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2017-2018 Calendar of Events
janfebmaraprmayjunejulyaugsepoctnovdec
It is not necessary to contact the trip leader in advance of a trip, but the leader’s e-mail is shown in case you need directions or other information. 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.
jan
Saturday, January 6
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 the North East Community Park (located at the end of Walnut Street) at 8:00 a.m.
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
Saturday, January 13
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
feb
Friday, February 16– Monday February 19
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!
Friday, February 2 – Sunday February 4
MOS Annual Birding Festival
Ocean City Maryland – Join fellow birders from around the state. Brochure will be sent in December, or download a registration form from the MOS webpage http://www.mdbirds.org/
Sunday, February 18
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
Sunday, February 25
Gulls at North East 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 park’s parking lot at 9:30 a.m. for this two-hour trip.
Trip Leader: Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless
mar
Sunday, March 11
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. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at the parking lot to the left across from the Pavilion just before the road splits entering PerryvillePark at 9:00 a.m.
Trip Leader: Maryanne Dolan
Saturday, March 24
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 6:00 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
Sunday, April 15 NOTE NEW DATE
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: Maryanne Dolan
Saturday, April 7
Field Trip Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
Fair Hill in spring 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 spring migrants. Portions of the trail may be muddy, so boots are recommended.
Meet at 7:00 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
may
Friday, 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! We will go to Fort DuPont and Thousand Acre Marsh.
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. Sunscreen and bug spray recommended.
Please note that if you can’t participate in the walk, you can make a donation. Contact Pat directly for information on how to pledge your support and for details on where and when to meet.
Trip Leader: ??
Saturday, May 5
Fair Hill Natural Management Area
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
Meet at the Parking Lot on Appleton Road
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
Sunday, May 6
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 12
Bird Count May Count/International Migratory Bird Day
On Saturday, May , clubs from all over Maryland are combining efforts to systematically count birds. The May Count is held on the 2nd Saturday of this month each year and is an attempt to get a “snapshot” of bird populations much in the same way that the Christmas Count does. The Cecil Bird Club will cover Fair Hill NRMA, Elk Neck State Forest and Perryville Town Park. In addition, if you wish to count another area, or count yard birds and feeders, that’s fine.
Trip leaders are needed for all locations. (If you are counting feeder birds, the leader for your yard is YOU!). This is the most fun you can have on a census!
Please contact the Cecil County Compiler, Richard Donham (rdonham8@gmail.com or 610 932 0634) with your preference for the area where you wish to participate and for the fairly simple observation records that are needed
Saturday, May 19
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 27
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 7:30 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 2
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 16
Community Outreach 7th 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., Northeast Beach location in Elk Neck State Park. 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
Tuesday, June 19
Poplar Island
We have 6 slots available. Poplar Island, located in Talbot County in the mid–Chesapeake Bay, has become a national model of environmental restoration. It is the site where an innovative solution for dredged material management is resulting in the restoration of a once vanishing island. It is also a site where great birds can be found. Boat leaves Tangier Island at 9; returns 1:30 pm. We will car pool from Elkton, leaving at 6 am. Reservations a must. Contact Maryanne to secure your spot.
july
aug
Saturday, August
Community Outreach Mount Harmon Lotus Blossom Festival
We will have a table in the main tent at the most beautiful festival in Cecil County. Please stop by to see which birds we’re spotting. The day will include a short field trip in the afternoon.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mount Harmon Plantation, 600 Mount Harmon Road, Earleville, MD 21919.
Details at Lotus Blossom Festival
september
Saturday, September 1
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 7:00 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 “Bird Dog” McCandless
Saturday, September 23
Field Trip Turkey Point Migrants
Join peerless warbler finder Sean McCandless 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 7:00 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 “Bird Dog” McCandless
oct
Weekend of October 7-8
Bird Count Turkey Pointers BIG SIT! Birding’s Most Sedentary Event
Cecil Bird Club will be participating in the Annual BIG SIT!, an international, noncompetitive birding event hosted by Bird Watcher’s Digest and founded by the New Haven (CT) Bird Club. THE BIG SIT! is like a Big Day or a bird-a-thon, in that the object is to tally as many bird species as can be seen or heard within 24 hours. The difference lies in the area limitation from which you can observe. All counting is done from inside a circle 17 feet in diameter. Counters sit inside the circle for 24 hours, counting all the bird species seen or heard.
Note: The specific day will be decided based on weather—watch this site for an update.
Our BIG SIT! count circle will be based at the big cedar tree near the lighthouse at Turkey Point. Chris Starling will be our official counter. The Turkey Pointers Circle often reports the highest number of species among the Maryland BIG SIT! circles. Can we do it again? All are welcome to join the Turkey Point BIG SIT! circle, so pack some food and drink and come on out to join us. Chris and Sean will start at 4:30 a.m.; you may come whenever you like and stay for as long as you like. Hint: if you have any goodies to share, you might want to pack some extras for our stalwart BIG SIT! counters, to keep their spirits up for the long haul.
It is not necessary to contact the leader before this event, just come on out any time during the day. For more basic BIG SIT! Information, please visit Birdwatcher’s Digest.
Trip leader: ??
Sunday, October 15
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.
For more information, contact Maryanne Dolan
Sunday, October 15
Wild Foods Forage, Fair Hills WMA
Join bird club member David Francis for a walk through the woods of Fair Hill in search of edibles…..roots, berries, nuts…..dig down deep for the forager caveman in you. Meet at the Nature Center just at Fair Hill – just before the covered bridge parking lot.
Saturday, October 21
Woodlawn
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
Sunday, October 29
Mt. Harmon Plantation
Join Ken Drier for a walk around the lovely Mt Harmon plantation. It will be a short walk – 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. and aimed toward beginning birders.
Mount Harmon Plantation, 600 Mount Harmon Road, Earleville, MD 21919.
nov
Saturday, November 4
Eagle Day at Conowingo. Exelon holds its annual eagle festival at Fisherman’s Wharf, Conowingo Dam. The Cecil Bird Club will have a table. Come join the festivities. Community Outreach. Contact Maryanne Dolan for additional details.
Saturday, November 18
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 spring migrants. Portions of the trail may be muddy, so boots are recommended.
Meet at 7:00 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
Saturday, November
Field Trip Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch
Waggoner’s Gap has been a hawk watching site since 1948. Located near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on the ridges favored by migrating hawks, this site is known as an excellent place to see Golden Eagles in November. Pack a lunch and dress warmly—it can be very windy and cold up there. Also, be aware that this is a steep, rocky outcrop, so strong shoes or hiking boots are helpful, as is a seat cushion.
Meet at the North East Food Lion parking lot on Route 40 at 6:00 a.m. for an informal all-day trip.
No trip leader.
Saturday, November 25
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: Maryanne Dolan
dec
Saturday, December 16
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 8 am
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
Sunday, December 17
Bird Count Elkton Christmas Count
Full day census of all birds in a circle of 7.5-mile radius centered on Black Hill on Elk Neck. You may count in your choice of locations in the count circle, if you contact the compiler early. Count for full day or as much as you can. No experience necessary – if you are new to counting, you will be assigned to a team. Feeder watchers also welcome – count in your own backyard, if you are located within the count circle.
Coordinator: Russell Kovach.
Saturday
Date TBA
Bird Count Rock Run Christmas Count
Full day census of all birds in a circle of 7.5 mi radius centered on Rock Run Mill opposite Port Deposit. The count circle includes portions of Cecil County along the Susquehanna, from above Rt. 1 and the Conowingo Dam south to Perryville. You may count in your choice of locations in the count circle, if you contact the compiler early. Feeder watchers also welcome – count in your own backyard, if you are located within the count circle. Count for full day or as much as you can.
Must contact Rick Cheicante ahead of time for assignment to an area and for reporting forms and instructions.
For other Christmas Counts to be conducted this season in Maryland, please visit the Christmas Count page of the MOS website.
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.
• Look for the symbol for recent additions to the calendar.
• For general trip information, to suggest a destination, or to volunteer as a trip leader, contact Maryanne Dolan or Sean McCandless.
• For more events, check the statewide MOS calendar.
• Most importantly, try to attend as many trips and meetings as you can and Ha
