam. My poor dogs were really bummed; they thought they were finally going to be able to go on a walk with me. Thank you to all the walk participants who were so very understanding about the situation. This is a lovely area we'll certainly return to when the work there is complete.

Saturday, August 7th found us back at Patapsco Valley State Park for another successful morning of woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers and swallows. This time the locusts were much less vocal. The August pelagic trip at the end of the summer season treated us once again to a very rare species for this area and I just can't wait to get on the boat again.

Check out the new current trip and program calendar. If you don't see anything you like, let me know what you would like to see or where you would like to go. Send your e-mail or call me at 410-734-4805.

Hope to see you soon,
Marian Dodson.

April 17, 2004 - Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail

Spring came slowly this year, but when it finally came, it came fast. Saturday, April 17 was a warm, sunny day with temperatures in the low 80's after almost a full week of rain, drizzle and below average temperatures. This field trip, to Great Falls of the Potomac to view wildflowers, yielded newly bloomed flora in abundance.

A group of five left Baltimore and promptly got caught in a routine nightmare traffic jam on the DC Beltway. We took advantage of this to get to know one another, and had a jolly good time (well, except for driver Katharine Ross). Eventually arriving at Great Falls, we were impressed by the power of the Potomac at high water, and then proceeded down the Billy Goat Trail. Spring beauties and bluebells were abundant, moss pink flowered discreetly in rocky crevices, and the rarest plant we saw was twinleaf. We occasionally looked up from our botanizing to see many blue-grey gnatcatchers and observed the differences between black and turkey vultures. On the return walk, along the C & O Canal towpath, we saw American toads breeding, and watched a cooperative great blue heron posing for dozens of tourists.

A good sunburned time was had by all: Kathleen Ross, Susan Gauveri, her friend Teri, and Bryan and Debi MacKay.

July 19, 2003 - Lake Roland/Robert E. Lee Park

WINGED WONDERS

Summer birding can be 'iffy' so this walk planned to include butterflies and dragonflies. Five birders gathered under mildly cloudy skies with pleasantly cooler than normal temperatures. Birds were plentiful but conditions foiled our attempt to learn something about the other winged creatures we had hoped to find. But who's complaining? Immediately upon starting our walk, we were surprised by a very visible juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron. Barn Swallows and Chimney Swifts buzzed overhead while an stately Great Blue Heron posed on a tree top. Northern Cardinals were abundant in the tangled brush; a White-breasted Nuthatch called but we were immediately distracted by a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Common Grackles were, well, common and there were, of course, Mallards to be counted.

Before we left the bridge below the dam, we were treated to both an adult and juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron as well as an adult of the black-crowned species. This provided us with a splendid opportunity to compare these two closely related waterbirds. Somewhat disheartening because of the nest parasite problem, it was nevertheless interesting to watch a little Chipping Sparrow diligently feeding a much larger, begging juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird. We saw a Mourning Dove carrying nesting material and American Goldfinches were everywhere. Mockingbirds were plentiful and we enjoyed the fluting song of the Wood Thrush and the easily recognizable songs of the Acadian Flycatcher and Red-eyed Vireo. House Finch, Gray Catbird, and Canada Goose easily found their way to the list as well as a jaunty Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher and a Downy Woodpecker. American Robins and Tufted Titmouse were present and we heard a Scarlet Tanager and a Eastern Wood-Pewee.

Although it is still high summer for us, for shorebirds it is time to return from their breeding grounds. The mud flats in the lake were being scoured by hungry Killdeer and Solitary, Spotted and Western Sandpipers. The marsh rang with the music of the Red-winged Blackbirds and Tree Swallows skimmed the air catching insects on the wing. A Green Heron flew by as well did a flock of Cedar Waxwings. As we retraced our steps back to the parking lot, a Red-bellied Woodpecker announced his presence in the park and we tallied the only two butterflies of the morning: Cabbage Whites and an Eastern Comma.

July 12, 2003 - PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK

NESTING BIRDS IN ORANGE GROVE/PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK

This glorious summer morning found sunlight glinting off the Patapsco as eight birders joined Bill Ellis and Marian Dodson for this walk along the river. A chattering Louisiana Waterthrush seemed to object to our presence by the Swinging Bridge as we waited for the group to gather. From the bridge itself, we could see Canada Geese along the river and hyperactive Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers busily feeding in a nearby tree. An Acadian Flycatcher was calling repeatedly from a nearby branch but we never did locate his hiding place among the leaves.

Northern Parula Warblers seemed to be everywhere in the park and Red-eyed Vireos announced their abundant presence all along the trail. Numerous Wood Thrushes filled the understory with their lovely song and a White-breasted Nuthatch added his nasal YANK-YANK call to this woodland symphony. There were Goldfinches flying this way and that and a male Cardinal posed among the greenery for us to admire his bright red feathers. We wondered if the immature female we saw nearby was his daughter. Along the way, we found some young robins and a Carolina Chickadee still fluffy from his pinfeathers. Flyby species included a Mourning Dove, American Crows, a Chimney Swift, and a trio of Great Blue Herons.

Feeding high in a tree were what appeared to be young, active Yellow-throated Vireos; a calling adult from a nearly branch seemed to clinch that tentative identification. The identification of a bird that was flycatching on the other side of the river caused some discussion among the group. But when it obligingly flew right towards us and perched nearby, we could confirm that it was a young, pretty Eastern Phoebe.

Heard but not seen along the river were a Belted Kingfisher, an Eastern Wood Pewee and an Indigo Bunting. And boy did we try to find that bunting but the heavy foliage defeated us. There were many Tufted Titmice in the area and we even managed to see one or two. Woodpecker species were well represented with Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied and Pileated woodpeckers accounted for by either sight or sound. There was also the requisite European Starlings present and a Turkey Vulture soared by high above us. Just before the walk ended, we were treated to a pair of nearby Black and White Warblers that stayed in view long enough for most of the participants to get a good look.

All in all, it was another wonderful morning in the park with perfect weather, good birds and a great group of people to share it with.

JUNE 28, 2003 - PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK

WHAT'S BUGGING YOU?

"We found something!" Excited young voices rang out often in the warm heavy air as Patapsco Valley State Park hosted 17 adults and children interested in learning more about its insect population. But the first order of business was to spray liberally with repellent after a warning that mosquito bites now carried the risk of West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease could be caused by the bite of a deer tick.

Each child was supplied with a net in which they could capture a variety of prey. Opening remarks were kept short by their eager desire to be off to the hunt but we did have time to learn that there are over 1,000,000 different species of insects with more still being discovered. Each person found out that they were standing on approximately 1,356 insects in just the first inch of ground on which they were standing. So after a review of just what makes an insect an insect (3 distinct body parts and six legs), off we went to see just what we could find.

A fair-sized wolf spider was the first catch of the evening and led to a discussion about the differences between spiders and insects. Lightning bugs, or fireflies as they are sometimes called, began their blinking as darkness fell. Everyone caught their share and hopefully, learned a little about these soft-bodied beetles familiar to us all. Identification of a Patent Leather Beetle had us stumped for a few minutes but gave us an opportunity to learn how to successfully use our field guides. Shining our flashlights over a small stream rewarded us with a good look at a couple water striders although admittedly it is easier to see their shadows than the insect itself!

Although the trip was primarily about insects, we didn't neglect other interesting creatures along the way. Several crayfish moved along rocky areas of the stream and a pair of bats, also looking for insects, swooped through the air over Lost Lake. We didn't see the geese or the fox whose tracks told us they had been there before us. An American Toad almost found a new home with one of the trip participants. Thank you to the astute parent who knew her child well and helped me explain why it is better for the animals to remain in their original homes.

One creature went unidentified that night, although it was suspected that it was larva of some type. Later investigation revealed that it was a glowworm, the larva of the lightning bug. Unfortunately, it was not glowing when we found it and the search through our field guides was soon interrupted by another shout of "We found something!"

JUNE 7, 2003

BIRDING THE OCEAN BLUE

A small but cheerful group of Chesapeake Audubon members joined about two dozen other optimists before 6 AM on the wharf in Lewes, DE. Undeterred by the low, dark clouds gathered above us, we eagerly listened to our trip leader, Paul Guris, detail our plans for the day. Paul, obviously believing the offshore weather forecast, was wearing shorts and sandals. The rest of us trooped aboard the 85' Thelma Dale wearing assorted rain gear. One thing everyone had in common was his or her binoculars and soon everyone was busy comparing spring birding experiences.

We had just left the dock and headed out the canal when the first birds of the day were sighted. Typical for the area were the Ospreys on their nest; the flyby Green Heron; Barn and Tree Swallows sweeping the air everywhere; and Robins, Starlings, House Sparrows, and House Finches populated the lawns bordering the waterway. A Purple Martin house was so full that it should have boasted a "No Vacancy" sign. A large female White-tailed Deer made her way to the edge of the marsh where three Willets probed the mud flats. Mallards, Laughing Gulls, Boat-tailed Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds all went about their business as we glided on by. As we passed the beach on our way past the jetties we saw resting Double-crested Cormorants and Greater Black-backed Gulls. Both Royal and Least Terns were busily hunting breakfast. And then we were out of the harbor area and on our way offshore.

The Thelma Dale was clean and comfortable and the CAS group made its way to the upper deck for the ride out. Cheers rang out when the sun first made its appearance but unfortunately that was the last time we'd see it all day. We gathered around the excellent guide assigned the topside post, a Maryland birder who had been on the winning team in Cape May's annual World Series of Birding in May. Also on the upper deck was one of the winners of this year's Great Texas Birding Classic (another Maryland birder), so we knew we were in good hands when the birds started to appear. The first of those birds was a 1st ‚year Northern Gannet; an adult in the more familiar white plumage was seen later in the trip. There were more flyby gulls and swiftly winging terns but no other "new" species before the rain set in. Light at first, the CAS group remained outside with a few other hardy souls getting to know one another and talking about (what else?) birds. But eventually, the rain grew hard and steady and we all trooped down to the cabin to grab a snack and a snooze. After all, there were many pairs of excellent eyes among the expert guides who were all hooked into a PA system to let us know when and where to look should something interesting appear.

I don't remember if it was still raining when the Fin Whale appeared. It really didn't matter as we all made our way out on deck to enjoy a close view of the earth's second largest creature. We were doubly appreciative when we realized that there was a calf traveling along side this mother who was almost as long as our (84') boat!

All along our route we were entertained by the enchanting little Wilson's Storm Petrels. Almost guaranteed to be seen on any pelagic trip, these birds, often called sea swallows, seem to dance upon the waves as they feed on the surface. No matter how often you see them, the pitter-patter of their little feet will certainly bring a smile to your face.

We made our way out to Massey's Canyon, about 40 miles offshore where the fishing fleet was at work. Here, among the more common terns and gulls, we found the two shearwater species we would see that day. The first sighted was the Sooty Shearwater, about the size of a Laughing Gull, flying low and seeming to slice the water with its stiffly-held wings. Also flying in this trademark manner was a Greater Shearwater, a little larger than the Sooty and easily identified by the dark cap on its head and white rump patch. Both birds breed in the southern hemisphere where it is now winter.

A Mola mola, or Ocean Sunfish, floated on the surface. We enjoyed the presence of this unusual fish but he had no more luck finding sunshine than we did. The weather never cleared and actually began to deteriorate. Spirits started to sink along with the barometer when our ebullient leader reminded us that it only takes one good bird to really make a trip. As if on cue, our one good bird arrived.

We were still in Maryland waters when the bird slipped by. One of our eagle-eyed leaders noticed a blood-red bill and a thin black line on the trailing edge of its wings and her shout of "Arctic Tern" brought everybody scrambling out of the cabin. The bird was cooperative and gave us excellent views, confirming its identification. With a route that extends from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back, this bird was en route on its 22,000-mile annual migration, the longest of any avian species.

Too early it was time to turn for home. Some of us napped for the long ride, made even longer by the fog that was rolling in. There were birds along the way but no new sightings. It hadn't been the most active pelagic trip ever but no one went home dissatisfied. The Arctic Tern and the Fin Whale made the trip one to remember and I know many of the participants are eagerly awaiting another chance to try their luck birding the ocean blue. I know I am.

May 18, 2003 - Cromwell Valley Park

Weather once again played havoc with our trip schedule and people contacted prior to the weekend opted to trust the weatherman's better forecast for the 18th. And, once again, we were led astray! Trip leader, Marian Dodson, actually birded the park both days in case persons who could not be contacted prior to Saturday elected to show up that morning. As it turned out, Saturday's weather was actually better than Sunday and the park offered a Scarlet Tanager and a Cooper's Hawk that did not show themselves the following morning.

Sunday morning arrived with intermittent rain showers but still four birders joined Marian in hoping the skies would lighten up. We were greeted in the parking lot by three White-tailed Deer who stood a short distance off inside the protection of some large shrubs. All four birders expressed a desire to see Baltimore Orioles and, at least in that regard, we were more than satisfied. The park was full of both brilliantly clad males and the more subtly colored females, often seen together as they are nesting in the park. Another species that is breeding there, Gray Catbirds were abundant throughout as was the very healthy population of Red-winged Blackbirds. Goldfinches were seen flying over regularly and both Barn and Tree Swallows swept back and forth across the fields. We had an excellent look at a male Common Yellowthroat who responded very cooperatively to some pishing. A male Yellow Warbler gave us good enough looks that we were able to see the signature red streaking on his breast. A trio of Great Blue Herons and several pairs of Mallards flew overhead. We saw many male and female Cardinals and one pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds. There were Northern Mockingbirds, Mourning Doves, Grackles and House Sparrows and, of course, European Starlings. A male House Wren serenaded us with his lovely burbling notes and we were scolded by a seemingly irritated Carolina Wren. There was one Empidonax Flycatcher that we were unable to identify further without hearing its call. We were luckier with the crows; they turned out to be American Crows. The cute little Chipping Sparrows that had played near the parking lot on Saturday were not there to entertain us on Sunday.

We enjoyed watching a very smart American Robin who had built her nest on a platform beneath a large bell. At least somebody stayed dry that morning! About halfway through our walk, the mist turned to actual rain and as the morning was chilly, we returned to our cars. The last bird seen on the way out of the park was Tyrannus tyrannus, the feisty Eastern Kingbird.

May 4, 2003 - Bird Watching, and Listening, On The Eastern Shore

Every winter and early spring I eagerly await the coming of mid-April, anxious for the advent of the month or so of regular arrivals of migrating birds to the eastern part of the country. It finally arrives, but then all too soon it is May, and the clock is quickly winding down on the peak of the annual rite of spring migration.

So it was that I was chagrined to hear a Blackpoll Warbler just before a recent birding field trip for members and friends of the Chesapeake Audubon Society, on Sunday May 4. Years ago when I first started 'bird listening,' I learned to associate the arrival of Blackpolls with the last phase of migration. I hoped it didn't portend a quiet morning of birding.

We began our morning just outside of Tuckahoe State Park, where the Blockston Branch crosses Ruthsburg Road in Queen Anne's County. It was a cool, overcast morning, threatening to rain but not blow. The quiet creek and edge habitat looked appealing from my 'bird's eye', so we made a unplanned stop. We quickly got a Baltimore Oriole calling and visible high above the road, and the same for a Scarlet Tanager and Great-crested Flycatcher. We then heard several other species including Pileated Woodpecker, Hooded Warbler, a possible Wilson's Warbler, and an Acadian Flycatcher. We also could hear a nearby mob of crows, and it went on for several minutes. We no more than commented that we were probably missing a raptor being harassed or chased, when we twice heard the call of a Great-horned Owl...nice.

We went onto the park, stopping at the parking area/boat launch near the dam on Crouse Mill Road. Usually each year in the first week of May I stop here to watch both Oriole species, and we were not let down this time. We got good looks and listens to both, especially Orchard Orioles. As a bonus we had a vocal first year male, with the distinctive no-red coloration. But while enjoying this Oriole, we heard the sweet call of the Golden Swamp Warbler (goes by another name in most books...Prothonotary Warbler). It was calling pretty continuously along the edges of the swamp/pond habitat near the parking lot (see image). We quickly got very good looks at it while it was first down low, and then near the top of a young red maple tree. Really a spectacular experience of a beautiful bird, and getting to watch it sing to boot. We added good looks and listens of White-eyed Vireo, Eastern Kingbird, Green Heron, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Phoebe, and Yellow-rumped Warbler, among others. On our way to our vehicles in the parking lot we had two more Blackpoll Warblers feeding and calling in the trees.

We stopped near the Tuckahoe Equestrian Center (around the corner from the dam), where in previous years I have often heard a Kentucky Warbler calling, but not this morning. But we walked to the gate to the center and heard and saw an Indigo Bunting, Chipping Sparrows, and also heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

We then continued on to the Adkins Arboretum, a beautiful piece of property within the state park that includes forested wetlands, the Tuckahoe Creek, open fields and upland woods. We spent about two hours walking in trail that included all of these habitats, and we added many species for the day, as well as more looks and listens at others we had earlier (such as Scarlet Tanager, G.C. Flycatcher, and Orchard Oriole). We had great looks and listens of Ovenbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Field Sparrows and Common Yellowthroat. We also had good looks of Eastern Bluebird, but only a brief look at a departing Blue Grosbeak. We listened at length to a Worm-eating Warbler and Kentucky Warbler, but only got a brief look at the former, no glimpse of the latter (no surprise there). We also heard the calls of Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow-throated Warbler, Rufous-sided (Eastern) Towhee, and Red-eyed Vireo, among others.

On the way back, not far from the park, we came upon a large group of Black Vultures feeding on a deer carcass along the roadside. Though we had seen several Turkey Vultures during the morning, there were none here.

All in all it was a very enjoyable morning of bird watching and listening (thank God for bird calls), and we had eleven or twelve types of warblers among our sixty species of birds; not too bad for a morning's effort. The Golden Swamp Wa..., I mean, the Prothonotary Warbler alone was worth the trip. I just wish they would rename that bird...

Submitted by Mark Schilling

Spring Warbler Walk - Patapsco Valley State Park

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2003; Leaders: Bill Ellis & Marian Dodson

Trip Report:

We were hoping for a warm, sunny spring morning but once again, it was not to be. And although they may have been disappointed with the weather, we were delighted with the large group that turned out for this bird walk despite the cloudy skies. Nine birders joined us and were immediately serenaded by a Northern Parula Warbler as we gathered in the parking lot. We successfully tracked him down on the Visitor's Center grounds along with a large active group of American Goldfinches. Chimney Swifts darted overhead, an Eastern Kingbird made a brief appearance, a Downy Woodpecker flew in and a Song Sparrow added his voice to the chorus of sound. American Crows, Blue Jays and Northern Cardinals were all tallied before we even hit the trail. A House Wren called while fluttering among the tall grasses in the field across from us; a Mourning Dove swiftly passed by.

We took the river path, listening to a Red-shouldered Hawk calling overhead and hearing the stuttering call of the Brown-headed Cowbirds long before we saw them. Canada Geese called from the river where Barn Swallows were putting on a show and a Red-eyed Vireo sang his cheerful greeting from the treetops. There were Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice flitting among the branches, a fly-by male Mallard, and a flock of Cedar Waxwings to enjoy. Our second warbler of the day, an American Redstart made his presence known and a Turkey Vulture soared on by. Northern Rough-winged Swallows were actively hunting for insects at Lost Lake, and an Eastern Phoebe posed prettily on a limb overhanging the stream. We added Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers to the list in the Glen Artney area where Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Catbirds and Ovenbirds called from the greenery along the sides of the road. Then a Black-throated Green Warbler and a pair of Louisiana Waterthrushes competed for our attention.

As we began our return trip, we were thrilled by a Pileated Woodpecker who soared directly over our heads before landing on a tree in front of us. It was a fitting finale to another fun morning in the state park along the Patapsco River.

Submitted by Marian Dodson.

April 5, 2003 - Early Spring Birding for Beginners

Trip leaders Marian Dodson and Bill Ellis warmly welcomed the five walk participants at the Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Visitors Center despite the chilly, misty rain that was still falling in places. Although birding conditions were less than ideal, the morning provided us with a chance to discuss not only the birds we saw, but also various strategies to locate and identify birds in the field.

Blue Jays, Cardinals and Crows visited us while we were still in the parking lot. We soon encountered several species of sparrows and proceeded with ID lesson number one. Along with resident Song Sparrows were White-throated Sparrows who had been with us for the winter and a recently arrived singing Chipping Sparrow proudly showing his chestnut-red cap. Northern Flickers called throughout the morning and late in the walk, we saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker but only briefly heard the call of a Downy Woodpecker.

Cowbirds were calling while moving through the treetops and Great Blue Herons were cruising above the river. Canada Geese were frequently heard and often seen. Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and Northern Mockingbirds were encountered several times during the outing. Five female Common Mergansers at Lost Lake were an unexpected surprise.

Along the trail, there were questions about some of the park's history and the early green plant carpeting the area. The birders learned about the invasive Lesser Celandine and got their first whiff of the aptly named Skunk Cabbage!

Returning along the river trail, we found the two best birds of the day! The sky was beginning to lighten up and a perched male Eastern Bluebird beautifully showed his colors. As he took off after a female, it was easy to distinguish between the two. Females of many species are less colorful than males making them less conspicuous as they sit on their nests. We had fun watching a male Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a tiny active fellow that measures a scant 4". He obligingly gave us good looks at his sometimes-elusive scarlet crown patch and even returned to scold us a little further down the trail.

The morning ended too soon and it's hoped our group enjoyed their lessons. Since they were interested in information on upcoming walks, it looks like we'll be seeing them again. Next up at Patapsco: Spring Warblers! See you there!

Submitted by Marian Dodson.

Upper Eastern Shore of Maryland

Date: Saturday, Feb 8, 2003; Leader: Mark Schilling

Trip Report:

Both the weather and the snow-covered fields were beautiful as we began our second of two birding trips to different parts of the Eastern Shore. Starting out, we immediately spotted an accipiter zipping across the road, most likely a Cooper's Hawk judging by size and the shape of the tail. On the way to our first stop, we quickly tallied Starlings, Mockingbird, Cardinal and Song Sparrow. A few Savannah Sparrows were exactly where they were the previous day, where they were joined by a large group of female Red-winged Blackbirds and two Laughing Gulls. Continuing to the end of the road, we were greeted by the site of a perched Bald Eagle who flew off at our approach. Before we left this area, we saw a pair of Bald Eagles soaring over the frozen cove. In addition to the lovely and cooperative Fox Sparrows that were the reason for this stop, we also added Swamp and White-throated Sparrows, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker to our list.

A chilly interval at Kent Narrows rewarded us with Ruddy, Mallard and Black Ducks along with Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, American Coot, Lesser Scaup, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Great Blue Heron, Ring-billed and Herring Gulls, Killdeer and Hooded Merganser.

As we continued our trip, we saw Red-tailed Hawks, Mourning Doves, Dark-eyed Junco, and Rock Doves along the roads and a juvenile Northern Harrier enjoying his breakfast in a field. We scanned many groups of Horned Larks, finally locating a Lapland Longspur among them. At Tuckahoe, we spotted numerous Eastern Bluebirds as well as both species of kinglets. Several impressive groups of Tundra Swans flew overhead during the day and we watched a lone American Goldfinch fly over the snow.

A small marshy stream held a group of American Pipits and many more bluebirds and among the larks here we found more longspurs and a lone, beautiful Snow Bunting. Another Bald Eagle was hunting this area as well as a colorful adult male American Kestrel. Snow Geese flew overhead; a Yellow-shafted Flicker crossed the road ahead of us and a Red-bellied Woodpecker was sighted in the distant trees.

A couple of birders decided to extend the trip into the afternoon and went to the Horsehead Wetlands Center where there seemed to be hundreds of Yellow-rumped Warblers along the trail. They were joined by a Brown Thrasher, an Eastern Towhee and a Marsh Wren. In open water, we finally found the Long-tailed Ducks (aka called Oldsquaw) that had eluded us earlier in the day. Ring-necked and Wood Ducks joined some of the residents in the Visitor's Center Pond and a Sharp-shinned Hawk that streaked through the trees was the last new sighting of the day as we finished with over 50 species.

Submitted by Marian Dodson.

Eastern Shore of Maryland

Date: Saturday, Feb 1, 2003; Leader: Stan Arnold

Trip Report:

Our first birding trip of the New Year was not aided by the weather as the morning dawned overcast, rainy and with fog. But five determined birders started out and their hopes were more than satisfied, thanks mostly to the knowledge and skillful leadership of Stan Arnold. Ice-clogged tributaries cut down on total numbers but we still managed 52 species for the day.

We began at Tanyard Marsh and witnessed clouds of Red-winged Blackbirds rising from the nighttime roost, taking to the sky. Apart from a lone Great Blue Heron (one of many we were to see), the only other inhabitants of the marsh were starlings and unidentified gulls flying through the fog. We headed for our second stop, the Hurlock Waste Water Treatment Plant, adding Mourning Doves, Herring and Ring-billed Gulls, Snow Geese (including several Blue Geese), American Kestrel, Eastern Bluebirds, Northern Flicker, Mallards, Ruddy and Black Ducks to our list. Once we reached the WWTP, the action heated up. There were 1,000+ Tundra Swans present as well as Northern Shovelers, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, and Canvasback along with the previously mentioned waterfowl.

In the fields and along the roadsides to Blackwater NWR, we found Horned Larks, Song Sparrows, American Crow, Blue Jay, Cardinal, American Robin (lots), Northern Harrier (several magnificent male 'Gray Ghosts'), Savannah Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Red-tailed Hawk, Swamp Sparrow, Carolina Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, and a Bald Eagle (the first of about 20.) Many of the species were also seen on the refuge where we added White-throated Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Fox Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Hermit Thrush, Common Merganser, Pintail Duck, Dunlin, Eastern Towhee, Pileated Woodpecker, Gadwall, Golden Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Turkey Vulture, Greater Black-backed Gull, Rough-legged Hawk, Goldfinch and American Woodcock.

Somehow, just listing species doesn't really convey the fun and excitement of each find. The nuthatches seemed to be trying hard to entertain us; the woodcock was a delightful surprise. The Red-bellied Woodpecker was surprisingly difficult to find; the number of harriers seen was impressive. The magnificent Golden Eagle soared directly over our heads and no matter how many Bald Eagles one can now find, they are still an impressive, exciting bird. The hunting Rough-Legged Hawk was the perfect picture of a bird of prey; and the Hermit Thrush was proudly out in the open, not being a hermit at all.

We tried for several hours to find the Short-eared Owls on Shorter's Wharf Road but to no avail. Perhaps the fact that the marsh has been frozen and snow covered has forced them to move on. They were the only disappointment in this long, wonderful day of birding and you can safely bet we'll be back looking again next year.

Nature in Winter

Date: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003; Leader: Marian Dodson

Trip Report:

A group of Patapsco Valley State Park patrons and Chesapeake Audubon members met at the Avalon Visitor's Center at the Park on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Winter tree identification booklets from the Center's library were loaned to participants interested in using them during the walk. These were put to use immediately as walk leader, Marian Dodson, used dogwood and oak trees growing in front of the Center to illustrate how to use alternate and opposite branching on trees as a key to identification. The walk continued with searches for winter remnants of grasses, wildflowers and weeds. We were easily able to identify Foxtail, Blackberry, Greenbrier, Goldenrod, Phragmites, Honeysuckle, English Ivy and Bittersweet. We were successful in our search for Burdock. Its Velcro-like properties were more than adequately displayed as they clung tenaciously to the leader's gloves! Snow, leftover from an earlier storm, offered us the opportunity to discuss how snowflakes are formed and how atmospheric conditions determine their size, shape and consistency.

A large fallen locust tree sported some beautiful large Daedalia quercina mushrooms. A broken one gave us a chance to closely investigate its inner and outer patterns. Another young Honey Locust further along the trail prominently displayed the signature spines on its branches. One of our younger members found deer tracks during a stop by the river, and snow-covered Lost Lake sported both goose and fox tracks. The geese were still present but the fox was long gone.

A few of the historically significant events in the park's history were related as we crossed over the old Gun Road, originally surveyed by George Washington; as a train passed on modern tracks which follow the path of the first railroad in the United States and where the first steam engine, the Tom Thumb, won its race against a horse; the mill race that carried the water that powered one of the many mills that operated along the Patapsco; and the rebuilding of the park by the Civilian Conservation Corps early in the last century.

There was much to talk about but, even though the day felt almost tropical after the cold that had gripped most of the month, we were very aware that the temperature was still only slightly above freezing and tried to keep the discussions short and the blood moving. I hope all of our participants enjoyed the sun on their faces and will join us again next year when we venture out to see what nature is doing in winter.

Terrapin Park Nature Area

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2002; Leader: Mark Schilling

Trip Report:

A clear, warm morning along the edge of the Chesapeake Bay on Kent Island. There was a bit of a breeze, but not so much to make birding difficult. We started a bit late, so we probably missed some early sightings, but it was still a nice walk through the mixed habitats and along the Bay.

Migration At Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Date: Saturday, May 26, 2002; Leader: Hugh Simmons

Trip Report:

A dreary drizzly morning in the 60's led some of those signed up for this trip to stay home in anticipation of forecast thunderstorms. But the day turned out to be a great one by all measures. The skies cleared and by afternoon temperatures were in the 80s and we were looking for shade and a breeze to cool us. Invertebrates proved to be the biggest problem of the day as we were constantly swatting at flies and mosquitoes and pulling ticks off of each other. But for the brave there were rewards. We tallied 67 species including a single Red-necked Phalarope.

We began at 8:00 am, for those willing to get up an hour earlier, with a woodland walk at Finnis Pool where we heard or saw Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat and Black-crowned Night Heron. We had a second start at 9:00 am and returned to the Finnis Pool with everyone to add Redstart, Magnolia Warbler and heard a Black-and-white Warbler. Although we looked for some time for the Least Bittern that had been reported there for the last three days we were not able to find it.

Since high tide was at 10:00 am we left the Bombay Hook refuge area and headed down to Port Mahon for horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. We were not disappointed. The first bit of shoreline we came to yielded hundreds of Ruddy Turnstones and Semipalmated Sandpiper as well as a handfuls of Red Knots, Sanderlings, Black-necked Stilts, Short-billed Dowitchers, Dunlin and a Seaside Sparrow which appeared to also be enjoying the presentation of Horseshoe Crab caviar.

Traveling further up the coast at Port Mahon gave us more of the same so we returned to the refuge Visitors Center for lunch at the picnic tables and, for some, a brief shopping spree in the Visitors Center's gift store. Refreshed, refueled and somewhat poorer we headed out on the refuge drive. Yellow warblers and Marsh Wren were abundant. A Red-necked Phalarope had been reported in Raymond Pool and thanks to the keen eye of one of our group we found it! It was badly backlit but unmistakable in its shape and dance-like feedings behavior. We also added Black-bellied Plovers, Glossy Ibis and an immature Bald Eagle that flew directly over our group. By now it was 4:00 pm but we decided to push onto the last impoundment in hopes of seeing Avocet, but never found any.

It was a great day and Bombay Hook never disappoints. In spite of the forecast we never saw a raindrop until the drive back to Baltimore.

Birding Gunpowder State Park

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2002; Leader: Hugh Simmons

Trip Report:

It was a cloudless, beautiful spring day with morning temperatures in the 50's, climbing to the 70's later in the day. The walk provided a variety of habitats including fields and edges, woods and a wooded river valley. A Prairie Warbler sang and then alighted on a branch at eye level about 20 feet away in the parking lot while we were gathering. A moment later a Bluebird appeared. These seemed to be a good omens for the day.

Highlights of the day included good long looks at Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, and Ovenbird. We also had Yellow-rumped and Black-throated Green Warblers high in the canopy and all suffered some serious 'warbler-neck' while trying to catch a glimpse of them. At the river we spotted a Solitary Sandpiper working the edge. We were a bit surprised that we did not see, or hear more raptors. Only one resident Red-tailed Hawk. The complete list follows:

Spring Birding in Patapsco State Park

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2002; Leader: Mark Schilling

Trip Report:

It was a good morning for birding, little wind and nice weather.
We had a group of about 10 people, including a mix of beginners and experienced birders. Sightings/listenings were a bit light considering the time of the year, but we still managed some nice birds. One thing of note was the impact of the loud water along a stream that totally drowned out all other sounds while we were there, highlighting how difficult it is to go birding without using one's ears. Speaking of which, the one Indigo Bunting we had was producing a very non-traditional, quite harsh/buzzy call. Keeps one on your toes...

Early Migration At Robert E. Lee/Lake Roland Park

Date: Sunday, April 21, 2002; Leader: Marian Dodson

Trip Report:

Even though the weather kept this from being an ideal bird walk (chilly and overcast), the group was friendly, and I think everyone enjoyed the outing. We had time to discuss some of the 'not so everyday species' and there was at least one participant that enjoyed getting several life birds. The birds were usually high up and took a little bit of work to find in the canopy, so we were very appreciative of the Parula Warbler who finally came down low for a really good look after having chased his song over half the path.

We had time to enjoy the many blooming May apples, fiddlehead ferns and one participant found a lone Jack in the Pulpit by the side of the path. We agreed Bryan MacKay's knowledge was needed to assist in identifying some neat red berries we found. We shared the pungent odor of the garlic mustard that was everywhere and that led to a discussion of invasives and their effect on the landscape. We enjoyed the company of one little chipmunk and a whole passel of baby Mallard ducks that joined the Killdeer couple on the mud flats.

In addition to those mentioned below, we also saw another shorebird species, possibly a Solitary Sandpiper. We had a single raptor that may have been a Cooper's or Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, NJ

Date: Sunday, November 11, 2001; Leader: Mark Schilling

Trip Report:

We had great fall weather with excellent sighting conditions for the day. We took several hours to work our way around the Refuge Drive, and then spent the last hour or so on part of the longer bike trail around the perimeter of the refuge.

Highlights of the trip include spectacular looks at Bald Eagles, a pair of Great-horned Owls, and several Harriers. We also saw several impressive eagle nests.

By Land & Sea; Hawk Watch & Dolphin Cruise in Cape May, NJ

Date: Sunday, October 8, 2000; Leader: Mark Schilling

Trip Report:

Despite earlier threatening weather forecasts, we had great fall weather with excellent sighting conditions for the day. We spent our morning at the Cape May State Park Hawk Watch and Nature Conservancy's Cape May Meadows, at the southern tip of New Jersey. We saw dozens of migrating accipiters (Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks), several Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks, an immature Peregrine Falcon, several Kestrels, an Osprey, a few Northern Harriers, and several vultures (some Black, mostly Turkey). We also watched an outdoor raptor program using several captured birds that were presented for a closeup look, banded, and released. We also saw several species of songbirds and waterfowl, including a brief look for a few of us of an Eurasian Wigeon.

During the afternoon boat trip we saw a few groups of bottlenose dolphin, and several species of sea ducks, mostly scoters, and a few Northern Gannets.

Bird Watching At Cromwell Valley Park: Annual CAS Picnic

Date: Saturday, June 3, 2000; Leaders: Hugh Simmons & Mark Schilling

Trip Report:

A beautiful morning for a bird hike, we had two separate walks, one led by Hugh Simmons that started about 8 am, and a second led by Mark Schilling that started about 9:30. There was a good amount of activity and calls/songs, with several highlights including great looks and listens of a Yellow-throated Vireo that spent the day calling and scolding in the tree above the CAS display table and the live raptors. We also had several pairs of Orchard Orioles on territory in a single large field, and watched one pair feeding young in the nest about 25 feet off the ground. *=heard song/call

Late Migration At Robert E. Lee/Lake Roland Park

Date: Saturday, May 27, 2000; Leader: Hugh Simmons

Trip Report:

Songbird Migration At Meyers Station

Date: Saturday, May 20, 2000; Leader: Mark Schilling

Trip Report:

Although it was a cool, damp morning, and there was a brief downpour, we had a great morning of birding for the 6 participants, with 52 species. The Meyers Station property is private, bottomland forest, along the Little Patuxent River, and it is now fully leafed-out. As a result, it was very difficult to see all of the singing birds, though we did get good looks at several, including Prothonotary Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Bluebird, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. But we heard many species we did not see, including very distinctive calls from Yellow-throated Vireo, Kentucky Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. It was a good morning to work on learning some new bird calls. We also got to see a nest in the Great Blue Heron rookery located on the property. The young are very large, and were flexing their wings and preening as we watched through a scope. *=heard song/call

Migration At Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Date: Saturday, May 13, 2000; Leader: Hugh Simmons

Trip Report:

Early Songbird Migration At Patapsco State Park

Date: Saturday, April 22, 2000; Leader: Mark Schilling

Trip Report:

It was a threatening morning and forecast, and we did have a bit of rain, but it was mostly warm and only overcast for our walk. Highlights included a feeding Osprey, the loud call and bobbing gait of the Louisiana Waterthrush ("a shorebird of the warblers"), and the beautiful but not often seen Blue-headed Vireo (aka, Solitary Vireo). We were able to enjoy the songs and calls of many of the birds, many of whom will be nesting here, but a few of which, are passing through on their way to other points north to nest. *=heard song/call