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2020-2021 Calendar of Events
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It is highly recommended that you contact trip leaders a day or so before the scheduled trip. Email addresses are listed at the end of this page. New participants are welcome – membership is not required to participate in field trips. All are free and open to the public. Please read Trip and Meeting Participation Guidelines below.
With the on going threat of the COVID-19 virus the field trip schedule listed below for the up coming Fall season is tentative. Currently social distancing and the wearing of masks in public spaces in still mandatory in the state of Maryland. The Cecil Bird Club hopes to be able have these field trips as planned but at this time as the number of cases continues to rise across the region and nation it is best to check in with the listed leader prior to the day of the event.
In the past the club has highlighted The Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area with a series of field trips billed as the Seasons at Fair Hill. This concept will be expanded during the upcoming year with trips featuring Cecil County’s two Important Bird Areas or IBAs as so designated by the the Audubon Society and our parent organization, the Maryland Ornithological Society. (MOS) Cecil’s two IBA’s are the Susquehanna River corridor and the Elk Neck peninsula. Keep and eye out for the IBA listings in the upcoming field trip calendar.
jan
Saturday, January (date TBD)
Perryville Community Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day
Trip Leader: Paula Conoscenti
Saturday, January (date TBD)
Ocean City Area & Beyond
A classic trip to THE prime Maryland winter birding hotspot. The Ocean City inlet hosts an unequaled variety of wintering ducks, possibly including all 3 scoters, Long-tailed, Harlequin, mergansers, and maybe even an eider or two. Add to that Red-throated and Common Loons, a grebe or two, Great Cormorant, Northern Gannet, Purple Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, and possibilities of rare gulls or a Razorbill or Murre. Over at the 4th St mudflats, there could be some lingering shorebirds, and Brant should be about. The ponds in the vicinity should hold an assortment of Canvasback, Redhead, Wigeon, Gadwall, Bufflehead, Ruddy, Teal, Shoveler – a great chance for good views to study the plumages at the time of year when their colors are brightest. Depending on locations visited, there could also be good opportunities for wintering sparrows – maybe even a rarity like LeConte’s or Snowy Owl.
Meet near Dunkin’ Donuts in Big Elk Mall, intersection of Rt. 40 and Rt. 213 in Elkton at 6:00 a.m. for a full-day trip. Bring breakfast, lunch and snack, or money to buy take-out food on the way.
Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. Easy walking on level ground.
Trip Leader: Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless
Tuesday, January 12
Perryville Community Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day
Trip Leader: Paula Conoscenti
Tuesday, January 19
Perryville Community Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day Trip Leader: Paula Conoscenti
Saturday, January (date TBD)
Northeast Community Park
Whether you think gulls are gorgeous or hopelessly confusing, do we have a location for you! Join local gull expert Sean McCandless for a session of gull watching and identification. With numbers ranging from the hundreds to a couple of thousand, you might spot a rare Iceland or Lesser Black-backed Gull among the crowd. You never know what will show up!
Meet in the Northeast Community Park parking lot at 8 a.m. for this two-hour trip.
Trip Leader: Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless
Tuesday, January 25
Perryville Community Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day
Trip Leader: Maryanne Dolan and Paula Conoscenti
feb
Tuesday, February 2
Perryville Community Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day
Trip Leader: Paula Conoscenti and Maryanne Dolan
Tuesday, February 9 – Perryville Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day
Trip Leader: Maryanne Dolan and Paula Conoscenti
Friday, February – Monday February
Bird Count Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event co-sponsored by Audubon and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. The count engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes. It’s free, fun, and easy – and it helps the birds. To participate:
1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes during February 12-15, 2016. Count birds at as many places and on as many days as you like – just keep a separate list of counts for each day and/or location.
2. Count the greatest number of individuals of each species that you see together at any one time, and write it down.
3. Enter your results on the Great Backyard Bird Count web site where you will find full details and instructions.
In 2015, participants submitted 147,265 checklists and listed a grand total of 5,090 species. Join the crowd and count in your backyard!
Tuesday, February 16 – Perryville Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day
Trip Leader: Paula Conoscenti and Maryanne Dolan
Tuesday, February 23
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day
Trip Leader: Paula Conoscenti and Maryanne Dolan
Saturday, February (date TBD)
Field Trip Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
Fair Hill is one of Cecil County’s loveliest birding spots. A variety of habitats, including woods, fields and wetlands, means that we will see a number of different winter residents. Portions of the trail may be muddy or icy, so boots are recommended. Dress for extreme cold and wind.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. for this half-day trip at the Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge parking lot near the Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center on Tawes Drive. There is an honor system daily fee ($3 Maryland residents; $4 out-of-state visitors). Birders age 62 and older are eligible for a Golden Age Pass.
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
mar
Tuesday, March 2
Perryville Community Park
A half-day of seeking out lingering winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day. Trip Leader: Paula and Maryanne
Saturday, March (date TBD)
Blackwater & Beyond
This trip is designed to see large numbers of waterfowl during the height of spring staging season, at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County. Bald Eagles are a bonus feature. Ospreys may be newly arrived and if so, will be setting up territories. Some early shorebirds might be on the move. Come take advantage of the peaceful Eastern Shore ambiance before the tourist season sets in.
Meet at the parking lot of Blackwater Headquarters at 9:00 a.m. for a full-day trip. (To carpool, we suggest making arrangements to meet near Dunkin’ Donuts in Big Elk Mall, intersection of Rt. 40 and Rt. 213 in Elkton, at 6:30 a.m.) See the Blackwater NWR website for directions. Bring breakfast, lunch and snacks; there are few opportunities to purchase food in the vicinity. Dress for possible extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. Some easy walking on level ground.
Trip Leader: Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless
apr
Saturday, April (date TBD) (depending on weather trip may reschedule a week or so)
Field Trip Conowingo Wildflowers and Birds
The Wildflower Trail at Conowingo goes south from Fisherman’s Park along the bank of the Susquehanna, through wooded wetlands and along the base of cliffs that are, at this season, blanketed with Dutchman’s Breeches, Virginia Bluebells, Trillium, and other spring wildflowers. The earlier spring migrants, Phoebes and Louisiana Waterthrushes, may be seen, and maybe some lingering winter visitors, like Winter Wren. We may also spend some time scoping the waters below the dam to see what’s about.
Meet at Fisherman’s Park below the Dam at 8:00 a.m. for a half-day trip. From Rising Sun, take Rt. 273 west to the intersection of US1. Continue on US1 south and go over the dam. Make the first left onto Shuresville Rd, and then the first left again, onto Shures Landing Road. This road will bring you down to the riverbank and Fisherman’s Park. Dress warmly if the weather is unseasonably cold. Easy walking on a level, well-graded trail (short stretches may be a bit muddy).
Trip leader: David Francis and Maryanne Dolan
may
Bird Count DOS Bird-a-thon
The Delaware Ornithological Society holds an annual Bird-a-thon to raise awareness (and funding!) for shorebirds, especially the Red Knot, whose numbers have declined precipitously in just a few years. Our club has participated many times, and it is always fun. We have counted as many as 82 species! No trip leader on this one and no formal trip. Enjoy yourself in Delaware. If you want to count species and/or donate to DOS, contact Paula or Maryanne.
Saturday, May (date TBD)
Field Trip Birding 101 at Turkey Point
Join a ranger and a representative of the Cecil County Birding Club on a hike to the Turkey Point Lighthouse, a distance of about two miles, looking for local and migrating songbirds along the way. Learn more about birding with and without binoculars, examining bird size, silhouette, song and habitat. The pace will be leisurely. Most of the walking is on a gravel road with good footing, but there are a few hilly sections. Wear comfortable shoes/boots for walking. Bring binoculars if you have them. Extras will be available on loan. Call Elk Neck State Park at 410-287-5333 for more details and to make your reservation.
Meet at the Turkey Point Parking Lot at 8:00 a.m. for a half-day trip. From the town of North East, go south on Rt. 272 about 11 miles. The road ends at the parking lot.
Trip Leader: Sean McCandless and Elk Neck park staff
Saturday, May (date TBD)
Fair Hill Natural Management Area 7:00 am
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (Fair Hill NRMA) has designated approximately 100 acres of grassland as preserved habitat for ground-nesting birds. This unique program will benefit Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Northern Bobwhite, bird species whose numbers are in decline. Fair Hill NRMA and its contracted hay farmer have collaborated on a strategic mowing schedule that leaves the prime nesting area uncut through mid-July.
meeting place is at the North Appleton Parking lot. Parking Lot #3 (2895 Appleton Road) – Also known as the North Appleton Parking Lot. From the Rt. 273/Rt. 213 intersection: Drive East on Rt. 273 until the intersection with Appleton Road. Turn left on Appleton Road, drive approximately one mile to the intersection of Appleton Road and Black Bridge Road. Parking lot is located on your left.
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
Saturday, May (date TBD)
Field Trip Delaware Shorebirds: Red Knots and Horseshoe Crabs
May is a spectacular time on the shores of Delaware Bay. Horseshoe crabs lay their eggs and huge flocks of shorebirds arrive to feed on them in preparation for the final leg of their trip to their northern breeding grounds. We’ll head to the best places in Delaware to see them.
Carpool leaves from Dunkin’ Donuts in Big Elk Mall, intersection of Rt. 40 and Rt. 213 in Elkton, at 7:00 a.m. for a full-day trip. Bring breakfast, lunch and snack, or money to buy take-out food on the way.
Bring scope if you have one. Insect repellant and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
Trip Leader: Maryanne Dolan
Sunday, May (date TBD)
Field Trip for Beginners Courthouse Point Road
Courthouse Point MHA is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and managed for hunting by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Possible sightings include Northern Harrier, Little Blue Heron, Wild Turkey, Marsh Wren, Scarlet Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Swamp Sparrow. This is one of the best spots in the county for the ever-elusive Yellow-breasted Chat.
Meet near Dunkin’ Donuts in Big Elk Mall, intersection of Rt. 40 and Rt. 213 in Elkton at 7:00 a.m. for a half-day trip. Easy walking on mostly level ground. Sunscreen and bug spray are strongly recommended. Binoculars and enthusiasm are required!
Note: Parking permit is required for each car. There is no fee. Request permit online from Maryland Division of Natural Resources, or mail your request to Gwynnbrook Wildlife and Heritage Service Office, 3740 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
Trip Leader: Maryanne Dolan
june
Saturday, June
Field Trip Woodlawn Wildlife Area
Woodlawn is a restored landfill that is a model for transforming an eyesore into a sight for sore eyes. Join us for a leisurely stroll around the fields and woods of this re-awakening natural area.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Woodlawn Parking Area for a ½ day nature walk. Carpooling is encouraged Directions:
From I-95, take the Perryville, Rtes 275/222 exit north. Follow 275/222 north a few miles to Rte 276. Turn right, follow about 1 mile, turn left on Firetower Rd. Preserve (with parking lot) is on the left, just after the intersection with Waibel Rd.
From Port Deposit, take MD-276 (Tome Highway) towards Rising Sun. Take a left onto Firetower Road (past the Mobil station and across from the Land Hope Farms store). Less than a mile later, you will pass the entrance to the county transfer/recycling center. Immediately after the center’s entrance, The Woodlawn Wildlife Area gate is on the left.
From Rising Sun, take Rt 276 (Tome Highway) south to Rt 269, Barnes Corner Road. Turn right (west) onto Barnes Corner and then right at the first intersection onto Harrisville Rd, which becomes Firetower Rd at the West Nottingham Academy gate. Continue south on Firetower Rd to the entrance to the Wildlife Area, just past the intersection of Colora Rd on the right.
Trip leader: Ken Drier
Saturday, June
Community Outreach 10th Annual Northeast River Wade-In
Join us from 10 am to 2 pm as we pull up our pant legs and wade into the Upper Chesapeake Bay to measure water quality the way retired Maryland State Senator Bernie Fowler does with his “sneaker index.”
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Foot Log Beach, Charlestown. Rain or shine. Wear light-colored shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Free and open to the public—the more, the merrier!
For details contact Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless or call 410-996-5267
July – no trips scheduled due to pandemic
august
Saturday, August 22
Bombay Hook NWR
One of the premier birding sites along the Eastern migration corridor, Bombay Hook is in the height of the Fall shorebird movement south at this time. Thousands of shorebirds and perhaps a rarity or two. Join members of the Cecil Bird Club to this exciting destination. Dress for hot and buggy conditions. Long pants and sleeves are a must. Bring snacks, lunch, and drinks. Meet at Dunkin Donuts/Big Elk Mall at 7:30 am
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
september
Saturday, September 5 – IBA Trip
Turkey Point
Join us for the traditional kick-off for fall migration at Turkey Point. Walk through the woods and fields for migrant songbirds, including early warblers. Be prepared for a round-trip hike to the Point, a distance of about two miles. The pace will be leisurely. Most of the walking is on a gravel road with good footing, but there are a few hilly sections. Wear comfortable shoes/boots for walking. Bring drinks and/or snacks. Sunscreen and bug spray are strongly recommended.
Meet at the Turkey Point Parking Lot at 7:30 a.m. for a half-day trip. From the town of North East, go south on Rt. 272 about 11 miles. The road ends at the parking lot.
Trip leader: Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless
Saturday/Sunday September 19/20th
Cecil County, MOS Fall Count
Pick your favorite county birding spot and/or your yard and do a Bird Count. Submit your data to Chuck Stirrat the MOS Fall Count Statewide Coordinator Stirrcr1@gmail.com
oct
Saturday, October 3 – IBA Trip
Turkey Point
Join Cecil County Bird Club members at Turkey Point, where the fall warblers are plentiful. Be prepared for a round-trip hike to the Point, a distance of about two miles. The pace will be leisurely. Most of the walking is on a gravel road with good footing, but there are a few hilly sections. Wear comfortable shoes/boots for walking. Bring drinks and/or snacks. Sunscreen and bug spray are strongly recommended.
Meet at the Turkey Point Parking Lot at 8:00 a.m. for a half-day trip. From the town of North East, go south on Rt. 272 about 11 miles. The road ends at the parking lot.
Trip leader: Ken Drier
Sunday, October
Community Outreach
Environmental Education Day at the Hawk Watch
Join the Cecil Bird Club Hawk Watchers and folks from Elk Neck State Park to learn more about hawk watching. No experience necessary! Free and open to the public. Bring binoculars if you have them but we’ll have extras, as well as spotting scopes.
Elk Neck State Park – 10 am – contact Maryanne Dolan
nov
Saturday, November 7 – IBA Trip
Conowingo Park
This park is opposite Fisherman’s Park at the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River. Bald Eagles hang out in the trees along the river and Octoraro Creek. Possible early Mergansers and Common Goldeneye Ducks can been seen here. A nice combination of woodland and water birds frequent this park in one of Cecil County’s two IBAs.
Conowingo Park is located on Rt. 222 just below the Conowingo Dam. Use the north parking lot near the ballfields next to the Octoraro Creek. Meet at 8:30. Be prepared to walk about 2 miles over mostly groomed trails. Half day trip. Given time we may proceed to Rock Run Landing Park further down river at Port Deposit.
Saturday, November 14
Fair Hill Wildlife Management Area
Fair Hill is one of Cecil County’s birdiest spots. A variety of habitats, including woods, fields and wetlands, means that we will see a number of different birds. Portions of the trail may be muddy, so boots are recommended.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. for this half-day trip at the Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge parking lot near the Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center on Tawes Drive. There is an honor system daily fee ($3 Maryland residents; $4 out-of-state visitors).
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
Tuesday November 24th
Perryville Community Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area near the broken-down Pavilion just before reaching the one-way circle. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Half day
Trip Leader: Paula Conoscenti
Saturday, November 28
Field Trip Eagle Watch at Conowingo Dam
Conowingo Dam is one of the premier eagle watching sites in the east. Some eagles breed near Conowingo and are present all year round, but the number of individuals peaks in the winter. The reason: the water flowing through the dam’s turbines remains unfrozen all winter long, and so the fishing is good and the living is easy. Eagles start moving in from more northerly areas in November and stay until January or February. It is normally possible to see as many as 60 individuals or more at one time; we have seen as many as 175! In addition to eagles, there will likely be other birds of interest, particularly gulls and ducks.
Meet at Fisherman’s Park below the Dam at 9:00 a.m. and stay as little or as long as you want. From Rising Sun, take Rt. 273 west to the intersection of Rt. 1. Continue on Rt. 1 southwest and go over the dam. Make the first left onto Shuresville Rd, and then the first left again, onto Shures Landing Road. This road will bring you down to the riverbank and Fisherman’s Park.
Bring scope if you have one. Optional: lawn chair, blanket, hot drinks, and snacks. Dress for possible extreme cold and windy conditions.
Trip leader: June Mundis
dec
Saturday, December 5
Bombay Hook NWR
One of the premier birding sites along the Eastern migration corridor, Bombay Hook is a wintering home for thousands of snow and ducks. Join members of the Cecil Bird Club to this exciting destination. Dress for extreme cold. Bring snacks, lunch, hot drinks. Meet at Dunkin Donuts/Big Elk Mall at 7:30 am
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
Contacts: Ken Drier (kdrier@zoominternet.net)
Sean McCandless (seanmcandless1@gmail.com)
Paula Conescenti (paulagc@comcast.net)
June Mundis (jmundis@zoominternet.net)
Maryanne Dolan (maryanne.dolan@gmail.com)
Trip and Meeting Participation Guidelines
• All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise indicated (some destinations have an admission fee or will require payment of road/bridge toll).
• Due to limited parking, reservations may be necessary for some field trips, and carpooling is always encouraged.
• It is a courtesy to contact the trip leader (shown in the last column) if you are planning to attend a field trip.
• Please try to arrive at the field trip meeting place ten to fifteen minutes before the stated time to ensure you are not left behind.
• Trips designated as half-day are usually over by noon.
• It is a good idea to pack a lunch and drink for any trips designated full day.
• In inclement weather:
o Field trips may be canceled due to heavy rain or snow. The trip leader will call you if you have indicated you will attend.
o Bird counts may be canceled because of weather—if in doubt, contact the trip leader.
o Meetings may be canceled because of severe weather and dangerous driving conditions; such cancellations (meetings only, not field trips) will be announced via e-mail.
• For general trip information, to suggest a destination, or to volunteer as a trip leader, contact Ken Drier
• For more events, check the statewide MOS calendar.
• Most importantly, have fun!
