JANUARY/FEBUARY 2018
President’s Corner Barbara Johnson
Writing on Thanksgiving weekend, I reflect with gratitude on opportunities provided by the Maryland Ornithological Society to members across the age spectrum.
One example: I was discussing birds and birding with a bird-obsessed 10-year-old as we explored Fort Smallwood Park on an Anne Arundel Bird Club field trip. I don’t recall what had sparked his interest in birds, but he was on fire, memorizing field guides and recounting bird sightings to anyone willing to listen. He was remarkably knowledgeable about plants, too-- clearly an outdoor kid.
“None of my friends are interested in birds,” he told me. “All they want to do is stay inside playing video games.”
Now, three years on, this young man is immersed in YMOS activities (YMOS is the youth subgroup of the Maryland Ornithological Society), He’s traveled the state with dozens of like- minded kids and adult mentors, and he’s led at least one field trip for his home bird club.
With their devotion to our young members, YMOS leaders George Radcliffe, Wayne Bell, Stacy Epperson and many. supportive parents open doors to a lifetime’s awareness of science and love of nature. It’s profoundly empowering for kids to have adults in their lives who mirror their interests and delight in their successes. MOS history is replete with examples of young birders going on to become cutting- edge scientists after being mentored and driven all over the state by their MOS elders.
But in the natural course of events, those kids get their driver's licenses, go away to college, or move with their families. A scant few
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are likely to remain as longtine MOS members, and even fewer will sustain involvement with their chapters throughout adulthood.
A graph depicting ages and numbers of MOS members might show a modest spike around age 11-16, a drop-off in the late teens, a gradual incline into the middle years, and a big uptick beginning (I’m guessing) around 50-55.
“Where”, the question is _ perennially posed, “are the young adults?” At the MOS Retreat in January of 2017, the attendees listed MOS strengths and weaknesses. The “advanced” average age of the MOS membership was raised repeatedly as a problem. How do we attract and keep young people? Don’t we need them for the organization to thrive and stay relevant? How can MOS survive with mostly older members filling the roster?
At that point a 60-something member observed that he’d attended his first MOS meeting at age 9, and people were complaining back then about the elderly membership.
Later, I told him that he’d gotten me looking at our “age problem” in a new light; specifically, is it really a problem?
Table of Contents: President’s Corner
Pin Design Contest Winner
The MOS Awards Program
MOS Sanctuaries Videos Online
Harford Bird Club Supports Science
Hog Island Scholarships Announcement..5
YMOS News Fall 2017
The Social Life of Trees
Chapter Chatter
Records Committee Report
The Future of Ornithology, Part III MOS Calendar
MOS is far from the only organization with a dip in the age 20-45 demographic. And every organization benefits from the attributes of all age groups. But people in early-to-mid adulthood are mobile, and they have so many other demands on their lives that many of them simply can’t devote time and resources to evening and weekend gatherings and to volunteer activities.
Even if they're already expert birders, they may have become so by spending their time in the field alone, or with peers of equal or greater skill. (While those birders may enjoy guiding field trips, they seem less likely to partake in club and beginner-birder activities.) In my own case, I moved to Maryland in my late 20's, an _ enthusiastic-if-not-expert birder. I considered joining MOS for 24 years before I finally did so.
The aforementioned member from the retreat told me, “I think older members have always been our sweet spot.” Like me, many folks nearing or past retirement venture into the county chapters, finally having space in their lives to pursue an interest in birds. Our older members have greater financial resources and more freedom. We tend not to move for careers. We have leisure time to devote to volunteering (the life blood of MOS). We want to travel and study, and we see ourselves as relevant and contributing members of society. We now live longer and stay physically active for years beyond our predecessors. And many older MOS members are astonishingly adept with current technology. I’m continually awed and grateful for the huge organizational responsibilities undertaken and maintained for years by not-so- young folks, and for the tasks and projects tackled by retirees willing to devote their professional skill, or even to learn on the job. And our very oldest members are MOS's institutional memory-- an invaluable resource.
So, I refuse to pathologize MOS’s older demographic. When I first joined my bird club, a new friend shared a joke that I’ve repeated often, because it exactly describes my situation at the point when I became a member.
A seeker asked three religious elders to define the beginning of life. "At conception”, said the priest. "At birth”, said the pastor. Said the
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rabbi, “Life begins after the dog dies and the kids leave home.”
I spent Black Friday at Blackwater NWR with a group that included a retirement-aged couple, new to birding. The woman had found the field trip through a Google search. She was all but jumping up and down with excitement at her first look through a spotting scope at a pair of perched adult Bald Eagles. I hope they’ll join MOS, but in any case, I got as big a kick watching her as I did seeing the YMOS kid identifying his first flying American Widgeon at Fort Smallwood.
I hope MOS continues to keep out the welcome mat for everyone. Let’s support our YMOS leaders as they mentor our youngsters, let’s celebrate and learn from the energy of our treasured younger adults, and let’s be especially grateful for those of us who have time enough to stop, smell the roses, and dive into their interests.
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Gail Regester wins pin design contest for 2018 MOS Convention in Ocean City
The winner of the pin design competition for the Ocean City Convention on the Worcester County shore in February, 2018, is Gail Regester of Church Hill, Kent County. Gail is a member of the Kent County Bird Club and a former winner of the pin design contest - her Rose-breasted Grosbeak was featured on the pin for the Edgewood (Harford County) Conference in 2008, Her winning design this time is of a flying male Surf Scoter (shown below), a species everyone will be looking for in OC.A Surf Scoter pin will be provided to all registrants at the Ocean City Convention.
Michael Bowen, Montgomery Bird Club Coordinator, MOS Convention Pin Design Competition
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The MOS Awards Program By Joy Aso
The Maryland Ornithological Society Awards Program serves the State MOS and its Chapters. Awards are prepared at the request of the Chapters, State Committee Chairpersons, and the State Officers. Usually the awards are given to members of MOS, but on occasion MOS recognizes non-members who have been kind or generous to the Society, hosted an unusual bird, or made a contribution to the environment, to conservation, or to the birding community.
Most of the awards we prepare are paper certificates, and there is no charge to the Chapters. However, if the award involves MOS mugs, walnut plaques, acrylic “sign holders,” picture frames, and so forth, there is a charge for the cost of those items.
The MOS has three primary award certificates:
1. The Valued Service Award: This is our formal certificate. It’s usually given to someone for outstanding sustained performance in some role or capacity. It has an embossed MOS gold seal in the lower middle center of the certificate. It is presented in an elegant dark- blue presentation folder with the MOS seal in gold on the front. The award is accompanied by a “Valued Service Award” lapel pin.
2. The Attagirl/Attaboy Award: A light-hearted certificate. Usually it is awarded for performance over a short period of time, and given to recognize hard work, perhaps at a new job, or for a specific task well done, It is usually (but not always) presented in an acrylic “sign holder.”
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3. The Blood, Sweat and Tears Award: This is a humorous certificate that recognizes someone who rolled-up their sleeves and tackled a hard, gritty, unglamorous job, It’s a comical certificate, torn, stained, and wrinkled, It is usually (but not always) presented rolled-up in an MOS coffee mug, and tied with a strip of frayed bandana.
Other types of awards that we prepare are Certificate of Appreciation, Conservationist of the Year, Distinguished Service Award, Friend of the Society, Bird of the Year, Rookie (birder) of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Feeder Champion, List of the Year, and so forth. We’re happy to work with you to create an award that meets your specific needs.
All awards need to be approved by the President or President-elect of the State organization or the Chapter. In addition to preparing awards for Chapters, we also are willing to give advice and assistance if you are in need of other types of awards such as trophies and plaques. If you would like additional information, have questions, or would like to discuss awards, please contact Joy Aso by telephone at (301) 977-5788 or email at
smudgie@comcast.net. CQUOoCA »
Visit the MOS Sanctuaries via Online Videos! By Marcia Watson, Patuxent Bird Club
MOS now has its own YouTube channel devoted to the MOS Sanctuaries. The YouTube channel was set up by Sanctuary Committee member Liz Nucifora and features videos shot by Dominic Nucifora, Sanctuary Committee Chair, Many of the videos feature stunning aerial footage shot with the Sanctuary Committee’s new drone or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). You can have the spectacular sensation of flying over the marshes of Irish Grove or go on a serene walk through the forest at Marengo Woods.
Four sanctuaries are shown in “Closer Look” videos: Caroline W,. Wilson (Garrett
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County), Mandares Creek (Anne Arundel County), Marengo Woods (Talbot County), and Myrtle Simon Pelot (Caroline County). There are also videos explaining sanctuary stewardship, how the Sanctuary Committee will use the drone, and a special thank-you video for donors who helped purchase the drone, More videos will be added over time, so visit often, or subscribe to the YouTube MOS Sanctuary channel to receive notifications when new material is added.
To view the videos, simply go _ to YouTube.com and search for “MOS Sanctuaries,” or use this link: https: //m.youtube.com/channel/UCskeAegl-
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Partnering: Harford Bird Club
Supports Science in Schools Amanda Koss, Outdoor Educator, Harford Glen Environmental Center & Vice President, Harford Bird Club
The Harford Bird Club has a very special partnership with the students and teachers in Harford County Public Schools. The HBC helps sponsor bird clubs at schools, and our members mentor high school students on capstone projects and they work with fifth graders during their overnight outdoor education experience.
Fifth grade students participate in a three- day, two-night residential program at the county- owned and operated Harford Glen Environmental Education Center, The 370+ acre facility in Bel Air has hosted students since the 1980's. In the past ten years, the teaching staff at Harford Glen has used changes to the curriculum, specifically the transition to the Next Generation Science Standards, to intertwine bird-related lessons and activities. Over the course of three days, students receive seven hours of instruction connected with avian species.
Students have the opportunity to analyze five different styles of bird feeders and match the feeder with the best choice of seed for that particular design. Students also take notes on the cost of the seed and feeders so that if they decide to put up feeders at school they will have
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the knowledge to construct a sound budget. Using iPads, the fifth graders learn to use the Merlin App to identify birds. iPads and binoculars help the students observe thirty feeders in 4 different habitats to determine which species of birds use the feeders at Harford Glen, Students receive a 60-minute lesson on how to use binoculars with time at the end to practice adjusting the lenses for their own eyes. Harford Glen has over 100 pairs of Eagle Optic Kingbirds 6.5x32 for the students to use while on site.
On the second morning of their experience, students take a 75-minute bird walk, Harford Bird Club volunteers, Mary Murray and Ruth Bergstrom donate time every Tuesday and Thursday to help the Harford Glen teachers spot species and assist the students in the use of the scope. In addition to a bird walk, some students dive into the science behind Forensic Ornithology and usé microscopes to _ investigate the differences in downy feather barbs related to real cases solved by the Feather ID Lab in Washington, DC. Students have to sift through evidence such as security footage, physical evidence collected at the scene, feathers, slides with the feather barbs isolated and crime scene photos. At the end of the session, each team must present their case and describe the evidence. They must share the results and provide reasons and evidence that support their findings.
Bird banding demonstrations also take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays for students during spring and fall migration, The Master Bander, Dr. Mark Johnson, oversees the operation at Harford Glen which includes Al Conrad, Dave Larkin, Dennis Kirkwood, Amanda Koss, Phil Powers, Jane Scocca, Mary Trotta, Jean Wheeler and Mike White. 80+ volunteer hours are spent at the banding station each week! Students see how mist nets are used to safely capture the birds, how a band is applied, how the furcular hollow is checked for fat, how a bird is aged using molt limits and skulling, how to measure wings and tails and much, much more!
Mary Murray, the Harford Bird Club Education Chair, has initiated bird clubs at many local elementary schools. The clubs meet once a month for one hour before the school day begins. Volunteers from the Harford Bird Club share a
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30-minute bird related presentation and then co- lead a bird hike around the schoolyard. Meadowvale Elementary had more than 50 students sign up for the club! As a result of this popularity, the students were split into two groups who attend at different times.
The Harford Bird Club owns a class set (approx. 25) of binoculars (Eagle Optics Shrikes 10x42). The loaner set is available during club hikes and for students to use. The choice to loan out 10x42’s was an easy one. If a rookie birder has a good experience during a club event they are more likely to continue the hobby and join the club. Loaning nice, high-powered binoculars aids in providing the most positive experience possible.
Towards the end of their K-12 careers, students at Aberdeen High’s Science and Math Academy work with members of the Harford Bird Club on their capstone projects, Many club members mentor students from North Harford High's Natural Resource Magnet Program during final capstone projects.
To conclude, the partnership between the Harford Bird Club and students and staff within Harford County Public Schools runs deep. The Harford Bird Club looks forward to a continued positive relationship spreading our extensive knowledge to students and developing the future bird nerds of our county.
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MOS 2018 Hog Island Scholarships Announcement
The Maryland Ornithological Society Is happy to announce that it is awarding eight scholarships to the National Audubon Society's Hog Island camps in Maine for the summer of 2018.
Representing Howard County are Heidi Osterman and Anna Schrad. Heidi is currently a volunteer at the Robinson Nature Center where she has spent over 160 hours helping children and adults identify and appreciate the flora and
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fauna. She is thrilled to be attending the Sharing Nature: an Educator’s Week. Anna Schrad, a member of the Howard bird club, hopes to use the knowledge obtained from the Hog Island workshop to help her become a leader of future bird walks and programs.
The Tri-County Bird Club has recommended three people: Brian Phillips, Steve Wehlan, and Aurelio Giannitti who will all attend the Field Ornithology workshop. Brian is a teacher at Stephen Decatur HS and hopes that the information obtained from the _ Field Ornithology workshop will inspire the members of the high school’s bird club. Steve is also a public school teacher who works at Berlin Intermediate School. He has been involved for most of his teaching career promoting outdoor education, ecology, and environmental science. Aurelio is the Education Director of the Ward Museum of Wildlife Art in Salisbury. He works with all ages, from two-years old to adults, in many different birding-related programs.
Thomas Moorman is a _ recent college graduate and currently works as a Chesapeake Conservation Corps volunteer at Patterson Park in Baltimore. His primary focus is on Elementary Education programs and is sure that the Sharing Nature workshop will help him develop exciting lessons for the 4" and 5" graders at the park.
Colleen Lacy also hails from Baltimore and is a naturalist at Lake Roland which is operated by the Baltimore County Recreation and Parks. There are several resident eagles in the park and Colleen has registered for the Raptor Rapture workshop to help her hone her identification skills. She also wants to continue fostering an appreciation of wildlife, especially with children from urban environments.
Our last scholarship winner is Ikumi Kayama, recommended by the Patuxent Bird Club. Ikumi is a professional medical and science illustrator. She has spent the last nine years working with experts and educators to create science/nature education materials and working with youths in hands-on workshops. Ikumi is delighted to attend the Field Ornithology Workshop which will give her inspiration and resources to strengthen her workshops with youths.
Congratulations to these 2018 Hog Island Campers and also to the chapters and colleagues who recommended them.
Anna Urciolo Chair, MOS Scholarship Committee
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YMOS News Fall 2017 By George Radcliffe
YMOS Presentations
The YMOS youth birders have developed a presentation that chapters may be interested in putting on their agenda. The presentation will be given at an upcoming State environmental education conference (Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education) in February, Contact George Radcliffe (radclifg@qmail.com), and we will try to link up YMOS students with your club.
World Series of Birding and the Birdathon
After last May’s successful participation in the World Series of Birding in New Jersey, 5 youth teams are organizing for another run next May. YMOS is planning on fielding 2 high school teams, 2 middle school teams, and a Carbon- Free team. As last year, the group will hold its annual Birdathon this coming March. Last year’s successful Birdathon allowed us to field 6 teams in the national competition, and the group is indebted to the many who pledged funds to support the teams. While more information on this year’s Birdathon will be forthcoming, any
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pledges can be emailed to me at the above address.
Assateague Island Youth Birding Competition
On September 8, youth from across Maryland gathered at Assateague Island for the First Annual Assateague Island Youth Carbon- Free Competition. Organized by Zach Baer, 4 teams traversed the Island from 5 AM to 5 PM, identifying as many species as possible. Traveling only by bike or on foot, the teams collectively found 120 species during the day. All were amazed at the diversity of species found and by the spectacular early morning heron and egret flight. One’s student’s recollections of the event are found below.
Assateague Island Carbon-Free Big Day By Jonathan Irons (Grade 7)
It was 4:15 a.m. when my teammates and I arrived at the Assateague boat ramp with our bikes and binoculars. We were preparing for the start of the First Annual Assateague Island Carbon-Free Big Day, a carbon-free_ birding competition on Assateague Island in Worcester County, Maryland. The event was organized by Zach Baer (who was also our coach) and George Radcliffe (the YMOS club leader) and was held on Saturday, September 8, Our team name was the “Pedaling Petrels” and included team members Jerald Reb, Gabe Evans, my brother Daniel Irons, myself, plus our outstanding coach Zack Baer, all of whom were exceptional birders and bikers, We Joined forces and traveled to the Assateague causeway, where we would begin our first ever carbon-free big day.
We arrived at our first birding spot around 4:45 a.m. As we were standing around the causeway waiting for the official start, the three other YMOS teams joined us. At 5:00 a.m., the Official start of the competition, our team began to rack up numerous nighttime marsh birds and nocturnal migrants flying overhead. Some of the birds we heard were Savannah Sparrow, Bobolink, Killdeer, Great Horned Owl, Whimbrel, and Green Heron, most of which were hard to come by during the daylight hours.
After searching the marshy area near the causeway, our team headed over to a small pond next to the road often known as the “Night Heron Pond” in search of the Yellow-crowned Night
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Heron. We arrived just before dawn to catch the early morning flight of night herons coming in to roost in the dense bayberries. Although we were unsuccessful at finding this elusive species, we did observe many Black-crowned Night Herons, which was a new bird to add to our already impressive species list. While admiring the countless flocks of Black-crowned Night Herons, we spotted two other heron-like birds. These two birds had longer bills and thinner heads and necks. They also were browner in color with tan streaking on their chest. We had spotted two American Bitterns! These birds are nearly impossible to discover because they usually hide in dense reedy swamps. When not feeding, they point their bill skyward, making most birders overlook them as just more reeds.
From the night heron pond, we headed over to Bayside Point for the sunrise heron and warbler flight. On the way to the point, an American Woodcock flushed from the side of the road, another awesome bird to add to our growing list. Arriving at Bayside Point we immediately hiked out to the beach catching the beginning of the heron and egret morning flight. As we scoped the bay, we were astonished by the quantity of herons flying by. Some of the birds we found over the bay included uncountable flocks of Tricolored Herons, Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Snowy Egrets, plus a Black Skimmer, Black Scoters, a few Brown Pelicans, and a lone Sanderling scurrying on the beach. While watching the heron flight, we noticed large waves of American redstarts flying over with many other warblers mixed in. The identifiable species included Black-throated Blue Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Northern Parula, Blackburnian Warbler and Black-and-White Warbler. Also flying over the Bay was a mix of waterfowl which included a pair of Common Loons, one Northern Pintail, two Mallards and a flock of Black Scoters. Upon finishing scoping the Bay, our team headed to the more wooded area of the point where we picked up many songbirds including, Baltimore Oriole, House Wren, Red-eyed Vireo, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Veery, and other more common species. We finished birding the Point and biked to the nearby campgrounds in search of more warblers and songbirds. As we were peddling through the campground, we _ spotted a few _ Solitary Sandpipers wading in the puddles near the
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campsites. The campground wasn‘ super-birdy, but we managed to find a few good birds such as Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and large concentrations of Baltimore Orioles. From the campgrounds we headed over to the parking lot of the Life of the Marsh Trail in search of the previously reported Clay-colored Sparrow. We did not find this small skittish sparrow, but we managed to uncover a skulking Yellow-breasted Chat.
Next on our bike route was the Life of the Forest Trail, a great spot to see Brown-headed Nuthatch and possibly more migrant warblers. After parking our bikes, we eagerly scurried into the dense pine forest. Upon entering, a large mixed flock of warblers and vireos appeared above us flitting through the canopy. In the mix we found Pine Warblers, White-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager and a brightly colored Yellow- throated Vireo, which is an exceptional bird on the Island. As we birded down the trail, we discovered a Black-throated Green Warbler, a small flock of Brown-headed Nuthatches foraging in the top of the towering pines and a good look at a Bay-breasted Warbler feeding in the understory.
Following the very productive stop, our team had an extensive bike ride to the Life of the Dunes Trail. Upon arriving we quickly had a lunch and water break and eagerly scurried down the quiet trail only to hear a lonely Blue Grosbeak. We continued down the trail for quite some time and turned onto a small path that headed into an area of stunted pines with a thick understory of greenbriers. As we trudged through these burly briars, we spotted a flash of yellow near the ground. Once we got our binoculars on the bird, we noticed it had a contrasting black cap which is diagnostic of a Wilson’s Warbler. This bird was staying well obscured, but everyone managed to get a decent look at it through the dense briars. Once back at the trailhead, we did a quick scope of the sea from the top of the dune and picked up a Common Tern and Great Black-backed Gull. From the Life of the Dunes Trail we had a treacherous but fun peddle to Shell Road. While in route we quickly swung by the Life of the Marsh Trail and picked up a flock of Forster’s Terns and a flyby Tree Swallow. As we continued to Shell Road, we spotted both a flyover Coopers Hawk and Peregrine Falcon.
We arrived at Shell Road and began our one-mile trek up the beach to a mud flat known as the “Curlew Flats” where we would search for shorebirds. We did a little birding around the trail head and spotted a single Field Sparrow. As we were traveling up the beach along the ocean, we picked out a Spotted Sandpiper foraging on the beach with the flocks of Sanderlings. When we arrived at the Curlew Flats, we were greeted by two other teams. Scoping the mud flats, we found numerous’ shorebirds including Piping Plover, White-rumped Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Least Sandpiper, American Oystercatcher, Semipalmated Plover and an early Dunilin.
After the Curlew Flats, we trekked back to the bikes and traveled to the Assateague Bridge in search of a few mainland species. Hiking to the top of the pedestrian bridge, we scoped over the mainland and managed to find two new species: a Purple Martin and some crows feeding along the water. We were pumped with excitement at these two new species. With only 15 minutes remaining in the competition we eagerly hustled to the finish line,
We arrived at the finish line with two minutes to spare..just enough time to take a quick peek over the dunes to look for a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Sure enough, as we looked over the dunes, there it was! A medium-sized gull with a darker mantle than the Herring Gull and yellow legs. The Lesser Black-backed Gull was not only a good bird, but it was the last bird checked off our list that day. Once our whole team was on the bird, we quickly ran back to the finish line, arriving with only ten seconds left on the clock.
The big day ended with all teams feasting on pizza under the pavilion, eagerly sharing stories and species. Our team finished with 107 different species of birds. The total combined team list of species found on Assateague Island that day was 120. Overall, it was an outstanding day and I am hoping to improve my carbon-free big-day skills on the 2018 Assateague Island Carbon-Free Big Day.
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Beyond Birding: Trees, An Underground Social Network?
By Colin Rees, Anne Arundel
Off and on, I have been reading an extraordinary book The Hidden Life of Trees: Why They Feel, How They Communicate by Peter Wohlleben, a German forester. The author presents trees as a _ networked, intentionally collaborative and talkative community. They ‘experience pain and have memories ... parents live together with their children’. They can behave well or badly. Some bully; others grasp, are wasteful with energy or frantically impatient to grow.
They are aware of decreasing temperatures in the autumn and can ‘compare day lengths ... and count warm days in the spring’. Should a neighboring tree fall down, trees close by ‘suffer the temptation to do something stupid’ by growing a branch in the new space. It’s ‘an individual choice and, therefore, a question of character’.
Wohelleben goes on to claim that trees ‘pass on their knowledge to the next generation’ by teaching and learning and therefore are social agents with a high level of control over how their bodies grow and function. The latter is mediated in the sensitive, searching filaments of thousands of root tips or chemical messages fanning through the forest floor via symbiotic fungal mycelium.
Wohelleben cites studies demonstrating sensory alertness in leaves and examples of caterpillar attacks stimulating electrical signals and prompting the release of defensive compounds. Trees broadcast to other trees aiding them to pre-empt similar attacks,
To support the author’s claims, the book ends with a note by Suzanne Simard, Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia. Using mass spectrometers and scintillation counters, she found ‘carbon being transmitted back and forth between the trees, like neurotransmitters firing in our own neural
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networks. The trees were communicating through the web!’.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
John William Taylor Jr. (1931 - 2017)
John "Bud" Taylor, a long-time member of AABC, passed away on October 28, 2017. During his long career he was employed with the Division of Birds at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, studied Art at the Corcoran School of Art, and worked as an Editor/Artist with The Maryland Conservationist. His commission by the National Geographic Society and the National Wildlife Foundation led to his self-employment of the last several decades as a wildlife artist. He authored two books published by Johns Hopkins Press entitled, Birds of the Chesapeake = and Chesapeake Spring.
Bud Taylor designed Maryland's first deer and trout stamps and was Selected as the artist for Maryland's first Waterfowl Stamp in 1974. He won the Duck Stamp contest in 1979 and was selected in 1984 as the winner of the Florida Duck Stamp contest. His life and work were documented on Maryland Public Television's Maryland Outdoors, His later years were spent painting in his studio working primarily with oils. He is known for painting birds, landscapes and marsh-scapes, often with a wildlife motif. He loved everything nature, baseball, playing old- time music on his banjo and especially, birds. Bud loved to watch nature and wrote extensively about his experiences. His love affair with birds started in the fourth grade and never wavered. His skill as an artist led to numerous awards. His humorous charm and love for nature was always
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evident. He always had time to _ introduce someone to birds or entertain them with some banjo pickin’. (Obituary taken in part from The Capital)
Congratulations to Chris Barry, a member of the AABC, who joined the Chesapeake Conservancy in 2016, as a Wildlife Webcam Intern to help with their public relations and outreach concerning wildlife, a position he continues to hold today. Chris has a strong interest in ornithology, wildlife biology and conservation. In addition to being an AABC member and walk leader, he was the Captain of the MOS 2016 World Series of Birding Youth Team and has been in YMOS since 2014. Chris was one of only eighteen students selected for the Summer 2017 Young Birder Event at the Cornell Lab. He is not only an avid birder but also enjoys fishing, fossil hunting, animal study and many other activities, including leadership and volunteer experiences with the Boy Scouts; he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout this year with 46 merit badges and over 1,000 hrs. of service. Chris is a senior at Indian Creek School and in the STEM Program. He hopes to become a genetic researcher/biologist. This summary barely scratches the surface of Chris' interests and accomplishments. As busy as he is, AABC is fortunate to have him as an active member, (Copied from AABC’s Pandion Platform)
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Lynne Parks curated the art exhibition “Birdland and the Anthropocene” at the Peale Center in downtown Baltimore October 5-29. In the exhibition, thirty artists responded creatively to the effects of human beings on bird life. Some were angry, some were sad, some were whimsical with a touch of sadness. The Opening Night party on October 6 attracted well over 100 people; birders and Baltimore artists were well- represented. Major donors for the show were BG&E and the Baltimore Bird Club, Congratulations, Lynne! Peter Lev
CAROLINE COUNTY
The Caroline County Bird Club held its 4th Annual Big Sit on Saturday, October 7 at Tuckahoe State Park. The event was cut short due to the park double-booking the area for a wedding. Despite the shortness of the event, the Big Sit participants enjoyed their morning of
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birding. The Club donated $1 per species seen or heard to the Tuckahoe State Park Scales and Tales program. Debby Bennett
Caroline County Big Sit Sign. Photo by Danny Poet
CECIL COUNTY
It started with a Cecil Bird Club field trip to Woodlawn Reserve this past spring. Club President Maryanne Dolan was concerned over the swallows competing for a limited number of nest boxes in the meadow. She indicated that the CBC could donate some more nest boxes to the reserve. Ken Drier, the trip leader and monitor of the boxes already in place, brought the suggestion to Sara Cousins who is the Manager of Conservation and Projects for the Woodlawn Preserve. Sara was of course enthusiastic and approached Arcadia who manages the former Bridgestone superfund site for permission to put up some additional nest boxes. The project was approved. CBC treasurer, Paula Conoscenti, has a neighbor who makes Bluebird nest boxes as a hobby and commissioned her to knock out five new boxes for the club's project. Just last year Paula and her crew put up nest boxes at Elk Neck State Park at Turkey Point. The boxes were recently secured and = scheduling for their installation has taken place. Charter club members Parke John and Ken Drier will assist Paula along with Maryanne to plant the new boxes at Woodlawn on Monday November 20th just in time for Thanksgiving. A team effort has once again increased CBC's’ conservation footprint in the local community, A job well done.
The Asa Wright Nature Center in Trinidad is celebrating their 50th year anniversary as one
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of the premier birding destinations in the world. To help them celebrate, noted field guide illustrator and author David Sibley was there giving workshops in early November. Unfortunately he left the morning CBC club members Maryanne Dolan and Ken Drier joined the Delaware Nature Society for a ten-day swing through Trinidad and Tobago. David Sibley was about the only thing the two of them missed during their stay there. Asa Wright is known for their hummingbirds and the ability to observe 60 bird species before breakfast while sitting on their veranda. By breakfast the first day, eight species of hummingbirds were identified by the CBC crew as well as fantastic honeycreepers, oropendulas and beautiful tanagers. By the end of the second day all three trogons were seen as well as a Bat Falcon and three species of nighthawks, the Common Pauraque, the White- tailed Nightjar and the Common Potoo. How cool, Over the course of the next several days Wattled Jacanas, Yellow-headed Caracaras, and _ four species of parrots all put in appearances. The local guides were excellent and worked hard, Everyone, all ten in the group, had good looks at all the birds. Trinidad Motmots with their long tails were seen just about every day. The group took a boat trip into a swamp late one afternoon to watch as thousands of Snowy Egrets, Tricolored Herons and the Scarlet Ibis came home for the evening and settled into the trees. The last day on Trinidad the group hiked into the jungle and down to a cave where the Oilbirds roost, These are nocturnal fruit-eating birds that use echolocation like bats to forage for their dinner. On Tobago the group picked up Southern Lapwings. The local leader was most excited about the extremely rare Blue-winged Teal and two Northern Shovelers at the sewage plant! These were life birds for him just the week before. Just goes to show.
The last day the group again ventured out on the water, this time to Little Tobago just a couple of miles off the coast. After a hike up the mountain through the jungle to an open cliff Red- billed Tropicbirds with their long tails soared and circled before the group while Red-footed Boobies with their feet out put on a spectacular show landing on the cliff face. What a great way to end the trip! In all, over 150 species of birds were tallied. Ken estimates about half were new life birds for him including all 10 species of
The Maryland Yellowthroat
hummingbirds observed. A great way to ease into
the turning of the clocks back and the beginning
of cooler weather up here in the northern climes. Ken Drier
HARFORD COUNTY
“I love good birding, I really do,” was a common refrain from our Birding EcoTours’ young trip leader who guided 12 members of the Harford Bird Club on a round the country tour of South Africa. The trip was organized by Dennis & Jean Kirkwood and included HBC members Don & Deb Stewart, Joe & Melody Stevens, Sue & Larry Procell, Bob & Sue Hood, Marjie Heagy, Sarah Maclelan Tom Congersky and Tom Gibbons. Led by co-leaders, Dylan and Wian, we all enjoyed good birding, seeing over 370 species on our 18 day excursion through a variety of habitats. Our trip started in Cape Town, headed north through the bushland to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and west over mountains to Krueger National Park. One day, we visited a botanical gardens to birdwatch for the morning and a waste treatment plant for an afternoon of waterfowl sightings. Sounds like good birding, doesn't it? In addition to birds, we were treated to finding the “Big 5” and many more mammals between the two reserves. Everyday, I would pause to reflect in awe of what I was seeing and say to myself, “I'm in Africa!” Our guides related the country’s culture, history, and knowledge of birds and wildlife and ably wove information into the daily travels and sightings. Now that I am back to birding in Harford County, you may hear me repeating the refrain I brought home, “I love good birding, I really do.“”. Deb Stewart
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
In a recent note, Robert Parsons described how he crossed the line to 3,500 life birds, and more: “In August, I went on a two-week birding trip to Bolivia, with a friend from Oregon. On this trip, we saw almost 300 species of birds including over 100 new life birds, While birding in the area between Saipina and San Isidro, a group of White-fronted Woodpeckers gave a great show for my 3,500 life bird--helping me to finally reach a goal of having seen over one-third of the world’s species of birds. This ten-day trip to Bolivia was also a unique experience since it was guided by Rudy Gelis who in 2015, along with three friends, set the World Big Day record with
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431 species. Of course he had a lot of fun stories to share. A few months later, I was able to go on another two-week birding trip, this time to Madagascar. Although we only saw 150 species on this trip, over 100 of them were endemic and so new life birds for me. It is never too late to start! I have been birding for just over ten years, starting as a way to spend more time with my father, a life-long avid birder--and have now become hooked on birds. Having a job that requires extensive travel, I’m lucky enough to have been birding in over 70 countries and 40 states.” Chris Wright
TRI-COUNTY
Marylee Ross and Paul Bystrak spent a week in the San Diego area recently. Several days were work related, but we also got to spend a few days in Borrego Springs in the desert. On the first day, we were lucky to be able to join a bird trip being led by a local expert, Kurt Lueschner, We ended up seeing about 67 species that day, including the Sagebrush Sparrow, Costa's and Anna's hummingbirds, a Sora and a Marsh Wren in a tiny marsh, Bewick's Wren, Western Wood-pewee, clumps of Phainopeplas, a Long-eared Owl nest, Band-tailed Pigeons (and 4 other species of doves), and the usual suspects, A trip to the Salton Sea a couple days later added a lot more species, but missed the current exotic sensation - a White-throated Sparrow! It was the hottest it has ever been in October - over 100 degrees on most days, but it’s a dry heat..... Paul Bystrak
WASHINGTON COUNTY
In mid-September 2017, Heather McSharry and Mark Abdy of the Washington County Bird Club travelled to northern Botswana for four days of birding along the Chobe River, This was early spring and the end of the dry season, making for excellent wildlife viewing as animals of all kinds made their way to the Chobe, the only major water source in the area, Cruising the river on a pontoon boat made for very comfortable and productive wetland birding, at least when the thousands of big mammals were not getting in the way! Walking the grounds of the lovely Chobe Savannah Lodge yielded some additional upland birds. We observed a total of 60 species, all of them lifers for Heather on her first trip to Africa. Highlights included five
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kingfisher species, from the powerful Giant Kingfisher to the diminutive and jewel-like Malachite Kingfisher. Three bee-eaters species were a joy to watch as they pursued insects and we were especially glad to see the spectacular Southern Carmine Bee-eater, just back from it’s wintering grounds in equatorial Africa. The always dignified, if not stern looking, Yellow- billed and Red-billed Hornbills were common. Impressive African Fish Eagles were so common that we almost stopped watching them while a single individual of the Slaty Egret, an uncommon regional endemic, represented our rarest species observation. Heather McSharry
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Lilac-breasted Roller. Photo by Mark Abdy
NSD CZ - 2)
Maryland/DC Records Committee Status Report as of November 28,
2017 by Phil Davis, MD/DCRC Secretary
The Maryland/DC Records Committee (MD/DCRC) reached the following record decisions since the last committee status report was published in The Maryland Yellowthroat. This report encompasses MD/DCRC review package 170. MD/DCRC report numbers are in brackets.
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These records will be addressed in additional detail in a future issue of Maryland Birdlife.
New "state" species (marked with asterisks) include Masked Booby and Crested Caracara for MD. These additions bring the species total of the Official List of the Birds of MD to 451. A mistake was recently corrected regarding the status of Barnacle Goose in DC. This taxon had previously been shown as an accepted species for DC; however, this is incorrect and the MD/DCRC DC database has been corrected. The revised species total for the Official List of the Birds of DC now stands at 338.
More information on the MD/DCRC can be found on the committee's web pages at the following URL: http://www.mdbirds.org/mdderc/rcindex.html
MD Records Accepted:
Cory's Shearwater (Scopoli's), Ca/onectris diomedea diomedea [MD/2017-036].
Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 17-Aug-1991. One or more birds.
Cory's Shearwater (Scopoli's), Ca/onectris diomedea diomedea [MD/2011-385].
Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 14-Aug-2011. One bird.
Cory's Shearwater (Scopoli's), Ca/lonectris diomedea diomedea [MD/2017-039].
Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 16-Nov-2013. One bird.
Cory's Shearwater (Scopoli's), Ca/onectris diomedea diomedea [MD/2014-062].
Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 23-Aug-2014. One bird.
Cory's Shearwater (Scopoli's), Ca/onectris diomedea diomedea [MD/2014-056].
Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 23-Aug-2014. One bird.
*Masked Booby, Sula dactylatra [MD/2016-038]. Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 21-Aug-2016. One, probable subadult.
Brown Booby, Sula /eucogaster [MD/2017-033]. Chesapeake Bay, Tilghman Island, Talbot County. 21-Jul-2017. One adult.
The Maryland Yellowthroat
*Crested Caracara, Caracara cheriway [MD/2017-030]. Drayden, Saint Mary's County. 10-Jun-2017. One bird.
MD Records Not Accepted:
Nashville Warbler (Calaveras), Oreothlypis ruficapilla ridgwayi [MD/2005-052],.
Upper Watts Branch Park, Rockville, Montgomery County. 20-Sep-2004 through 21-Sep-2004. One bird.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Setophaga coronata auduboni [MD/2008-079].
Summer Solstice Farm, Westminster, Carroll County. 26-Sep-2008. One adult female.
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The Future of Ornithology, Part III By Colin Rees, Anne Arundel, Chair, MOS Long-range Planning Committee
The concluding part of this series explores recent advances in our understanding of birdlife in the full annual life cycle, the impact of climate change, and actions needed for the conservation of avifauna.
Beyond breeding biology: advances in understanding birds over the full annual cycle.
About 4,000 species of birds are regular migrants - some 40 per cent of the world’s total. In the US, about 250 species (27 percent) migrate - especially insect-eaters that are denied sufficient food during winter. Yet most studies on these migrants have focused on the months spent at breeding areas at the expense of knowing what birds do outside the breeding season -- all the more poignant given that most mortality occurs during that period and where conservation efforts remain germinative.
Happily, ornithologists are making advances in understanding birds over their full annual cycle as a result of long-term datasets now being mobilized from the tropical regions and major technological advances, such as geolocators. Previously, surveys, banding
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exercises, and isotope studies revealed a partial appreciation of species-level migration routes and wintering locations. Now technical means provide daily accounts about where and how fast an individual bird travels. Such information is being increasingly combined with physiological studies to test and refine theoretical models of maximum flight ranges based on flight costs and fuel storage. Also, as some individual birds occupy more than one discrete wintering area, a more critical examination of how we define and differentiate between stopover and _ wintering ranges is underway.
Climate change
Given that many species in the continental US are advancing their range northwards in response to warmer temperatures, statistical models linking species occurrence to climate are being used to predict future changes in distribution. In North America, 177 of 305 species of birds tracked have shifted their centers of abundance during winter northward by 35 miles on average as compared to 40 years ago. Equally, the marathon flights undertaken by birds to spring breeding grounds are turning into even more epic journeys (the length of some migrations could increase, in Europe by as much as 250 miles).
Gary Langham of the National Audubon Society and colleagues at the Cornell Laboratory for Ornithology have assessed geographic range shifts for 588 North American bird species during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons under a range of future carbon emission scenarios to the end of the century. They have shown that 314 species (53%) are projected to lose more than half of their current geographic range. For 126 species, loss occurs without associated range expansion, while for 188 species, loss is coupled with the potential to colonize new replacement range. Very significantly, they found only weak relationships between projected climate sensitivities and existing conservation prioritizations: species responses were not clearly related to habitat affinities, migration strategies, or climate change scenarios. Accordingly, they urge that climate sensitivity be included in current conservation planning and that adaptive management strategies be developed to accommodate
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shrinking and shifting geographic ranges. The persistence of many North American birds will depend on their ability to colonize climatically suitable areas outside of current ranges and management actions that focus on climate adaptation. Of note, the British Trust for Ornithology is developing a model to predict
likely changes in species population size, rather
than simply distribution, as it is abundance and population trends that drive much conservation listing and prioritization of actions.
Some of the most interesting studies are investigating the timing of migration and exploring the implications for how migratory birds may adjust to climate change. Geolocators are revealing remarkable constancy in migration timing within species and individuals: birds that have been tracked repeatedly for Up to three years appear to time their migrations almost identically each year. These findings suggest that the timing of migration may be more ‘hard-wired’ than previously suspected, and birds may not be able to make facultative adjustments to changing climates. If so, as David Altshuler and his co- workers suggest, we should expect population- level consequences of phenological mismatches between birds and their resources’ before selection can act to shift endogenous migration programming.
Advances in understanding birds over their entire annual cycle now extend beyond Palearctic-African and Nearctic-Neotropical migrants to include residents of tropical regions. Much of the variation in fecundity and survival in tropical communities is driven by climate. Thus, since climate change scenarios predict decreases in precipitation for many parts of the tropics, considerable _reshuffling of tropical — bird communities is anticipated in coming years,
Conservation actions
Conservation is perhaps the ultimate multidisciplinary activity. It mobilizes the disciplines of population dynamics, systematics and molecular biology, migration, ecological adaptation, physiology, and behavior, in support of conserving birds and their habitats. But to be effective, it must bring the most rigorous scientific analysis to bear on issues and present findings in a clearly understandable form that is
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relevant to decision-making. As the latter aspect increasingly engages political and socio-economic domains and civil society, efforts are being directed at establishing partnerships and gaining ownership for actions to be prioritized, funded, and implemented to address development pressures,
Many species of North American and European birds consist of distinct eastern and western populations that appear to occupy different wintering areas and use. different migratory routes. Work on avian habitat use in recipient tropical countries has helped inform habitat restoration programs, Important Bird Area designations or listings, and management of productive landscapes, such as coffee plantations. However, major gaps remain in applying research to on-the-ground conservation. In combination, long-term breeding season monitoring, new geolocator data, and multiple- locus DNA analysis should help determine which population declines in North America and Europe may be attributed to habitat loss or other disturbance on wintering grounds, along migratory routes or on breeding ranges. With such insights, conservation actions can be targeted at regions for more effective protection of migratory birds.
Many attempts are being taken at the national, regional, and state levels to mainstream avian conservation. Bird breeding atlases have been prepared and updated, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is supporting bird conservation initiatives in a number of states, and national and local conservation organizations are funding a broadening array of conservation projects. In Maryland, the State Wild Action Plan, revised in 2015, provides an appreciation of Maryland's natural environment and its avifauna, connects scientific knowledge about species and habitats with known threats, and describes conservation actions to enhance good stewardship of the state’s natural assets—and thereby the protection of bird species—over the next decade. A final section of SWAP includes an action plan and describes the role of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership as a long-term vehicle for the conservation of birdlife in Maryland.
In parallel, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed an
The Maryland Yellowthroat
initiative entitled Maryland's Green Infrastructure, a mapped network of large blocks of intact forest and wetlands, linked together by linear features such as forested stream valleys, ridgelines, or other natural areas, called “corridors or habitat highways.” The approach, based on principles of landscape ecology and conservation biology, provides an_ ecological network map (GreenPrint) which uses satellite imagery to characterize land cover, and has Geographic Information System (GIS) data on roads, streams, wetlands and other resource features, and links to biological databases, Non- natural gaps were identified as potential candidates for restoration activities.
The DNR Natural Heritage Program’s Biodiversity Conservation Network (BioNet), has prioritized ecologically significant areas for the conservation of Species of Greatest Conservation Need, integrated its numerous “focal area” maps into a single map called Targeted Ecological Areas (TEAS). These have been incorporated into the GreenPrint map product. GreenPrint also assists state programs in working together by offering a more comprehensive picture of areas important to DNR as a whole.
Such a process has taken many forms in other states, but all have faced the practical application of the next step: saving lands and waterways through’ targeted acquisitions, easements, and other’ interventions. Land conservation programs have been enacted, including agricultural preservation, private conservation easements, and regulations conserving wetlands and shorelines. However, they are piecemeal approaches, and much of North America’s and Maryland's green infrastructure currently remains unprotected.
Not long ago, streaming flocks’ of waterfowl often darkened the skies over the Chesapeake Bay as swans, geese, and ducks filed the air with haunting music. Shorebirds swarmed over mudflats. In forests, songsters announced their spring arrival. They still come, but their numbers are greatly diminished. Such spectacles may soon only remain in the memories of the elderly. What’ will our grandchildren say if these treasures are no more, and we leave them a world without flight and song? We have the tools. What is needed is
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concerted action. Dedicating ourselves’ to mobilizing civil society to help support conservation actions at personal and community levels. And, also dedicating ourselves to scale up gains on the ground so they may be realized at state and country levels.
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MOS Calendar: Jan - Feb 2018 By Marilyn Veek
Monday, January 1, 2018
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT. Bowie. Volunteers are needed to census birds in a 15-mile diameter circle in the vicinity of Bowie. Choose your own start and stop times, then come to a tally rally at the end of the day to share your data and socialize. Contact compiler David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, to volunteer and to receive an assignment.
® Harford. Perryman Area. Celebrate the New Year or recover from New Year's Eve by getting back to nature in the always productive Perryman Area. 8:30 AM. Meet at the Wal-Mart parking lot. Leader Phil Powers, 443-417-7520 or birdsinmd308@gmail.com.
® Howard. Start Your Year List. Easy walking on paved paths and woodland trails. Plan to carpool to different locations to find as many species as possible. The one day of the year where every bird is new! Facilities available. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the Howard Conservancy Mount Pleasant Farm. Leader Kurt Schwarz, krschwal @verizon.net or 410-461-1643,
Wednesday, January 3
® Baltimore. First Wednesday Walk at Fort McHenry. One of a series of morning surveys of bird activity at the Fort and wetland. Telescopes useful. Canceled in inclement weather. 8 AM, Park outside the main entrance gate, in lot on left, and meet at the gate. Leader Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769.
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Thursday, January 4 MEETING. Frederick. Members Night/Quiz Night. 7 PM. Homewood at Crumland Farms, 7407 Willow Rd, Frederick.
“® Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible. 3 PM. Meet at parking lot, at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, for more information.
Friday, January 5 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT. Inwood, WV. Compiler Bob Dean, bobdean52@gmail.com.
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT. Smith Island, MD and Tangier Island, VA. Dependent on availability of hotels, restaurants, ferries, etc. Contact Harry Armistead, harryarmistead@hotmail.com for further information.
Saturday, January 6
® Anne Arundel. Kinder Farm Park, The park has a lot of trails and diverse habitat with fields and wooded areas to explore. Alan produced a checklist of the birds of the Park and walks and explores this area regularly. 7:30 AM (half day). Meet at Kinder Farm Park. Take the first left before the gatehouse (free entry). Meet at the last parking lot up the hill. Contact leaders Alan and Susan Young, 410-991-8300 or alnmyoung@aol.com.
® Baltimore. Middle Branch Park and Southwest Area Park. We'll begin at one of the city’s best spots for winter ducks, Middle Branch Park. Five species of diving ducks probable, with hundreds of individuals on good days. Then we'll head to SWAP, a vast former landfill now a Baltimore County park. Reliable for dabbling ducks, raptors, woodpeckers, and sparrows. Uncommon species show up yearly. 8 AM. Meet at Middle Branch Park in the main parking lot by the city rec office, 3301 Waterview Ave. Canceled in bad weather. Leader Frank Morgan, flmO0O3@gmail.com or 410- 487-1110.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY. Carroll. Talk birds, eat, drink, and have fun with fellow birders. Sue and Splinter Yingling, hostess/host. 70 Ridge Rd, Westminster. 7:30 PM. Please coordinate with the
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Yinglings to bring a dish at syingling@mac.com or 410-857-0902.
® Cecil. Perryville Community Park. One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations, Seeking out winter waterfowl at the 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. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the North East Community Park (at the end of Walnut St). Leader Ken Drier, kdrier@zoominternet. net.
MID-WINTER COUNT. Frederick. Meet at Audrey Carroll Sanctuary at 6:30 AM, and be prepared to visit all parts of the sanctuary’s 129 acres. You may want your waterproof boots. Compiler David Smith, 410-549-7082.
M® Kent. Friends of Eastern Neck NWR will sponsor a Refuge walk through areas normally closed to the public. A local birding expert or naturalist will guide the walk. Plan for a flat, two- mile outing of about two hours, with cocoa and cookies at Refuge HQ = afterwards. Bring binoculars and a camera. Wear boots and dress warmly. No rain date. Registration is limited to 20, first-come, first-served. Children over 12 are permitted, but no dogs. Walks are free (with a tax-deductible donation payable to Friends of Eastern Neck appreciated to keep the program self-sustaining). To register at Eventbrite, go to: http://bit.ly/2vWPDBt. 8 AM. Meet at Refuge HQ. For more information, contact Gren Whitman, easternneckwalks@gmail.com or 443-691-9370.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Fran Uhler Natural Area. Monthly walk. 7:30 AM. Meet at east end of Lemon’s Bridge Rd, off Route 197 just north of Bowie State University. No reservations needed, Contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com.
® Tri-county. Coastal Birding trip from Ocean City, MD to Cape Henlopen, DE for winter coastal birding. Bring lunch, snacks and drinks. Meet at the Ward Museum parking lot at 7:30 AM or the OC inlet parking lot at 8:30 AM. Leader is TBA, in the meantime, for information, contact Ellen Lawler, 410-982-8695 or emlawler534@comcast.net.
The Maryland Yellowthroat
Sunday, January 7
COVERED DISH DINNER AND LECTURE. Baltimore. Tonight's speaker is Joe Hanfman and the topic is “Birding Alaska.” To reserve a place and tell us what you will bring, please use the website PerfectPotluck.com—detailed instructions will be sent out in December, 4:30 PM. Vollmer Center at Cylburn. For information, contact coordinator Kevin Graff at keyweststyle2001@gmail.com, or call Peter Lev at 410-823-2962.
Tuesday, January 9 BOARD MEETING. Baltimore. While only authorized Board members have a vote, any Club member is welcome to attend and participate in discussions, Call any club officer or board member for details. 7 PM. Held at the Cylburn Greenhouse Classroom.
MEETING. Patuxent/PGAS. “Birding the Galapagos”, presented by Claudia Ferguson. Join us to hear PGAS’s own Claudia Ferguson speak about her adventures birding in the Galapagos Islands. To visit the Galapagos Islands was her wish for a long time and finally during September 2016, she had the opportunity to spend five days birding in several of the islands. She will share her photos and stories from her trip, Free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 PM for 7:30 PM meeting start time. College Park Airport Operations Bldg, 2nd Fl, 1909 Corporal Frank Scott Dr, College Park.
Thursday, January 11
MEETING. Howard. “Bird Sex and Breeding,” by Murray R. Bakst. This talk will cover the biology of avian reproduction based on his career of nearly forty years at the USDA's Beltsville Agricultural Research Service. As _ wild bird populations decline, genetic diversity is threatened. Artificial insemination technologies used by the poultry industry are being utilized in the breeding of endangered and other captive populations, Hospitality 7 PM; meeting/program 7:30 at Robinson Nature Ctr, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia. Info: John Harris, 240-755-0183.
Friday, January 12 MEETING. Harford. Program TBA. General meeting at 7:15 PM, presentation at 8 PM, Churchville Presbyterian Church, 2844 Churchville Rd.
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Saturday, January 13
® Baltimore. Harbor Duck Trip - Masonville Cove to Fort McHenry. After checking the water from Masonville Cove, we will work our way around the harbor, stopping at the Medstar Harbor Hospital parking lot and then Middle Branch Park before finishing up at Fort McHenry about noon, This trip offers a good selection of the wintering waterfowl that stay in the area, including a nice variety of ducks, grebes and the occasional loon. Bald Eagles are often seen, and rarities turn up regularly. 9 AM (half day). Meet at the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 1000 Frankfurst Ave. Leader John Robinson, 443-810-9059 (cell), 410-483-6620 (home), or jcrobin@jhmi.edu.
® Carroll. Ocean City Day Trip. Gluttons for punishment will enjoy this one. We will also probably see a lot of really good birds, All day. Meet at the P&R on Rt 32 just south of Rt 26 in Eldersburg, Contact Bob Ringler, 410-303-2792.
f Cecil. 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. 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. 6 AM (full day). Meet near Dunkin’ Donuts in Big Elk Mall, intersection of Rt 40 and Rt 213 in Elkton. Leader Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless, seanmccandless1@gmail,com,
® Howard. Blackwater NWR. Plan to stop at the Choptank River Bridge for ducks and coffee.
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Bring lunch and drinks. Dress warmly. Entrance fee or Duck Stamp required. Email the leader to reserve a spot and get details. We will carpool. Facilities at some spots. Accessible. Leader Kurt Schwarz, krschwal@verizon.net or 410-461- 1643.
Sunday, January 14
® Anne Arundel. Quiet Waters Park. David Gillum will lead this monthly walk through the park exploring woodland trails, edge habitat, and views of the South River. A lovely habitat for birding throughout the year and could be very good for migrant birds. $6 per car Park entry fee. 8-11 AM. Meet at Blue Heron Center. Contact David Gillum, 410-266-8775 or dagmapper@verizon.net.
® Baltimore. Loch Raven Point and Dams. Trip for winter waterfowl and other birds. Telescopes useful for distant waterfowl. 8:45 AM (half day). Meet at Morgan Mill Rd parking area just before Loch Raven Dr. Leader Debbie Terry, 443-578- 8243 or dterry12@verizon.net.
f Baltimore. Marshy Point Nature Center. Trip for winter waterfowl, raptors, passerines. Half- mile trail leads to point overlooking Dundee Creek. Boots advisable, telescopes useful. 9 AM (half day). Leaders Brent and Mary Byers, 410- 626-7294 or baypuffin@hotmail.com.
MID-WINTER COUNT. Frederick. Meet at the Fred Archibald Sanctuary at 6:30 AM, and be ready to cover 140 acres. Don’t forget waterproof boots. Compiler David Smith, 410-549-7082.
Wednesday, January 17
MEETING. Anne Arundel. “The Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership: A United Voice for Maryland’s Birds” with Chris Eberly. Chris will present how the Partnership is working and how you can become involved in_ conserving Maryland’s birds. 7-9 PM. Harvest Hall, Kinder Farm Park. Contact Barbara Johnson, 410-703- 4664 or barbarajohnson222@gmail.com.
MEETING. Montgomery. Jim Brighton on “Maryland's Biodiversity Project”. Jim and Bill Hubick have been working, with lots of help from others, to catalog all living things in Maryland. This will be an update as to his progress. Doors open at 7 PM, refreshments 7:30 and meeting
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starts at 8. Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Rd.
Thursday, January 18 MEETING. Caroline. Program TBA. 7:30 PM, Caroline County Public Library, 100 Market St, Denton.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible. 3 PM. Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, for more information.
Saturday, January 20
® Anne Arundel. Thomas Point and Annapolis Neck. We will carpool to Hillsmere first to check along South River Bay Front for water birds. From there directly to Thomas Point Park as the gate should be open between 8 and 9 AM. Next we will do the neighborhoods of Arundel on the Bay and Oyster Harbor. Continuing from there into Bay Ridge to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to walk the short trail back into Black Walnut Cove. From there back around the entire Bay Ridge peninsula for great views of the Bay, the Bridge and Severn River. A great location for Long-tail Ducks. 7:45 AM (half day). Meet at Giant Shopping Center on Bay Ridge Rd, near Wells Fargo Bank on the side by Georgetown Rd. Contact Judy Brennan, 410-991-2412 or el.judith@gmail.com.
f® Baltimore. Saturday Monitoring Walk at Fort McHenry. Continuing survey of bird activity at the Fort. Telescopes useful. Canceled in bad weather, 8 AM (half day). Park outside the main entrance gate in Jot on left, and meet at the gate. Leader Ben Poscover, 410-882-1309,
® Baltimore. Druid Hill Park. Join Audubon and the Maryland Zoo to explore this leafy city park! From forest to lake, a variety of bird species await. 8-9:30 AM. Meet at 3001 East Dr. To borrow binoculars, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center, 410-558-2473 or baltimore@audubon.com.
MID-WINTER COUNT. Carroll. Parties of counters will set their own schedules in their pre-arranged areas to count winter bird species throughout the County. Contact Don Jewell to verify your bird
The Maryland Yellowthroat
counting area (jewelldg@gmail.com or 410-259- 4716). Tally Rally will be hosted by Amy Hoffman at her home. RSVP to Amy (410-549-3598) no later than Wednesday, January 17 and plan on bringing a food item or cash donation ($5).
M® Frederick. Audubon Society of Central MD Nature Walk, 9-11 AM. Audrey Carroll Sanctuary, 13030 Old Annapolis Rd, Mt Airy. For more information contact Crystal Kunst, hckunst@qis.net or 443-536-3071.
® Harford. Bradenbaugh Flats. Dennis Kirkwood leads us on a pleasant tour through NW Harford County's agricultural area to find wintering field birds and waterfowl. Expect Horned Larks, Longspurs and Snow Buntings, Ring-necked Ducks, and maybe a Cackling Goose. The trip ends at the leader’s house where you can enjoy hot soup, homemade breads, good conversation and maybe even a brief glimpse of the resident screech owl. 8 AM. Meet at the Jarrettsville Elementary School parking lot. Contact Dennis at newarkfarms@gmail.com or 410-692-5905,
® Howard. Alpha Ridge Landfill. Moderate walking over hills and fields of the landfill. We will search for Short-eared Owls with no guarantee of finding one. Other possibilities are Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Horned Lark, American Pipit, and Eastern Meadowlark. If we finish early, we may go to Mount Pleasant and look for wintering sparrows. Facilities at Alpha Ridge Park. Limited to a maximum of five cars. Reservations required. Carpooling is required. Half day. Contact Joe Hanfman for reservations, auk1844@gmail.com or 410-772-8424.
® Kent. Ocean City. Our annual search for winter specialties including gannet, sea ducks, alcids, gulls, Purple Sandpipers, and wintering songbirds. Full day. Dress warmly, bring lunch and warm beverages. Meet at 8 AM at the Dollar General parking lot (off Philosopher’s Terrace) in Chestertown. If you have questions, please contact leaders Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or borealdee@gmail.com.
A Patuxent/PGAS. Governor Bridge Natural Area, Monthly walk. 7:30 AM. Meet at the Natural Area parking lot on the S side of Governor Bridge Rd, 1 mile E of Rt 301. No reservations needed.
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For more information contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com.
Sunday, January 21
® Montgomery. Black Hill RP. All birders, but especially new birders, are welcome on this trip, which will focus on the identification of ducks at this premier county spot for winter waterfowl, Bring a spotting scope if you have one. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the Visitors Center. For reservations (which are required) and more information, contact leader Gerry Hawkins, maineusa@comcast.net or 571-277-8406.
Monday, January 22
MEETING. Tri-county. “Besides your Binoculars & Bird Book: A Look at the Resources of Today’s Birder” presented by Mike Hillman, Chincoteague Bay Field Station. 7 PM. MAC Education Ctr, off Snow Hill Rd, Salisbury. Contact Ellen Lawler, 410-982-8695 or emlawler534@comcast.net, for more info.
Tuesday, January 23
POTLUCK DINNER AND MEETING. Washington. Enjoy a potluck dinner starting at 6 PM, followed by the film “Watching Warblers” at 7. Bring your own place setting, drink, and a dish to share. Mt, Aetna Nature Center, 21905 Mt. Aetna Road, Hagerstown. Call 301-797-8454 with any questions.
Saturday, January 27
Af Baltimore. Patterson Park. Join Audubon to explore this urban oasis in SE Baltimore. With more than 205 species on record, the park is full of surprises. 8-9:30 AM. Meet at the fountain, near intersection of E Lombard St and S Patterson Park Ave. For directions or to borrow binoculars, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center, 410-558-2473 or baltimore@audubon.org.
MID-WINTER COUNT. Frederick. This is the last, but not the least, of our winter counts! The reward afterwards is the enjoyable tally-rally at David and Carol's house. Compiler David Smith, 410- 549-7082.
MID-WINTER COUNT. Harford. Compiler TBA, Details and contact information will be publicized by email, social media and on the website prior to the event.
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MID-WINTER COUNT. Howard. Compiler Joe Hanfman, aukl1844@gmail.com or 410-772- 8424.
Sunday, January 28 MID-WINTER COUNT. Kent. Join the field crew or count in your neighborhood, anywhere in Kent County. Contact Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or borealdee@gmail.com for more information.
® Montgomery. Winter Waterfowl Search. Search of Montgomery County waterways for ducks, grebes, and mergansers. Based on the unpredictability of winter weather conditions, the leader will decide on the meeting place a few weeks before the trip and use recent bird reports to decide best locations to visit. Bring a scope if you have one. Reservations required. Half day. For reservations and more info, contact leader Andy Martin, martinap2@verizon.net or 301-529- 2066.
Thursday, February 1 MEETING. Frederick. Bonnie Oft, an expert on “Sparrows,” will help us ID and appreciate those Little Brown Jobs. 7 PM. Homewood at Crumland Farms, 7407 Willow Rd, Frederick.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible. 3 PM. Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, for more information.
Friday, February 2 — Sunday, February 4 MOS CONVENTION, Ocean City. Join fellow birders from around the state for a full weekend of talks, field trips and social interaction. Check the MOS webpage for further information: http://www.mdbirds.org/activities/conference/an nual. html.
Saturday, February 3 ® Anne Arundel. Kinder Farm Park. The park has a lot of trails and diverse habitat with fields and wooded areas to explore. Alan produced a checklist of the birds of the Park and walks and explores this area regularly. 7:30 AM (half day), Meet at Kinder Farm Park. Take the first left before the gatehouse (free entry). Meet at the last parking lot up the hill. Contact leaders Alan
January/February 2018 and Susan Young, 410-991-8300 or alnmyoung@aol.com.
® Harford. Eagle Watch at Conowingo Dam. Bring your camera for a chance at many excellent shots of a large number of Bald Eagles, various gulls, waterfowl, and shore birds. 9 AM. Meet at Fisherman’s Park just below the Dam on the Harford County side of the Susquehanna. Leaders Colleen Webster, cwebster@harford.edu or 410- 459-4577, and Sue Procell, procelll@comcast.net or 443-417-4919.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Fran Uhler Natural Area, Monthly walk. 7:30 AM. Meet at E end of Lemon’s Bridge Rd, off Rt 197 just north of Bowie State University. No reservations needed. Contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com.
Sunday, February 4 ® Montgomery. Oaks Landfill, Laytonsville. Bundle up for a LATE AFTERNOON search for wintering sparrows and_ raptors, including possible Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls, at this now-closed landfill adjacent to the Blue Mash Nature Trail. Mostly open terrain with some ponds, which we will check if not frozen over. Leader will have scope for distant birds. We have special permission to enter this “closed to the public” landfill so reservations are essential. Limit 20. 3:30 PM. Meet on landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt 108, Laytonsville. Contact the leader for reservations and more information. Leader Mark.. England, markengland@canamcontractors.com.
Wednesday, February 7
® Baltimore. First Wednesday Walks at Fort McHenry. Continuing a series of monthly morning surveys of bird activity at the Fort and wetland. Telescope can be useful. Can celled in bad weather. 8 AM. Meet outside the park front gates and park in lot on left hand side. Leader Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769,
MEETING. Carroll. “Mom’s Big Year” by Nancy McAllister. Meeting begins at 7 PM with a brief period for socializing, followed by the guest lecturer. Afterwards, there will be a _ short business meeting. Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd, Westminster. Contact Don Jewell, jewelldg@gmail.com.
240-375-4500 Oh.
The Maryland Yellowthroat
® Howard. Lake Elkhorn. Easy walking along the lake and to Forbay Pond. Waterfowl, sparrows and winter finches are possible. The lake can turn up interesting surprises. No facilities. Accessible. 8 AM, 2-3 hrs. Meet at Dockside Parking lot, Leader Allen Lewis, allenrlewis@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 8
MEETING. Howard. “Common Sparrows of Central Maryland,” by Bonnie Ott, Learn how to identify common sparrow species of the Maryland Piedmont. Bonnie will explain habitat preferences and seasonal movement. She will give tips on how to tell similar species apart by behavior. Hospitality 7 PM; meeting/program 7:30 at Robinson Nature Ctr, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, Info: John Harris, 240-755-0183.
Saturday, February 10
M® Baltimore. Loch Raven Point and Loch Raven Dam. Morning trip to see ducks, grebes, coots and other water birds. Scopes useful. Trip canceled in snow, rain, or slippery conditions, 8:45 AM, Meet at the Morgan Mill Rd parking area just before Loch Raven Dr. Leaders Debbie Terry, 443-578-8243 or dterryl2@verizon.net, and Peter Lev, 410-823-2962 or plev@comcast.net.
® Tri-county. Dorchester County, for waterfowl, raptors, other winter residents, Bring lunch and snacks. 7:30 AM. Meet at the Royal Farms on Rt 50 west of Salisbury. For more information, contact trip leader Mike Walsh, 410-422-0428 or mik.walsh@comcast. net.
Sunday, February 11
® Anne Arundel. Quiet Waters Park. David Gillum will lead this monthly walk through the park exploring woodland trails, edge habitat, and views of the South River. A lovely habitat for birding throughout the year and could be very good for migrant birds. $6 per car Park entry fee, 8-11 AM. Meet at Blue Heron Center. Contact David Gillum, 410-266-8775 or dagmapper@verizon.net.
f Baltimore. Marshy Point Nature Center. Trip for winter waterfowl, raptors, passerines. Half- mile trail leads to point overlooking Dundee Creek. Boots advisable, telescopes useful. 9 AM (half day). Leaders Brent and Mary Byers, 410- 626-7294 or baypuffin@hotmail.com.
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® Howard. Blandair Park North. Walk the trails along scrubland and woods. Sometimes non- winter birds over-winter here. No facilities, boots recommended. 8 AM. 2-3 hrs. Meet at the south end of Summer Hollow Ln, Columbia. Leader Anthony VanSchoor, tonyvanschoor@gmail.com.
Tuesday, February 13 BOARD MEETING. Baltimore. While only authorized Board members have a vote, any Club member is welcome to attend and participate in discussions. Call any club officer or board member for details. 7 PM. Held at the Cylburn Greenhouse Classroom,
MEETING, Patuxent/PGAS. “What a wonderful bird is the pelican .. The expansion of Brown Pelicans into the Chesapeake Bay region”, presented by Dave Brinker. During the mid- 1900s, Brown Pelicans seriously declined along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States and were eventually listed as a threatened species. Historically, pelicans had never been recorded as a nesting species in Maryland or anywhere to the north. As pelican populations were recovering from the impacts of DDT, Dave discovered Maryland's first Brown Pelican nesting in 1987. Since Wandering into the Middle Atlantic States, Brown Pelican populations have increased dramatically. The remarkable expansion of local Brown Pelicans in the region will be described. Come learn how adults feed tiny chicks, and where Maryland nesting pelicans spend their winters, along with other snippets of the natural history of this facilitating water bird. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 PM for 7:30 PM meeting start time. College Park Airport Operations Bldg, 2nd Fl, 1909 Corporal Frank Scott Dr, College Park.
Thursday, February 15 MEETING. Caroline. Steve Westre will present “Overview of Caroline County's Christmas Counts 1950 to the present”. 7:30 PM, Caroline County Public Library, 100 Market St, Denton.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area, Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible, 3 PM. Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, for more information.
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Friday, February 16 —- Monday, February 19 GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT. Count one day or all four! gbbc.birdcount.org/
Saturday, February 17—Monday, February 19 ® Frederick. Eastern Shore weekend. A casual and fun trip to visit some of the best birding spots on the East coast. Contact leader Tom Humphrey for details, 240-793-2508.
Saturday, February 17 f® Baltimore. Saturday Monitoring Walk at Fort McHenry. Continuing survey of bird activity at the Fort. Telescope can be useful. Cancelled in bad weather. 8 AM (half day). Park outside the main entrance gate in lot on left, and meet at the gate. Leader Ben Poscover, 410-882-1309.
f® Baltimore. Druid Hill Park. Join Audubon and the Maryland Zoo to explore this leafy city park! From forest to lake, a variety of bird species await. 8-9:30 AM. Meet at 3001 East Dr. To borrow binoculars, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center, 410-558-2473 or http://baltimore@audubon.com.
® Frederick. Audubon Society of Central MD Nature Walk. 9-11 AM. Fred Archibald Sanctuary, 6011 Boyers Mill Rd, New Market. For more information contact Crystal Kunst, hckunst@qis.net or 443-536-3071.
f® Howard. Lake Kittamaqundi. Easy walking around the newly paved path. Waterfowl, gulls and sparrows expected. Facilities available. Accessible, 8 AM. 2-3 hrs. Meet in the top side lakefront fountain near Whole Foods off Little Patuxent Pkwy. Leader Clayton Koonce, cg.koonce@verizon.net.
® Kent. Blackwater NWR. Prime waterfowl and eagle country; pelicans and other surprises? Dress warmly & bring lunch. 8 AM (full day). Meet at the Dollar General parking lot (off Philosopher’s Terrace) in Chestertown. If you have questions, please contact leaders Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or borealdee@gmail.com,
® Patuxent/PGAS. Governor Bridge Natural Area. Monthly walk. 7:30 AM. Meet at the Natural
January/February 2018
Area parking lot on the S side of Governor Bridge Rd, 1 mile E of Rt 301. No reservations needed. For more information contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com.
f® Washington. Black Hill Regional Park. 9 AM (half day). 9 AM. Leave from the Rt 66 P&R. Call Doris Berger at 301-739-8907 to participate.
WINTER COUNT. YMOS. Dorchester County. 8 AM Meet at the Sailwinds Center immediately across the Choptank River Bridge in Cambridge. We'll spend time looking at the large array of ducks, before heading south to Blackwater NWR and Shorter’s Wharf to look for Short-eared Owls and the Rough-legged Hawk. Bring a lunch and money for dinner and plenty of warm clothing. Email George Radcliffe (radclifg@gmail.com) of your intent to go at least 2 weeks in advance of the trip.
Sunday, February 18
® Cecil. Fair Hill NRMA. 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. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge parking lot near the Nature Center on Tawes Dr. 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, Leader Ken Drier, kdrier@zoominternet.net.
Wednesday, February 21 MEETING. Anne Arundel. “Youth Birding in Maryland”, presented by YMOS members from AABC. Winning repeated top honors at the annual World Series of Birding, Maryland youth birders have made a name for themselves and a significant impact on the State birding world. YMOS is open to kids elementary through high school ages, and represents all areas. of Maryland. This presentation highlights the many facets of the YMOS program: their numerous and varied trips and competitions, and their research and conservation initiatives. The program is illustrated with the students’ spectacular photography and art work. Come and show your support for YMOS, and bring a youngster! 7-9 PM. Harvest Hall, Kinder Farm Park. Contact
The Maryland Yellowthroat
Barbara Johnson, 410-703-4664 or barbarajohnson222@gmail.com.
Saturday, February 24
® Baltimore. Patuxent River NAS. Half-day trip to a restricted Naval base for winter delights. Guaranteed to get lots of Horned Larks, Savannah Sparrows, Wilson's Snipe and a variety of waterfowl. Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Short-eared Owl, and Peregrine Falcon are possible. Limit 10 people, by reservation only. Optional lunch at a waterfront restaurant on way home. The trip is open only to US citizens and all attendees must possess a photo ID. Meet at Nursery Rd/Hammonds Ferry Rd P&R at 6 AM sharp or at the visitor center parking lot outside of NAS Gate #1 (northernmost gate) at 8. It’s on the right, about 100-200 yards after you turn left off SR 235. Email leader Kyle Rambo, kyle.rambo@navy.mil, to make reservations. Email Coordinator Kevin Graff, keyweststyle2001@gmail.com, for carpooling or directions to the site.
® Baltimore. Patterson Park. Join Audubon to explore this urban oasis in SE Baltimore. With more than 205 species on record, the park is full of surprises. 8-9:30 AM. Meet at the fountain, near intersection of E Lombard St and §S Patterson Park Ave. For directions or to borrow binoculars, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center, 410-558-2473 or baltimore@audubon.com.
f® Carroll. Black Hills Regional Park, Montgomery Co. Join Bob Ringler to scope out the waterfowl here. Meet at the P&R on Rt 32 just S of Rt 26 in Eldersburg. Contact Bob at 410-303-2792.
® Cecil. 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! 9:30 AM (two hours). Meet in the park’s parking lot. Leader Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless, seanmccandless1@gmail.com.
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® Patuxent/PGAS. Ponds of Prince George’s County for Wintering Waterfowl. Join leader Fred Fallon in a pot-luck potpourri to see what the ponds of Prince George’s County might hold. A special target bird will be the PBC logo bird, Hooded Merganser. Exact locations to be visited will depend on current reports. Bring snacks and drinks. 8 AM. Meet at the Bowie P&R (%4 day). Contact Fred Fallon, fwfallon@ymail.com, for more information.
Sunday, February 25
® Harford. Loch Raven. A leisurely walk to enjoy the rich habitat of Baltimore’s premier watershed for wintering migrant songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. 7:30 AM. Meet at the P&R on Rt 152 just north of Rt 147 near Fallston. Leader Dave Larkin, larkin3001@comcast.net or 410-569-8319.
Monday, February 26 MEETING. Tri-county. “The Northern Bobwhite in Maryland” presented by Bob Long, MD DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service. 7 PM. MAC Education Center, off Snow Hill Rd, Salisbury. Contact Ellen Lawler, 410-982-8695 or emlawler534@comcast.net, for more info.
Tuesday, February 27 MEETING. Washington. “Monarch Migration” with Sandy Sagalkin from the Monarch Alliance. 7 PM. Mt. Aetna Nature Center, 21905 Mt. Aetna Road, Hagerstown. Call 301-797-8454 for details.
Thursday, March 1 MEETING. Frederick. Renowned Smithsonian ornithologist Carla Dove will explain the role of feather forensics in aviation safety in “When Birds Collide.” 7 PM. Homewood at Crumland Farms, 7407 Willow Rd, Frederick.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible. 3 PM. Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, for more information.
Friday, March 2 DINNER/MEETING. Harford. Speaker/topic TBA, Dinner at 6:15 PM, general meeting at 7:15 PM, presentation at 8 PM. Churchville Presbyterian Church, 2844 Churchville Rd.
POSTMASTER: TIME-DATED MATERIAL—PLEASE EXPEDITE!
MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL
Nonprofit Org. SOCIETY, INC. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 105, Monrovia, MD 21770-0105 PAID
The Maryland Yellowthroat Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological
Editor:
Designer:
Calendar Editor:
Chapter Chatter:
Mailing list:
MOS web site:
Webmaster:
Society, Inc.
Richard Donham rdonham8@gmail.com
Eric Skrzypczak ericskrz@gmail.com
Marilyn Veek mveekmos@yahoo.com
Jean Wheeler jswheeler3 @verizon.net
Martha Crouse crouse.martha8@gmail.com
http ://www.mdbirds.org
John Hays Christy SiteMaven@madbirds.org
Anyone is welcome to contribute articles, photos, or ideas that would be of interest to other birders.
Copy may be e-mailed to Richard Donham by January 25, 2017 for the Mar/April 2018 issue.
Illustrations pp. 1,9 ©M. Suzanne Probst
at Hagerstown, MD Permit No. 184
MOS Chapter Web Sites (to be consulted for the most up-to-date trip/meeting info)
Allegany/Garrett: westernmdbirding.com/ Anne Arundel: aabirdclub.org/
Baltimore baltimorebirdclub.org/
Caroline: carolinebirdclubmos.blogspot.com/ Carroll: mdbirds.org/about/chapters/carroll.html Cecil: cecilbirds.org/
Frederick: frederickbirdclub.org/
Harford: harfordbirdclub.org/
Howard: howardbirds.org/
Kent: kentcounty.com/recreation/birding/birding-club Montgomery: montgomerybirdclub.org/ Patuxent/PG: patuxentbirdclub.org/
Talbot: mdbirds.org/about/chapters/talbot.html Tri-County (Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset): tricountybirdclub.weebly.com/
Washington: washingtoncountybirdclub.webs.com/
YMOS: ymos.org/
MARCH/APRIL 2018
President’s Corner Barbara Johnson
= riting on State of the Union Day, I give aa you the “State of the Society”, or, as I
wd *ed see it, the MOS highlight reel of 2017 and some glimpses into 2018.
January saw the first MOS retreat in a number of years, with over 50 members gathering to troubleshoot and brainstorm around organizational issues. From the meeting emerged efforts (a few detailed here) to heighten communication with the chapters regarding the workings of the Society.
Treasurer Dave Webb subsequently visited most chapters with his “MOS Financial Roadshow”, a delightfully entertaining clarification of MOS‘s expenditures and endowment, and_ financial future.
To increase awareness about MOS sanctuaries, Marcia Watson delivered on a promise to create a Powerpoint program, “From Mountains’ to Saltmarsh; Rediscovering the MOS Sanctuaries”. If you haven’t been treated to Marcia’s marvelous presentation at your chapter, view it and other great sanctuary videos on the new Youtube channel, “MOS Sanctuaries”.
Several MOS chapters have appointed a chapter “ambassador” to the MOS Facebook page (now with over 800 followers), with the intent to share statewide activities, concerns and accomplishments to the wider MOS audience and beyond,
A follow-up meeting will build on the retreat’s momentum this coming summer-- please watch for that announcement, and join us!
On the first day of Spring 2017 we said goodbye to our esteemed member and world-renowned ornithologist Chandler Robbins, An enormous
Yellowthroat
VOL. 38, NO 2
gathering of friends, family and colleagues celebrated Chan's life at the National Wildlife Visitor Center. MOS learned that day that Chan and his late wife, Eleanor planned to leave a pristine property in Garrett County to the Society, It is now included as MOS’s tenth sanctuary.
Chan also left his extensive library to MOS. Colin Rees (with help from Chan’s and _ Eleanor’s children, David Bridge and others) established the “Chan Robbins Library and Research Center at Plummer House”, at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, with an opening ceremony to be on April 7th.
YMOS continues to inspire and mentor our young birders. 23 students participated in the World Series of Birding in New Jersey last May 6, YMOS high school teams placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in their division, and the middle school teams, with mostly beginners, placed 2nd and 3rd. YMOS leader George Radcliffe reported: “Even more impressive than the scores was the exemplary behavior exhibited by all as teams worked beautifully together and shared scouting information with all.” Joshua Heiser (the same YMOS member who in October discovered Maryland's first Shiny Cowbird in his Bethesda backyard!) wrote a gripping account of his winning team’s day for The Maryland Yellowthroat, Sept/Oct 2017,
Table of Contents:
President’s Corner
MOS Work Weekend at Irish Grove
YMOS Birdathon: Redux, Again! ............. 3 Recent Conservation Comm. Activities ...3
Chapter Chatter
Beyond Birding: Dragonflies: ............5, 1B Book Review: Arthur Singer
Maryland/DC Records Committee
MOS Calendar
2
The online Maryland/D.C. Birding Guide was handed off to Marcia Watson by Joan Cwi (honored at the 2018 MOS Convention for her work in developing the site). Search mdbirdingguide.com to find comprehensive info on birding hotspots throughout the state.
The Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership sought and received its second $25 K matching grant from MOS, enabling it to continue concentrating the work of many organizations dedicated to bird preservation. MBCP’s Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring project recorded activity on 71 nests in 2017, and with new observer training sessions happening around the state, will add many more this year.
Dominic Nucifora, the new Sanctuary Committee Chair, oversaw the acquisition of a 30-acre inholding at the MOS Irish Grove Sanctuary, funded in part with a generous bequest by Chan and Eleanor Robbins. A record crowd celebrated the purchase at the Irish Grove work weekend in November. The “Chandler and Eleanor Robbins Tract at Irish Grove” will be officially dedicated at the April 6-8 work weekend. If you've not been to Irish Grove, come join the fun!
The MOS Conservation Committee partnered with Safe Skies Maryland, an_ initiative to raise awareness throughout Maryland about the threats of bird collisions with man-made structures. Watch for news of the proposed Maryland Bird-safe Building Act. Conservation Chair Kurt Schwarz's work -- too voluminous to fully address here-- included Kurt organizing members of MOS and other groups to visit and discuss bird threats with the staff of Senator Ben Cardin in D.C.
Just this week, Tom Strikwerda, Chair of the New Website Committee, signed a contract with a website developer. Your new site will be attractive and easy to navigate, and will feature abilities to
join, renew your membership, and register for
events online. Its design will adapt to any screen.
As of year’s end, the MOS membership list numbers over 1,800. I encourage each of you to make the most of that membership! Thank you for your continued support,
Wishing you good birding this Spring!!
March/April 2018 MOS Work Weekend at Irish Grove
Saturday-Sunday, April 7th-8" Join us in beautiful Somerset County for a weekend full of projects, camaraderie and birding at Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary. You can stay for free at the house or pitch your tent in the yard, Indoor space is limited. If you plan to attend or have questions, please contact Dotty Mumford via
email (dottymum@comeast.net) or phone (443- 214-5154). To see video of last spring's work
weekend, search for MOS Sanctuaries on YouTube. See you there!
Dominic Nucifora
Sanctuary Chair
Western MAryLAND VACATION RENTAL NEAR Hancock AND SipeuncG Hite Visrron Cenrer
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OVER 300 PRIVATE ACRES TO ENJOY CREEKRSIDE, MEADOW & FOREST TRAILS
Relax. Hike. Birdwatch. Walk. Read.
Talk.
Weekend Rates Available (301)678-5023
valleymeadowlarms.com
The Maryland Yellowthroat
YMOS Birdathon: Redux, Again! March 17-18, 2018
A cadre of young birders in the Youth Program of the Maryland Ornithological Society (YMOS) is gearing up yet again to haunt the shorelines, marshes, woods and fields of the Eastern Shore in quest of at least 100 bird species. The annual YMOS Birdathon is the principal fund-raiser to underwrite expenses for participation in the World Series of Birding in May. Additionally, funds are used to update the group's optics. The youth invite you to help by pledging $0.25, $0.50, or $1.00 per species seen over their two days in the field.
March weather can bring rain, fog and wind to an already unpredictable range of temperatures. Many wintering waterfowl may have departed while most migrant songbirds have yet to arrive. The youngsters add to these challenges by compiling an advance list of 100 “Must-See” species. Their final results require that they see two additional species to make up for any Must- See miss. Further, 90% of the participants must see or hear each species identified. Overcoming all these challenges requires planning and decision-making coupled with a high level of collaboration and sharing that is an YMOS hallmark.
As many as five YMOS teams will represent the MOS at the World Series of Birding in 2018. Last May, the YMOS Marsh Gigglers topped all youth teams in the competition with a whopping total of 201 species found in 24 hours and were beaten by only 1 adult team. Our Carbon Free Youth Team also won their category with a total of 127 species found using only bicycle and foot power, beating last year’s winning team by 23 species. Our high school teams placed 15*, 2", and 3°¢ in their division, and the middle school teams, with
mostly beginners, placed 2™ and 3. Stunning accomplishments!
You can pledge any time prior to the Birdathon by emailing George Radcliffe (radclifg@gmail.com) or Wayne Bell (wbell2@washcoll.edu). Those who pledge will receive an advance copy of the Must-See list. After the Birdathon, you will receive a report of all species identified and the amount you owe based on the net species seen after any penalty deductions for Must-See misses,
Thank you in advance for your encouragement of this remarkable group of youngsters and, of course, their parents who rise early and drive long hours in support,
--George Radcliffe and Wayne Bell
CYOGA 2»
Recent Conservation Committee
Activities (Fall 2017). Kurt Schwarz, Chair
In September we formed a new subcommittee, Safe Skies Maryland, to deal with window strikes, Beth Decker is the chair of the subcommittee. Safe Skies is actively pursuing education efforts, partnering with state agencies, and a possible bill for the upcoming legislative session.
We wrote Maryland’s US Senators about a troubling section in SB 1514, “HELP for Wildlife Act”, It would remove sport fishing tackle from regulation under the 1976 Toxic Substance Control Act. Effectively, it would allow manufacturers to use lead, or any toxic substances in equipment sold to fishermen.
Shortly thereafter, we wrote to the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City about feral cats being fed in Sunset Park. The cats had been photo’d preying on songbirds, with one dramatic photo of a still living Common Yellowthroat clenched in the jaws of a gray house cat. We pointed out the economic impact of birding in Ocean City, especially in the off-season, and the value of Sunset Park as a migrant trap. The cats have since been removed.
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In another action, the Committee filed a protest with the National Park Service over proposed dramatic increases in user fees at 17 popular National Parks during the summer. We pointed out that Congress should address the short fall in funding, and that the NPS should not price the poor out of using National Parks.
In a letter, we praised Maryland DNR for a well- done Vision Plan for Idylwild Wildlife Management Area. Their plan, if implemented, promotes biodiversity, fostering habitat for Bobwhite and Woodcock, and also early successional habitat, a potential boon for Blue-winged Warbler.
/py Jean’
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HARFORD COUNTY
Pining for Puffins
Loveable. Pinch-their-cheeks loveable. Who wouldn't want to photograph these cute, comical, and colorful critters with their toucan-like orange bills? Since I first learned about these birds, I've wanted to photograph them but the problem was finding them and then getting close enough. These pelagic seabirds dwell on the ocean for most of the year, only coming in to breed on typically hard-to- reach islands in spring and summer. This past summer I stumbled upon one of the few places in our country where you can see them from dry land: Cannon Beach, Oregon. Otherwise you typically have to endure a rough boat ride off Maine's coast or venture to Scotland, Newfoundland, Iceland (where half the world's puffins reportedly live), Alaska, or elsewhere.
And even if you don't adore puffins, Cannon Beach is worth the trip. It boasts broad sand beaches with picturesque sea stacks; tidal pools alive with red and green anemones that look like critters in
March/April 2018
a sci-fi movie, purple and orange starfish; and a relaxed Northwest vibe with matching architecture.
The first time I visited Cannon Beach several years ago, I thought it was pretty, but all I remembered was an upscale beach town with giant dead rocks offshore. How could I have been so blind? But my eyes were opened when I joined a free tidal pool walk by Cannon’ Beach's’ "Haystack Rock Awareness Program." Haystack Rock is that "giant dead rock" I ignored before. But it's the antithesis of dead. It's teaming with nesting gulls, penguin- like common mures, three types of cormorants, Black Oystercatchers, and Tufted Puffins (versus Maine's Atlantic Puffins).
If you want to see them, hit the beach from April to July at the lowest possible tide so you can stroll alongside Haystack Rock. Even though I abhor getting up early, I gleefully jumped out of bed three days in a row to experience its wonders. I was mesmerized watching the puffins for hours as they took off from near the top of the 235-foot Haystack Rock and flew back to feed their babies, Unfortunately, you can't see the baby pufflings because they're tucked away in their den-like nests and they supposedly fledge the rock at night in August. Even the adults were a bit far for a 600- mm lens. But it was wonderful eyeballing them with my naked eyes, binoculars, and camera. After my puffin beach adventure, I wandered down the Pacific coast to Newport's must-see Oregon Coast Aquarium. I got my fix photographing them up close for several hours. And if I didn't know better, I'd swear that a few of them put on a show just for me. Barbara J, Saffir
Tufted Puffin photo by Barbara J Saffir
The Maryland Yellowthroat
Photo of the Haystack Rock
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper write that they spent much of December on a cruise from Los Angles to San Antonio, Chile, primarily targeting seabirds off the west coast of Central and South America. “While others aboard the Emerald Princess enjoyed the pool, spa, casino, dining and entertainment, we were scanning the ocean for such goodies as Waved Albatross, Hornby’s Storm-petrel, and Red-billed Tropicbird. All of these, and much more, were seen on the 19-day voyage - allin all, over 25 species of “tube-nose”, as well as boobies, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, jaegers, gulls, terns, and even penguins! The various port stops also brought us opportunities for land-birding, starting in California - a nice view of California Gnatcatcher — while en route enjoying Los Cabos’ endemic Gray Thrasher, a lively Streaked Antpitta in Costa Rica, the strange Peruvian Thick-knee near Lima, and on the last day, Andean Condor and the enigmatic Diademed Sandpiper-plover in the mountains above Santiago. Getting back home two days before Christmas was a bit stressful, but it was all worth it!” Chris Wright
eee ae Photo of Diademed Sandpiper-plover by Gail Mackiernan
TALBOT COUNTY
Life member, Talbot Bird Club, George Armistead, was keynote speaker at the Morro Bay (California) Winter Birding Festival in January, George is President of Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (Philadelphia), the second oldest U.S. bird club, after the Nuttall Ornithological Club. The company he works for, Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Adventures, recently secured with two million dollars a ship for two tours to Antarctica, of which he will be the principal leader, in 2019 and 2020. The only passengers will be Rockjumper clients. Harry Armistead.
TRI-COUNTY
Doug and Sally Ruby spent their first year in retirement doing a Big Year. With a combination of independent travel, a few professionally led trips and strategic visits to birding festivals, they ended the year with 609 ABA species plus 9 other species! Doug estimates 182 days of the year looking for birds away from home since they visited 26 states and 2 Canadian provinces. Pelagic trips out of Hatteras NC and Monterey CA were distinct adventures in themselves. The year added 39 lifers to Doug’s list. We started the year in our own backyard and local birding and finished it with a second but successful effort for the Harris’ Sparrow in Prince George’s county. Doug and Sally Ruby
Bob and Marcia Balestri embarked on a round-trip, 15-day cruise from Los Angeles to 4 islands in Hawaii and Ensenada, Mexico. When Marcia first booked the cruise, ABA had not yet announced that Hawaii would be included on the ABA list, so it was a wonderful Surprise to discover that almost all the birds she saw on the islands would go ta her ABA count. And best of all, she added 2 birds to her life list: Cook’s Petrel and Chestnut Munia, Marcia’s main goal for this trip was to see lava flowing in person, which she missed out on during her last trip to Hawaii. It was shocking that as a geologist, she had never witnessed molten lava in real time. Fortunately for her, Kilauea and the helicopter pilot cooperated, and she was able to see this amazing phenomenon (well, for a geologist, it’s amazing). She also added 12 birds to her Mexico list at the last port of Ensenada. The trip was a great success for Bob as well. He took thousands of beautiful photos, some of which he has already sold, Marcia Balestri
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A group of watercolor paintings of Delmarva’s Shorebirds by Ellen Lawler will be on display at the Wicomico Library, downtown branch, during the month of March. The display includes paintings that show the diversity of shorebird species found on the Eastern Shore throughout the year and some show plumage differences in certain species (Dunlin and American avocet), Life history facts about the species depicted are included on the labels and information about the Tri-County Bird Club accompanies the display. Ellen Lawler
CUwOCA »
Beyond Birding: Dragonflies: Creatures of the Sunlight By Colin Rees, Anne Arundel
Dragonflies have begun to emerge only to suffer a short life. After a year underwater as nymphs, they have only a few weeks as an adult to mate and lay eggs. Until research by Don Williamson, we understood the nymph and airborne adult were progressive stages in the metamorphosis of an insect that has a common ancestor and is one animal. His controversial work proposes that the two forms are two different animals.
Williamson contends that under his larval transfer hypothesis, one or more ancestors of the damselflies acquired larvae by hybridizing with thysanurans (aka three-pronged bristletails) -- small wingless insects moving like fish, with small compound eyes, long antennae, 10-segmented abdomens and three tail-like structures. The mouthparts are partly retractable, with simple chewing mandibles and long maxillary palps. They are best known as silverfish, scurrying away from the kitchen light to dark damp places.
Williamson suggests that the hybrids evolved into a nymph with a bristletail but with larger eyes, an expandable jaw to seize water fleas and mosquito larvae and bristles that have become gills, The nymph molts its exoskeleton many times before the final molt climbs out of the water to split open and emerge as an adult damselfly. He notes that there is less difference between animals that he proposes to have hybridized than between other insects such as beetles and butterflies and their grub or caterpillar larvae; thus, pupation and the start-again metamorphosis were unnecessary.
March/April 2018
The organs and tissues of butterfly and moth caterpillars break down in the pupal stage and are replaced by a soup of stem cells and ‘imaginal discs’. Such discs form during the last caterpillar stage, the cuticle, legs, wings and nerves of the imago (adult) developing from them. Other adult organs, including the heart, gut and digestive gland, grow from stem cells in the pupal soup and no part of the larva becomes a part of the adult, The developing animal dismantles the larva then starts again to produce the adult, and Williamson questions whether this complex procedure could have evolved by a series of small changes, each subject to natural selection. In _ contrast, dragonflies and damselflies manage the transition from larva to adult without hybridization
Williamson’s hypothesis has drawn heated debate with those rebutting calling for laboratory hybridization studies to provide evidence of ancestral hybridogensis.
Whatever the final outcome of these studies, I watch an adult common whitetail wriggle from its own skin, rest on the leaf of a cattail and pump haemolymph into its limp wings which slowly expand by its sides. Over the next few hours or days, depending upon the temperature, its exoskeleton hardens and it will fly off in search of flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects, Its colors will become more vivid in a matter of days.
Caer 2)
Book Review: Arthur Singer: The Wildlife Art of an American Master by Paul Singer and Alan Singer. RIT Press 2017
By Ikumi Kayama, Patuxent Bird Club
Some artwork seems to enter our stream of consciousness so easily and smoothly that it can be taken for granted, the beautiful artwork blending seamlessly with the text = and accompanying maps and sonograms. It’s hard to imagine a world without the Golden Guide and books featuring lively illustrations of birds, range maps, silhouettes, and sonograms. It had to start somewhere by someone, and the key player in the history of field guides and commercial natural history illustration is Arthur Singer,
The Maryland Yellowthroat
This book, a combination of biography, art history, and art prints, is the first publication of the life of Arthur Singer. In addition to featuring the famous works by Arthur Singer, the book also features less well-known and unpublished art. The book celebrates his life and the artists he worked with or influenced, including David Sibley, and weaves stories of contributions Singer made to bird painting, wildlife art, and birding.
The authors, Paul Singer and Alan Singer, are both accomplished artists. Alan worked with Arthur on many of the projects including the State Birds & Flowers stamps. The stories about Arthur are warm and full of adventure seen from the sons’ perspectives. The text draws you into their house, roadtrips, and sketching trips to get an intimate view of the prolific artist.
The book is divided into eleven chapters that follow Arthur's life from his childhood to his final days. In each chapter, artworks are featured from a period in Arthur’s life. In addition to the familiar work found in the field guides and the State Birds and Flowers stamps, the book features many works in private collections and from his estate. The progression of the art and the subject matter follows mid-20 Century American history from the Great Depression, jazz in New York, World War II, rise of print and magazines, and so on. Arthur’s artwork features more than birds, including zoo animals, landscapes, and portraits.
This beautifully designed book is filled with careful thought and respect to showcase Arthur Singer’s sensitivies and mastery of composition and color, Out of 170 pages, 120 feature a full-page or larger print of Arthur’s work. The birds range from the mast common to the exotic. The facing pages are placed so the compositions of the two pieces complement each other. Some pages have full grey bleeds to highlight the composition of his works. As an illustrator and artist, I personally really loved seeing process images of an pastel sketch or a pencil sketch of his art. There is so much to learn from the images. Of course, the artworks are beautiful to look at and are reproduced beautifully. It makes me want to visit the American Museum of Natural History in New York to view and study the originals in the ornithology department!
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One of the many highlights of the book is a selection of unpublished work from Birds of the Ocean and Birds of the Seven Continents housed in the American Museum of Natural History archives. The book is the first to offer readers a chance to view such work since the 1970s. The full-page excerpts of penguins, terns, eiders, pheasants, bee eaters, and parrots leave the readers hungry for more.
In addition to Arthur’s works, the book also mentions numerous notable ornithologists and bird artists who were his contemporaries and colleagues. The radio interview excerpts woven in throughout the text give a glimpse into Arthur’s philosophy as an artist and his approach to his works. He had a balance between commissioned art and art for himself. Many of the points raised from the interview are still relevant to artists and illustrators today.
The book is good for birders, wildlife artists, history buffs, anyone familiar with the American Home Magazines in 1950s-1970s, and of course the Golden Book of Birds.
As an illustrator, it is possible to write an entire another article on his art style: Arthur’s technique is masterful. He uses line weights and color combined with meticulous research and planning to create an accurate, lively, and detailed series of work. Again, it is difficult to imagine a field guide without such lively birds full of personalities and life.
The poses that Arthur chooses for various species of animals and the accompanying flora and background result in a natural, lively feel for the entire canvas. The facial features, especially the expressions in the eyes, are captured beautifully. The feather detail is where a lot of artists get lost, but his work strikes a balance between detailed individual feathers and suggestions of a series of shapes.
Of course one doesn't need a degree in art or ta be a critic to enjoy his work. His subjects are usually familiar enough that the artwork speaks for itself. The landscape selections and bird/animal sections from this book is a lovely invitation to start dreaming about a next trip or to remember times when you saw a certain bird, animal, or a particular landscape.
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As a birder and illustrator myself, many of Arthur's methods and approaches are still used by illustrators and wildlife artists today. Looking at the book made me want to travel more and to paint more, even if a subject is every-day object or acommon backyard feeder bird.
One of the biggest surprises I found in the book was how prolific Arthur was. Creating 600+ illustrations in two years is pretty unheard-of these days. I thought digital illustration made things faster, but I guess not! Today it is more common for a team of artists to tackle a project similar to that which Arthur Singer single- handedly approached more than fifty years ago, Even combined with Alan’s help, it is hard for me to imagine working twelve hours a day every day on a project, then creating time to paint birds for fun. The book mentions some of Arthur’s favorite birds - I'll leave that for the readers to discover on their own,
Arthur Singer: The Wildlife Art of an American Master by Paul Singer and Alan Singer will make a great addition to the library of a birder, an artist, or a anyone who has an eye and appreciation for nature, It’s an inspiring volume showcasing the life of Arthur, his art, and how his art affected the world around him.
--Ikumi Kayama is a professional medical & scientific illustrator, creating illustrations for textbooks and academic journals. If unsupervised, she would be painting passerine birds in watercolor all day, every day! Her works have appeared in_ publications by the Nature Conservancy, Smithsonian Institutions, NASA, American Museum of Natural History, and many others. Ms. Kayama is Vice-President of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators.
Maryland/DC Records Committee Status Report as of January 24, 2018 by Phil Davis, MD/DCRC Secretary
The Maryland/DC Records Committee (MD/DCRC) has reached the following record decisions since the latest committee status report was published in The Maryland Yellowthroat. This status report covers MD/DCRC review package 171. MD/DCRC
March/April 2018
report numbers are in brackets. These records will be addressed in additional detail in a future issue of Maryland Birdlife, New "state" species (in bold and marked with asterisks) include Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Shiny Cowbird for MD and Mississippi Kite for DC. However, one species on the MD state list, Cape Verde Shearwater, was reopened, rereviewed, and not accepted by the committee. The species has been removed from the Official List of the Birds of Maryland. These changes bring the total species on the Official Lists of the Birds of MD and DC to 452 and 339, respectively,
More information on the MD/DCRC can be found on the committee's web pages at the following URL:
hittre//waww, mdbirds, ore/mddere/reindex. html
MD Records Accepted: *Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Calidris acuminata
[MD/2017-045]. Swan Creek/Cox Creek Dredged Material Containment Facility, Curtis Creek, Anne Arundel County.30-Aug-2017 through 0Q1-Sep- 2017, One adult,
Cory's Shearwater (Scopoli's), Calonectris diamedea diomedea [MD/2017-041]. Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 23-Aug- 2014, One bird.
Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus [MD/2017-028]. Chesapeake Beach Veterans Memorial, Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County. 25- Jun-2017 through 05-Aug-2017. One bird.
Swainson's Hawk, Buteo swainsoni [MD/2017- 031]. Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School, Valley Lee, Saint Mary's County. 24-Jun-2017. One immature.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus [MD/2017-027]. Glendening Nature Preserve, Bristol, Anne Arundel County. 03-Jun-2017. One immature.
*Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus — bonariensis [MD/2017-071]. Parkwood, Bethesda, Montgomery County. 22-Oct-2017 through 15- Jan-2018. One first-year (HY) male.
The Maryland Yellowthroat
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Setophaga coronata auduboni [MD/2004-138]. Trappe, Talbot County, 29-Apr-2003. One bird.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Setophaga coronata auduboni [MD/2009-051]. Nolands Ferry, Tuscarora, Frederick County. 19-Apr-2009, One adult female.
MD Records Not Accepted: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Dendrocygna
autumnalis [MD/2017-034]. Jamaica Point Road, Trappe, Talbot County, 26-Jul-2017. One bird,
Cory's Shearwater (Scopoli's), Ca/onectris diomedea diomedea [MD/2013-038]. Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County, 30-Jul- 2013. One bird.
Cory's Shearwater (Scopoli's), Ca/onectris diomedea diomedea [MD/2017-040]. Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 21-Aug- 2016, One bird.
Cape Verde Shearwater, Ca/onectris edwardsi/
[MD/2017-035]. Atlantic Ocean, Pelagic Zone, Worcester County. 21-Oct-2006. One bird. See additional information, below.
Loggerhead Shrike, Lanius ludovicianus [MD/2017-015]. private farm, Hagerstown, Washington County. 27-Mar-2017. One bird.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Setophaga coronata auduboni [MD/2009-030]. Hollywood, Saint Mary's County. 02-Mar-2009. One bird.
DC Records Accepted: *Mississippi Kite, Jctinia mississippiensis [DC/2011-161]. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. 21- May-2011. One subadult.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE CAPE VERDE SHEARWATER DECISION.
On a 21 Oct 2006 Lewes, Delaware pelagic trip into Maryland waters, a Cape Verde Shearwater was reported and photographed. This was the second report of this species for North America. In 2008, the report was accepted by the MD/DCRC, with much reliance on outside expert opinions, and the species was added to the Official List of the Birds of Maryland (http://www mdbirds_org/mddere/pdf/mdlist pdf),
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In 2014, the committee received an analysis fram two former committee members questioning the original decision based on updated knowledge of the identification and taxonomy of the Ca/onectris shearwater complex (including the recent split of Scopoli‘s Shearwater from Cory’s Shearwater). Based on this analysis, the committee voted to reopen the original record. The reopened report was re-reviewed, along with current shearwater references and updated outside expert opinions. In package 171, during a second-round review, the report not accepted. Therefore, the committee has removed this species from the Official List of the Birds of Maryland.
Since this is a significant decision, the committee is providing additional information from the review process, Below is related information from the committee’s database and voting members’ comments, gleaned from their ballots.
Original Accepted 2008 Decision Summary [MD/2006-264]:
The committee found that the photographs and written descriptions found for the identification of Cape Verde Shearwater. The photographs indicated a bird that was smaller than the Cory's with which it was associating. Other supporting characteristics included the slim, dark bill; the longer tail; head and neck shape; wing and primary shape; and a different mantle and upperwing pattern, Other similar species, including Cory's, Greater, Manx; and even Wedge- tailed Shearwater were eliminated. All outside experts polled for advice also concurred with the identification.
Reopened Not Accepted 2017 Decision Summary [MD/2017-035]:
This was a multiple-round split vote. Some committee members felt that the documentation supported identification of a Cape Verde Shearwater; however, other members found that the documentation was equivocal and did not eliminate similar taxa. In the end, not enough votes were cast to sustain this reopened report as a formal Maryland record and this species will now be removed from the Official List of the Birds of Maryland, The committee is not suggesting that this taxon was not seen, but rather just that the submitted documentation left questions in the minds of some members. Regardless, the report and related documentation are now preserved in
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the committee's archives for posterity and future researchers.
The following are excerpts from the committee's voting members’ ballots:
COMMENTS SUPPORTING ACCEPTANCE:
«Normally for a first state record, a detailed field description would be expected. For many sea-bird sightings this may not be possible as sightings are often of a matter of seconds and in combination with often quite distant birds. Having excellent photographic equipment and skills to confirm the I/D on any unusual birds is virtually a
requirement. This sighting is a great example of
the above. Given a combination of difficult lighting conditions, with observers looking directly into the sunlight for at least part of the time, this identification was dependent on three digital images taken. Fortunately [and rather surprisingly] these images managed to show the most important identification criteria in separating three closely related shearwaters ([Cory's, Scopoli's and Cape Verde Shearwaters] which were, until quite recently, lumped together by most authorities.
« The images show one individual with an overall slim build, looking decidedly slimmer than a Cory's Shearwater. The bird also lacked the bulky, large- headed look of a Cory's -- displaying an obviously smaller head. Also, the wings appeared narrower than that species, and the bill decidedly slimmer and probably proportionally longer. A combination of these factors can eliminate Cory's.
¢ The identification criteria recently developed to separate Scopoli's from Cory's is also useful in separating it from Cape Verde Shearwater, This criterion compares the amount of white on the primaries of the under-wing of Scopoli’s, particularly P6 thru P10, In Scopoli's there is a large amount of white on the under-wing.
e Based on a review of many digital and print images [esp. Porter et al. 1997] of Scopoli's and Cape Verde Shearwaters, the former species shows consistently more extensive white under- wings than Cape Verde. In many birds the white of the primaries extends well into the dark wing tip. This gives the wing-tip color a broken appearance rather than the more solid black of both Cory's and Cape Verde. By contrast, both
March/April 2018
Cory's and Cape Verde have both significantly less white [or none at all] on the underwing primaries [especially P6 thru P10], In fact, Cape Verde Shearwater's under-wing pattern is quite similar to Cory's, with little or no white tongues to the under-wing of P6-P10. This gives this species a substantially darker under-wing than Scopoli's, Based solely on a review of the images of all three species, this should be a distinctive and reliable identification criterion.
¢ As indicated above, the digital images supporting this submission are slightly out of focus. However, they do show the largely black wing-tip with the white on the under-wing area limited. This is what one would expect in Cape Verde, In viewing the many digital images of both species on the computer, Scopoli's consistently shows a substantially greater area of white coloring on the underwing than those shown in the images supporting this record which [in my opinion] would support acceptance of submission as Cape Verde Shearwater.
COMMENTS SUPPORTING NOT ACCEPTANCE: ¢ This might actually be a Cape Verde Shearwater, The photos, however, are insufficient to be certain: the backlighting, lack of scale to compare with other species, the blurriness... (none of which I blame on the photographer, but simply is an unfortunate outcome due to the conditions and brief time the bird was seen). As knowledge about Scopoli's has become better understood in the past 15 years, documentation of a rarity such as Cape Verde would have to be clear in excluding Scopoli's, since it is also a slighter, relatively more delicate bird than Cory's. We can't do that from these photos. As Mullarney pointed out, there appears to be white extending beyond the primary coverts in this bird, which is a Scopoli's feature, Mullarney's montage of birds we are examining compared to a Cape Verde he had photographed in a similar position also leaves us uncertain that this is a Cape Verde. None of the original observers noted that the bill of the bird was gray, only that it wasn't bright yellow, and although it appears smaller than that of a Cory's, it is difficult to be certain if it is as slight as a Cape Verde, or simply the somewhat delicate bill of a Scopoli's. I don't feel we have enough evidence to Accept the record,
« The comments of other members on the prior ballots led me to another thorough review of
The Maryland Yellowthroat
everything we have on this bird. I still can't find clarity or certainty in accepting this record, Too many questions come up when reviewing the comments, concerns and doubts of experts based on more current knowledge and experience on Cape Verde versus Scopolis and Cory's Shearwaters. I wish the photos had been clearer.
« The dorsal view photo looks great for CV as first glance--the bill shape and capped effect look promising, but the various comments about the issues with back-lighting are important. I notice that the bill of a Cory's in the original submission (page 4 of 8) also looks thin, due to backlighting. The ventral view certainly doesn't seem to add anything in favor of CV as far as I can see. Nota hint of the restricted but well demarcated white crescent on uppertail coverts, that most (but not all) CV show (according to photos that I've trawled through). Underwing pattern could fit Scopoli's, So, I'm not convinced that Scopoli's can be ruled out on the evidence in the photos. I think this could have been CV, but I find it difficult to support the acceptance of this bird.
e There are, however, some difficulties with this record including [1] the extremely limited time of observation, [2] the digital images are all slightly out of focus, and [3] structurally both Scopoli's and Cape Verde are very similar. In fact, [according to Howell] there is overlap in both the wingspread [110-121cm and bill length 35-55mm [Scopoli's], wingspread [101-112] and bill length 40-45mm [Cape Verde],
* Could well have been a Cape Verde, but there are too many questions about photographic artefacts to be totally confident about any of the ID features.
e I was struck by the apparent agreement of all the experts back in 2006, but we now read that Brinkley's more skeptical comments apparently didn't come through and that's Brian Patterson did not mean his to be so glowing as they seem. We also have new comments from Jonathan Alderfer, Even with the original expert comments there are some issues. Several say it looks good, but they'd like better pics and more ffield notes. Understandable for a 2nd NA record. Also, only a subset of the experts explicitly addressed Scopoli's. The comments of those that don't maybe aren't so useful. That being said we are left
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with several positive expert opinions that explicitly discuss Scopoli's and that means something.
® As far as the write-ups: [Observer 1]'s does not seem to do much to eliminate Scopoli's except possibly the description of the wingbeat/flight style. That part is intriguing, but of limited use in such a short encounter I think.
e [Observer 2]'s write-up: Similar to [Observer 1]'s above. The description of the flight style is intriguing but hard to take much from that in such a short encounter, [Observer 2] does explicitly mention Scopoli's while discussing the bill, but I don't buy his argument that a Scopoli's bill would have stood out to him. Scopoli's have a slimmer bill than borealis and in a lot of pics online and in this package, they appear fairly dull. Finally, [Observer 2] seems at pains to emphasize the bird did not have a cap, but Cape Verde apparently can appear capped and Scopoli's can appear not capped. Therefore, these comments don't do much to eliminate Scopoli's,
« So ultimately the decision comes down to the photos themselves and the expert remarks on them. I am sympathetic to Jonathan's critique of the photos that they are not good enough to say there are no white tongues or that the bill is slimmer than Scopoli's (which is already pretty slim compared to borealis). So, I think we have to go to minor structural and plumage details. The best expert comments all address these which is very intriguing. But generally, the references suggest these are subtle and hard to judge except in direct comparison or in the hand. So, considering how poor the photos are and the major significance of the record I don't think we should rely solely on these minor features together with a description of the wing beat. Therefore, I do not accept.
* No change from round one. [Observer 2] write- up does not adequately eliminate Scopoli's. This comes down to a few poor photos. Not enough to support a 2nd NA record especially since the photos hint at some features of Scopoli's.
¢ I still feel strongly that this is a CVSH. However, the photos are not 100 percent conclusive as you would want for a first state record.
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« After thoroughly reading all the analysis from 10 years ago and recently, I still believe the bird was a Cape Verde Shearwater. However, as many people noted (and I have said many times about other sightings), a bird this rare (2nd North American record), should be unequivocal and have amazing photos. The photos are very suggestive in structure, but the appearance of possible white on the outer primaries does bother me. The underwing pattern doesn't look extensive enough to be Scopoli's, which should then point to Cape Verde, but the photo quality prevents further detailed analysis. Perhaps one day we can reevaluate this based on new information, but right now, I have to agree that the photos are not conclusive.
e I still think this was a Cape Verde Shearwater based on the structure we saw in the field (as well as Mullarney's photo comparison!). However, the photo quality reduces the confidence I have in any photo analysis. There does appear to be some white on the outer primaries. One member says it's not enough for Scopoli's, but I'm not sure I can reach that conclusion from the photos. So, as I wrote before, a record this extraordinary needs better evidence.
¢ | think there is a good chance it was a CVSH, As several reviewers commented, there is evidence supporting CVSH, but it's difficult to say it's unequivocal.
e I agree with Sherman Suter’s comments in the re-opening document that Scopoli's was not adequately considered during the _ original comment and review period, though I'm not completely convinced that the bird is a Scopoli's and not a Cape Verde, Mullarney's collage of photos is certainly tantalizing in the structural similarities between his Cape Verde photo and [Observer 3]'s, but the underwing issue he points out can't be ignored.
e I reviewed the original documentation, the original ballots, and all of the "reopening" correspondence. To keep it short and simple, there is too much hesitation and doubt expressed by top seabird experts across the world to accept this as a first state record. Specific things that really stuck out: Brian Patteson noting that the "thin" bill could have been an artifact of the lighting; Killian Mullarney's photo comparison; and Steve Howell's
March/April 2018
simple but direct rejection of the record, Apparently, this record came before extensive new information regarding [Scopoli’s] became available, and there isn't enough documentation provided to separate this bird from that taxon with 100% certainty.
* Iam voting "Not Accept" because it is extremely difficult for me to be sure of any of the field marks on the images provided to make a positive identification as CVSH. The only shared opinion by the observers present is the size of the bird - that it was smaller than COSH, I'm concerned that the lighting conditions described during the sighting [illustrated in the photographs] must have made it extremely difficult see and judge the finer details to a CVSH. I'm stuck on the backlighting issue and odd effects is produces. Although I read all testimony provided by very knowledgeable and experienced pelagic birders; the most significant element of these conversations was a new/different approach to identifying CVSH and separating it from the other shearwaters, It may have been a CVSH...
aN ICA - 2)
MOS Calendar Mar - Apr 2018 By Marilyn Veek
March, dates TBD
® Harford. Timberdoodle Searches, Two searches will be scheduled during the month. Times, dates and locations will be determined by recent sightings. Details will be provided via email, social media or by contacting the HBC field trip chairperson, Tom Gibson, gibsonlld@aol.com or 410-734-4135,
Thursday, March 1 MEETING. Frederick. Renowned Smithsonian ornithologist Carla Dove will explain the role of feather forensics in aviation safety in “When Birds Collide.” 7 PM. Homewood at Crumland Farms, 7407 Willow Rd, Frederick. Contact Don Hambright, 301-676-0635,
The Maryland Yellowthroat
® Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible, 3 PM. Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed, Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, for more information.
Friday, March 2 DINNER/MEETING. Harford. Speaker and topic TBA, Dinner at 6:15 PM, general meeting at 7:15 PM, presentation at 8 PM. Churchville Presbyterian Church, 2844 Churchville Rd.
Saturday, March 3
® Anne Arundel. Kinder Farm Park. The park has a lot of trails and diverse habitat with fields and wooded areas to explore. Alan produced a checklist of the birds of the Park and walks and explores this area regularly. 7:30 AM (half day). Meet at Kinder Farm Park. Take the first left before the gatehouse and meet at the last parking lot up the hill. Contact leaders Alan and Susan Young, 410-991-8300 or alnmyoung@aol.com.
® Harford. Perryville. Expect to see eagles, winter ducks, woodpeckers, and hopefully swans, 9 AM. Meet at Stumps Point at the far end of the Perryville Community Park. Leaders are Colleen Webster, cwebster@harford.edu or 410-459- 4577, and Sue Procell, procelll@comcast.net or 443-417-4919.
MOS BoarbD MEETING. Howard. Mt Pleasant Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Rd, Woodstock.
® Kent. Friends of Eastern Neck NWR will sponsor a Refuge walk through areas normally closed to the public, A local birding expert or naturalist will guide the walk. Plan for a flat, two-mile outing, with cocoa and cookies at Refuge HQ afterwards, Bring binoculars and a camera. Wear boots and dress warmly. No rain date. Registration is limited to 20, first-come, first-served. Children over 12 are permitted, but no dogs. Walks are free (with a tax-deductible donation payable to Friends of Eastern Neck appreciated to keep the program self-sustaining). To register at Eventbrite, go to: http://bit,ly/2vWPDBt. 8 AM (two hours). Meet at Refuge HQ. For more information, contact Gren Whitman, easternneckwalks@gmail.com or 443- 691-9370.
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® Patuxent/PGAS. Fran Uhler Natural Area. Monthly walk. 7:30 AM, Meet at E end of Lemon's Br Rd, off Rt 197 just N of Bowie State University. No reservations needed. Contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com.
Sunday, March 4 ® Howard. Centennial Park, Easy walking around the lake on paved path. Facilities available. Waterfowl expected, early migrant passerines possible. Accessible. 8 AM (2-3 hrs). West end parking lot. Leaders Richard and Renee Peters, Richard@rrrrpeters.org
f Kent. Chesapeake Farms. Wintering waterfowl, raptors (notably eagles), White-crowned and other sparrows. Bring snacks. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the Dollar General parking lot (off Philosopher’s Terrace) in Chestertown, If you have questions, please contact leaders Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or borealdee@gmail.com.
® Talbot. Fishing Boat off of Tilghman. A local Captain has agreed to take a small group of TBC members on a fishing boat out into the Chesapeake, hopefully providing close up views of large rafts of sea ducks, gannets and maybe Great Cormorants at Sharps Island Light. Sign up in advance, and there will be a fee for the boat trip to cover the captain's costs, Leaving from Knapps Narrows Marina. Coordinated by Jan Reese, 410- 745-2875 or reesejan@gmail,com.
A Talbot. Late afternoon and evening at Pickering Creek. Early March is peak time
for hearing and possibly seeing the elusive “timber doodle” (or American Woodcock to most of us). The fields around Pickering Creek can be filled with peenting woodcock at sunset. Before the show begins, look for sparrows, Rusty Blackbirds and other woodland species. 3:30 PM. Depart Easton Acme parking lot. 4 PM. Meet at Pickering Creek parking lot. Leader Ron Ketter, rketter@verizon.net.
Tuesday, March 6 MEETING. Baltimore. Kurt Schwarz on “Cape May Capers.” A description of the bird life and birding sites of Cape May County, NJ. Cape May is one of the most famous migration hotspots in North America. Kurt Schwarz is conservation chair of
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MOS and former President of the Howard County Bird Club. Doors open at 7 PM for socializing and snacks, lecture starts about 7:20 PM. Greenhouse Classroom, Cylburn Arboretum.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Seasons at South Tract. One of a series of quarterly bird walks at the South Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge. We will walk some of the trails and will stop at the Pollinator Garden bird feeding area by the Visitor Center. Be prepared to walk up to 2.5 miles. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. Target species include early migrating landbirds and lingering waterfowl. 9 AM (half day). Meet in the parking lot of the National Wildlife Visitor Center; bear left on entering the parking area and go all the way to the last section of the lot past the covered electric vehicle recharging station. For further information contact leader Marcia Watson, marshwren50@comcast.net.
Wednesday, March 7 ® Baltimore. Fort McHenry. Continuing a series of monthly morning surveys at the Fort and wetland, Telescope can be useful. Cancelled in bad weather. 8 AM (half day). Meet outside of front gates and park at lot on left hand side. Leader Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769.
® Montgomery. Informal Late Afternoon Bird Walk. Joint trip with ANS. We'll be checking out the Potomac River for waterfowl, gulls, terns, etc. Next stop will be Hughes Hollow, part of McKee Beshers WMA. Potential highlights here include early Tree Swallows, calling Pied-billed Grebes and Wood Ducks and other waterfowl flying into roost. We'll finish with American Woodcock display if they are in the vicinity. Bring scope, flashlight and wear “muddy conditions” footwear, Reservations are not required. All are welcome. 4:30 PM. Meet at the end of Seneca Rd at Riley's Lock “on the bridge." For more info, call leader Jim Green, 301- 742-0036.
Thursday, March 8 MEETING. Howard. “The Azores and Madeira Islands: Endemics and Island Beauty,” by Phil Davis. Phil has long been fascinated by these islands as stepping stones for vagrant European and African rarities arriving in North America. Phil
March/April 2018
and his wife, Barbara, traveled to the islands in 2014 and returned two years later to lead a group of birders on a grand tour of seven islands, Hospitality 7 PM; meeting/program 7:30 at Robinson Nature Ctr, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, Info: John Harris, 240-755-0183.
Saturday, March 10 ® Allegany/Garrett. C&O Canal at Little Orleans. In eastern Allegany County we'll look for early migrating birds and winter residents along the canal. Waterfowl and American Eagles may be seen at several overlooks of the Potomac River, 8:15 AM. Car pool from the P&R at Ali Ghan Rd and Christie Rd, exit 46 off I-68. 9 AM. Meet at the C&O Canal at Little Orleans.
A Anne Arundel. 3rd Annual Woodcock Whoopee! Join Alan and Sue Young on a search for the elusive American Woodcock, Hopefully we will catch them in their fantastic nocturnal displays and songs of love. Meet at Kinder Farm Park Visitor Center promptly at 5:45 PM to catch the show. Contact Alan and Susan at 410-991-8300 or alnmyoung@aol,com.
Baltimore. Youth Trip to Marshy Point Nature Center. We will set out along the trails and boardwalk for a mix of late winter residents and early migrants. Fox and Tree Sparrows are good possibilities, and Rusty Blackbirds may turn up, as well as a selection of both land and water birds including Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush and plenty of waterfowl. 9 AM. Meet at the Visitor's Center, Leader John Robinson, 410-483-6620 or jcrobin@jhmi.edu.
f Carroll. Woodcock Walk at Morgan Run. Come strain your eyes and ears to appreciate these curious birds as they perform their annual courting ritual. 6 PM. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Ben Rose Ln. Contact Allan McQuarrie, 410-552- 1278, if you plan to attend.
® Cecil. Perryville Community Park. Seeking out lingering winter waterfowl at the 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. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the North East Community Park, at the end of Walnut St. Leader Maryanne Dolan, maryanne.dolan@gmail.com.
The Maryland Yellowthroat
® Frederick. Black Hills Reservoir. Bald Eagles and over-wintering waterfowl. Contact leader David Smith, 410-549-7082, for meeting time and location.
M Montgomery. Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay Natural Area. Joint trip with Audubon Naturalist Society. Waterfowl, Wilson’s Snipe, winter and early spring songbirds, Ospreys displaying. Wear muddy conditions footgear. Reservations required (15-person limit). 8 AM (half day). Meet at Park hdgtrs parking lot. Leader John Bjerke, johnbjerkel @mac,com.
Sunday, March 11 (Daylight Saving Time begins) ® Anne Arundel. Quiet Waters Park. Monthly walk through the park exploring woodland trails, edge habitat and views of the South River. A lovely habitat for birding throughout the year and could be very good for migrant birds. $6 per car Park entry fee. 8 AM (3 hrs). Meet at Blue Heron Ctr.
leader David Gillum, 410-266-8775 or
dagmapper@verizon. net.
® Baltimore. Marshy Point Nature Center, Easy walk through varied habitats for winter waterfowl, raptors, passerines. Half-mile trail leads to point overlooking Dundee Creek. Boots advisable, telescopes useful. 9 AM (half day), Leaders Brent and Mary Byers, 410-686-7294 or baypuffin@hotmail.com.
f® Howard. Centennial Park. Easy walking around the lake on paved path. Facilities available, Waterfowl expected, early migrant passerines possible. Accessible. 8 AM (2-3 hrs). West end parking lot, Leader Mary Lou Clark, doctorfx_ 99@yahoo.com.
® Talbot. Talbot County Wastewater Treatment Plant. Expect plenty of Canada Geese with opportunities for rare waterfowl on the impoundments as well as sparrows, larks and raptors in the immediate vicinity. 7 AM. Easton Acme parking lot. Leaders Paul and Priscilla Thut, 410-745-6657 or pdthut@gmail,com, Breakfast host Betty Maki, bjmaki04@gmail.com.
Monday, March 12
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MEETING. Talbot. Program TBD. 7 PM, Bayleigh Chase (aka William Hill Manor) Auditorium, 501 Dutchman's Lane, Easton,
Tuesday, March 13 MeerinG. Allegany/Garrett. Liz McDowell, Coordinator, Western Mountains Chapter, Native Plant Society, will speak on “Native Plants, a Welcome Sight For Wildlife”, 7 PM, Compton Hall, Room TBA, Frostburg State University.
MEETING. Kent. Program TBD. 7:30 PM at Heron Point of Chestertown, off East Campus Ave,
® Montgomery. Informal Late Afternoon Bird Walks. Joint trip with ANS. We'll be checking out the Potomac River for waterfowl, gulls, terns, etc, Next stop will be Hughes Hollow, part of McKee Beshers WMA. Potential highlights here include early Tree Swallows, calling Pied-billed Grebes and Wood Ducks and other waterfowl flying into roost, We'll finish with American Woodcock display if they are in the vicinity. Bring scope, flashlight and wear “muddy conditions” footwear. Reservations are not required. All are welcome. 4:30 PM, Meet at the end of Seneca Rd at Riley's Lock “on the bridge.” For more info, call leader Jim Green, 301- 742-0036.
MEETING. Patuxent/PGAS. “Birds and climate change: using climate change projections to inform conservation throughout the Americas” presented by Chad _ Wilsey, Director of Conservation Science in the science division of the National Audubon Society. Chad will cover the approaches that National Audubon is taking to gather data on the effects of climate change on birds, and how this data can be used to shape policy. Free and open to the public, Doors open at 7 PM for 7:30 PM meeting start time. College Park Airport Operations Bldg, 2nd Fl, 1909 Corporal Frank Scott Dr, College Park.
Thursday, March 15 MEETING. Caroline. Alice Mohrman, Education Coordinator for Abbott's Mill Nature Center, Delaware Nature Society, will speak on “Gardening for Clean Water and Butterflies”. 7:30 PM. Caroline County Public Library, 100 Market St, Denton,
® Montgomery. Informal Late Afternoon Bird Walks. Joint trip with ANS, We'll be checking out the Potomac River for waterfowl, gulls, terns, etc.
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Next stop will be Hughes Hollow, part of McKee Beshers WMA. Potential highlights here include early Tree Swallows, calling Pied-billed Grebes and Wood Ducks and other waterfowl flying into roost. We'll finish with American Woodcock display if they are in the vicinity. Bring scope, flashlight and wear “muddy conditions” footwear, Reservations are not required. All are welcome. 4:30 PM. Meet at the end of Seneca Rd at Riley's Lock “on the bridge.” For more info, call leader Jim Green, 301- 742-0036.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible, 3 PM. Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net for more information.
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18
<# YMOS. Maryland Youth Birdathon. Fund Raising for the World Series of Birding Teams. You can pledge any time prior to the Birdathon by emailing George Radcliffe (radclifg@gmail,com) or Wayne Bell (wbell2@washcoll.edu). Remaining wintering birds and early migrants, owls and rails, The group will begin in Ocean City on Saturday morning and end up in Dorchester County by evening. The search will resume Sunday morning in Dorchester and conclude by the Bay Bridge late Sunday afternoon. Lodging will be available Friday and Saturday nights in Dorchester County, Students will need money for meals. Logistics and specific times will be coordinated once we know who is going. Participants can come either or both days. Email George Radcliffe (radclifg@gmail.com) of your intent to go at least 2 weeks in advance of the trip.
Saturday, March 17
® Anne Arundel. Little Patuxent River Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve. Join Jay Sheppard and Marcia Stutzman along Eagle’s Head Cove in search of waterfowl and more. We will carpool to multiple entry points that you can check out later. No bathroom facilities. Scope is helpful, 8:30 AM (2¥2 hrs). Park on the west side of Oxbow Place near the marked entrance to Oxbow Preserve, Contact Julia Lasher, 301-643-6496 or JuliaAlys@hotmail.com.
March/April 2018
f Baltimore. Fort McHenry. Continuing survey of bird activity at the Fort. Telescope can be useful. Cancelled in bad weather, 8 AM. Meet outside of park gates and park at lot on left hand side. Leader David Sandler, 410-370-0747.
f Baltimore. Little Gull Chase. Every March a few Little Gulls appear on Back River in large flocks of Bonaparte’s Gulls, We will search for them at Cox Point Park, Diamond Point Rd and other likely spots. Trip limited to 12. Reserve your spot with Nancy O’Hara. 10 AM, Meet at Cox Point Park in Essex. Leaders Kevin Graff, keyweststyle2001@gmail.com, and Nancy O'Hara, noh529@gmail.com or 443-286-0922.
® Frederick. Signs of Spring. Audubon Saciety of Central MD Nature Walk. 9 AM (two hours). Audrey Carroll Sanctuary, 13030 Old Annapolis Rd, Mt Airy. For more information contact Crystal Kunst, hckunst@qis.net or 443-536-3071.
® Harford. Waterfowl Tour. Search a variety of locations to see the many species of waterfowl that use our waterways. 6:45 AM, Meet at the McDonalds on Rt 40 in Edgewood. Leader Dave Webb, porzana@comeast.net or 410-939-3537.
Af Howard. Winter Sparrow Search. Search the wetlands and dry fields as we look for as many sparrows as possible while looking for signs of spring. This is the peak time for singing Fox Sparrows. Waterproof boots are recommended, Facilities at some spots. 7:30 AM. Meet at the Howard County Conservancy parking lot. Leader Bonnie Ott, sparrowdamsel@gmail.com or 443- 285-3302.
f Kent. Bombay Hook NWR. Explore one of the area’s premier National Wildlife Refuges for waterfowl, shorebirds, herons and other early migrants, Bring lunch. 8 AM (full day). Meet at the Dollar General parking lot (off Philosopher’s Terrace) in Chestertown, If you have questions, please contact trip leaders Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or borealdee@gmail.com.
M Patuxent/PGAS. Governor Bridge Natural Area. Monthly walk. No reservations needed. 7:30 AM, Meet at the Natural Area parking lot on the S side of Governor Bridge Rd, 1 mile E of Rt 301. For
The Maryland Yellowthroat more information contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com,
® Talbot. Oxford and environs. Explore the Oxford Natural Area for sparrows’ and meadowlarks. Land birding, especially at fields outside of town, sometimes yields birds such as Horned Larks and Pipits. 7 AM. Easton Acme parking lot. 7:20 AM at Town Park in Oxford, across from the Town Hall. Leaders Tom Corl, 202- 215-1684 or tom.corl@gmail.com, and Ron Ketter, rketter@verizon, net.
Sunday, March 18 ® Howard. Centennial Park. Easy walking around the lake on paved path. Facilities available, Waterfowl expected, woodland trails for passerines. Accessible, 8 AM (2-3 hrs). West end parking lot. Leaders Karen and Kevin Heffernan, 410-418-8731 or KJHeffl122@gmail.com.,
Wednesday, March 21
MEETING. Anne Arundel. "Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird", with Katie Fa/lon. Vultures evoke many feelings in humans: envy of their effortless flight, frustration with their urban roosts, and perhaps both appreciation and disgust at their eating habits. Vultures are often overlooked, underappreciated, and unloved, despite the vital role they play healthy ecosystems, Worldwide, vultures are more likely to be threatened or endangered than any other group of raptor, but in the United States Turkey and Black Vultures may be increasing In number. Based on Katie Fallon’s new book, this presentation will discuss the life and times of the noble Turkey Vulture, including its feeding, nesting, and roosting habits, migratory behaviors, and common misconceptions. Katie’s book will be available for purchase and signing. 7 - 9 PM, Blue Heron Center, Quiet Waters Park. Contact Barbara Johnson at 410-703-4664 or barbarajohnson222@qmail,com,
Saturday, March 24 A Allegany/Garrett. Rocky Gap, Mason Road Pond and C&O Canal Terminus. With Washington County Bird Club. We will travel to several spots at Rocky Gap for waterfowl before moving on to Mason Rd Pond and the C & O Canal Terminus. 8:15 AM. Carpool from P&R at Rt 36 and I-68, 9 AM. Carpool from the NRP office, 12512 Pleasant Valley Rd near entrance to Rocky Gap SP. Contact
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Melissa Hensel, mjhensel@yahoo.com or 240- 362-1086,
® Anne Arundel. Lake Roland. Centered on Lake Roland in the Jones Falls valley, the park has 503 acres of exceptionally diverse ecosystems including wetlands, meadows, and mature hardwood forests. Most significant is the environmentally sensitive serpentine barrens in the Bare Hills area, home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, 8:10 AM. Meet at the Cromwell Station Light Rail stop in Glen Burnie to take the 8:28 train to the Falls Road stop at the park entrance, a 40-minute ride. We can eat lunch nearby at Pepe’s before the return train trip at 1:20. Contact Barbara Johnson, 410- 703-4664 or barbarajohnson222@gmail.com.
AM Cecil. Blackwater and Beyond. This trip is designed to see large numbers of waterfowl during the height of spring staging season, at Blackwater NWR, 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. 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. 9 AM (full day). Meet at the Blackwater Headquarters parking lot. To carpool, we suggest arranging to meet near Dunkin’ Donuts in Big Elk Mall, intersection of Rt 40 and Rt 213 in Elkton, at 6 AM. Leader Sean “Bird Dog" McCandless, seanmccandless1@gmail,com.
® Harford. Perryman Area, Explore several spots within this Bush River region that attract a variety of species (wintering sparrows, raptors, migrating waterfowl). 7:30 AM. Meet at the Aberdeen Walmart parking lot. Leader Mark Johnson, marksjohnson2@qgmail.com or 410-692-5978.
® Howard. Waterfowl Search. We'll search Howard County waterways for ducks, grebes, mergansers and loons. Chance of an early migrant. 8 AM (half day). Meet at Lake Elkhorn Broken Land Pkwy parking lot to carpool, Leader Kurt Schwarz, 410-461-1643, krschwal@verizon.net,
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Havre de Grace to Conowingo. We will bird from the top of the Chesapeake Bay up the Susquehanna River to the Conowingo Dam, stopping at various overlooks for the primary target species, gulls and waterfowl. The trip is planned for the peak period for Little Gull, Black- headed Gull, and Bonaparte’s Gull. Scoters, grebes and loons also possible. Eagles should be abundant, and the woods along the river usually harbor a good selection of wintering and resident birds, including woodpeckers, kinglets, thrushes, and Winter Wrens. Bring snacks and drinks and dress warmly —- conditions are often windy along the river. Reservations needed. 9 AM (% day), Meet at the Havre de Grace Marina, 723 Water St. To reserve your seat and for more information, contact leader, Gene Scarpulla, ejscarp@comcast.net, no later than March 17.
f Tri-county. Berlin Falls Park (formerly the Berlin WWTP) and other Worcester County locations to look for late ducks and early migrants. Depending on the weather and what is being reported, we will explore the Ocean City area, and perhaps Castaways and/or Assateague. In general, the birding will be easy on level ground, much of it paved. Sturdy shoes will be useful at the Berlin Falls Park as we will be on a dirt/grass road around the park. Bring lunch, snacks, drinks or buy at Royal Farms where we will stop for convenience breaks. 7;30 AM. Meet at Ward Museum parking lot. 8:15 AM. Meet at Berlin Falls Park parking lot. For more information, contact trip leader Marcia Balestri at mebalestri@gmail.com.
Sunday, March 25 ® Howard. Centennial Park. Easy walking around the lake on paved path. Facilities available, Waterfowl expected, early migrant passerines possible. Accessible. 8 AM (2-3 hrs). West end parking lot. Leader Mike Kerwin, m63kerwin@verizon.net or 410-461-2408,
f® Talbot. Southwestern Caroline County in and around the village of Choptank. Views over the Choptank River can be rewarding in early spring for waterfowl and unusual gulls, Will visit Poplar Neck Marsh for marsh birds and sparrows, 7 AM, Depart Easton Acme parking lot. Leader Dave
March/April 2018
Palmer, 410-829-3376 or
® Patuxent/PGAS. Susquehanna River from
dpalmermd59@gmail.com.
Monday, March 26 MEETING. Tri-county. “Maryland Safe Skies” presented by Beth Decker. 7 PM. MAC Education Center off Snow Hill Rd, Salisbury, For more information, contact Ellen Lawler, 410-982-8695 or emlawler534@comcast. net.
Tuesday, March 27 ® Baltimore. Phoenix Pond. Excellent migrant spot in N Baltimore County on NCR Trail, Self- guided walk, Optional add-on to nearby Paper Mill Rd Flats. 8 AM. Coordinator Kevin’ Graff, keyweststyle2001@gmail.com or (text only) 410- 967-5896.
MEETING. Washington. “MOS Sanctuaries” with Marcia Watson. 7 PM. Mt. Aetna Nature Ctr, 21905 Mt. Aetna Rd, Hagerstown.
Saturday, March 31
® Harford. Susquehanna SP, We will look for gulls, lingering waterfowl and perhaps some early surprises. Additional sites in the Park may also be visited. 8 AM. Meet at the Lapidum parking lot at the south end of the Park. Leader Dennis Kirkwood, newarkfarms@gmail.com or 410-692- 5905,
® Howard. Alpha Ridge Landfill. Vesper sparrow and other field birds possible. Meadowlarks, kestrels and other open country birds expected, Rarities possible. Moderate walking over hills and fields of the landfill. Facilities at Alpha Ridge Park. 7:45 AM (half day). Meet at Alpha Ridge Park to carpool to landfill (required). Contact Joe Hanfman, auk1844@gmail.com or 410-772-8424.
Sunday, April 1 (Easter Sunday) ® Cecil. 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
The Maryland Yellowthroat
waters below the dam to see what's about, Dress warmly if the weather is unseasonably cold. Easy walking on a level, well-graded trail (short stretches may be a bit muddy). 8 AM (half day). Meet at Fisherman’s Park below the Dam. Leader Maryanne Dolan, maryanne.dolan@gmail.com.
® Talbot. Mill Ponds East of Route 50. Search for arriving northbound transient species in forested bottomlands in close proximity to Easton. 7 AM, Depart Easton Acme parking lot. Leader Jan Reese, 410-745-2875 or reesejan@gmail.com.
Tuesday, April 3
MEETING. Baltimore. Sean McCandless on “Hawk Identification.” This program will review raptors that visit Maryland annually and will teach the basic field marks needed to identify perched and flying hawks. Sean is an avid birder and bird photographer based in Cecil County. Related field trip April 7. Doors open at 7 PM for socializing and snacks, lecture starts about 7:20 PM. Greenhouse Classroom, Cylburn Arboretum.
Wednesday, April 4 ® Baltimore. Fort McHenry. Continuing a series of monthly morning surveys at the Fort and wetland, Telescope can be useful. Cancelled in bad weather. 8 AM (half day). Meet outside of park gates and park at lot on left hand side. Leader Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769.
MEETING. Carroll. “Butterflies and Gardening Strategy” by Debbie Maeder. 7 PM. Carroll Nonprofit Center, Westminster. Contact Don Jewell, jewelldg@gmail.com.
Thursday, April 5 MEETING. Frederick. Marcia Watson will talk about MOS sanctuaries. 7 PM. Homewood at Crumland Farms, 7407 Willow Rd, Frederick. Contact Don Hambright, 301-676-0635,
® Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible. 6 PM. Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed, Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtiantic.net, for more information. Saturday-Sunday, April 7-8
MOS. Work Weekend at Irish Grove. Join us in beautiful Somerset County for a weekend full of
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projects, camaraderie and birding at Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary. You can stay for free at the house or pitch your tent in the yard. Indoor space is limited. To see video of last spring's work weekend, search for MOS Sanctuaries on YouTube. See you there! If you plan to attend or have questions, please contact Dotty Mumford, dottymum@comcast.net or 443-214-5154.
Saturday, April 7
® Allegany/Garrett. Garrett County Ponds, We'll visit Finzel Swamp, Piney Reservoir, Meadows Lake and Campground and New Germany SP (if time permits). Pack a lunch for a picnic at the Park. 9 AM. Carpool from Parkside School in LaVale. 9:30 AM. Meet at Finzel Swamp. Contact Melissa Hensel, mjhensel@yahoo.com or 240-362-1086,
® Baltimore. Fort Smallwood Hawkwatch. Try out those Hawk ID skills with a field trip to the Baltimore area’s premier spring Hawkwatch site, Last year on April 7 this site recorded 8 species of hawks including good numbers of Osprey, Sharp- shinned Hawk and American Kestrel. Trip is free, but there's a $6 fee for parking. 9 AM. Leader Sean McCandless, seanmccandless1 @gmail.com. Coordinator (for carpooling) Nancy O'Hara, nohS529@gmail.com or 443-286-0922.
M Cecil. Fair Hill NRMA. 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. 7 AM (half day). Meet at the Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge parking lot on Tawes Dr. There is an honor system daily fee ($3 Maryland residents; $4 out-of-state visitors). Leader Ken Drier, kdrier@zoominternet. net.
® Frederick. North Point SP and Black Marsh, Explore two beautiful adjacent sites on the Chesapeake Bay. Black Marsh is a wild and natural Nature Conservancy property. Contact leader Kathy Calvert, 301-810-5677, for meeting time and location.
® Harford. Rocks SP. Spend the morning on the trails of the Deer Creek woodland to search for various woodland species. Same hiking on hilly
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trails is involved. After the main walk we'll visit one Or more picnic areas that will require a $3.00 ($5.00 out of state) per person fee. 7:30 AM, Meet at the ranger station parking lot on Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Leader Mark Magnani, mwmagnani@gmail.com or 410-838-1778.
® Howard. Sharps at Waterford Farm. Moderate walking over crop stubble, farm roads and paths on this working farm. Fields with crop residue, extensive woodlands, Cattail Creek and floodplain, three ponds and “five shallow’ waterfowl impoundments make for diverse habitats and good birding opportunities. Port-a-pots available. Knee- high waterproof footwear required for part of walk. 8 AM (half day). Meet at farm parking area, through barns on right. Rt 97 S to right on Jennings Chapel Rd, 1 mile to right into farm at sign, Leader Wes Earp, wesandsue@gmail.com or 410-531-3197
® Kent. Pickering Creek Audubon Center. Spring birding for late waterfowl, raptors, sparrows and the occasional surprise, Bring lunch. 8 AM (full day). Meet at the Dollar General parking lot (off Philosopher's Terrace) in Chestertown, If you have questions, please contact trip leaders Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or borealdee@gmail.com.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Fran Uhler Natural Area. Monthly walk, 7:30 AM, Meet at E end of Lemon's Br Rd, off Rt 197 just N of Bowie State University. No reservations needed. Contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com.
Sunday — Tuesday, April 8 -— 10 ® Washington. Bombay Hook. Contact Mark Abdy, mjabdy@yahoo.com or 301-432-7696 for details.
Sunday, April 8
® Anne Arundel. Quiet Waters Park. Monthly walk through the park exploring woodland trails, edge habitat, and views of the South River, A lovely habitat for birding throughout the year and could be very good for migrant birds. $6 per car Park entry fee. 8 AM (3 hrs), Meet at Blue Heron Center. Contact David Gillum, 410-266-8775 or dagmapper@verizon.net.
March/April 2018
f Baltimore. Marshy Point Nature Center, Easy walk through varied habitats for winter waterfowl, raptors, passerines. Half-mile trail leads to point overlooking Dundee Creek. Boots advisable, telescopes useful. 8 AM (half day). Leaders Brent and Mary Byers, 410-686-7294 or baypuffin@hotmail.com.
® Montgomery. Hughes Hollow and Vicinity. We will explore the wetlands of Hughes Hollow and Sycamore Landing. Species to be expected include Red-headed Woodpeckers, Wood Ducks, Blue- winged Teal, and many other marsh dwellers. A chance for several warblers including Prothonotary. Reservations are not required, but please contact the leader if you are planning to come so he can provide additional information before the trip. 7 AM (half day). Meet at Hughes Hollow parking lot in the McKee-Beshers WMA. Leader Jim Nelson, kingfishers2@verizon.net or 240-515-4517,
® Talbot. Urban Birding. We will again (our 10th year) bird the variety of habitats around the Target Shopping Center and the newly developed shopping areas nearby in search of early spring migrants. Every year we have seen our FOY Rough-winged Swallows on this trip, We will scan fields, open water, tidal guts, wood margins and hedgerows for early arriving migrants as well as wintering birds. 7 AM. Depart Easton Acme parking lot. Leader Terry Allen, 410-829-5840 or pattyallen10@hotmail.com. Breakfast host Cathy Cooper, coopercw@goeaston.net, at home or in the Londonderry Manor House.
Monday, April 9 MEETING. Talbot. Speaker and topic TBA. 7 PM, Bayleigh Chase (aka William Hill Manor) Auditorium, 501 Dutchman's Lane, Easton.
Tuesday, April 10 MEETING. Allegany/ Garrett. “Wildlife Conservation in Tanzania and Kenya. Approaches and Challenges, With Examples From the Spotted- Necked Otter” by Dr. Thomas L Serfass, Dr, Serfass’ research focuses on various aspects of
carnivore ecology and conservation, including reintroduction projects. 7 PM, Compton Hall, Room TBA,
Frostburg State University.
The Maryland Yellowthroat
® Baltimore. Phoenix Pond. Excellent migrant spot in N Baltimore County on NCR Trail. Self- guided walk. Optional add-on to nearby Paper Mill Rd Flats. 8 AM. Coordinator Kevin’ Graff, keyweststyle2001@gmail.com or (text only) 410- 967-5896.
MEETING. Kent. Speaker and topic TBA. 7:30 PM at Heron Point of Chestertown, off East Campus Ave,
MEETING. Patuxent/PGAS. “Playing Dr. Doolittle: Understanding Bird Songs and Social Behavior”, presented by Kim Derrickson. Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll — Avian Style. Well maybe not the drugs, but more than enough of the other two to make an entertaining evening. Come hear about the amazing lives of our feathered friends, You will be utterly amazed by their complexity. Learn about our local avian virtuoso, the Northern Mockingbird, including why they keep you up at night singing from your chimney. Dr. Derrickson will tell you all you ever wanted to know (and you don't have to be afraid to ask) about Northern Mockingbirds. He will also discuss his various research endeavors attempting to unravel the social lives and singing styles of another local species with a beautiful song, the Wood Thrush, and a Panamanian suboscine, the Dusky Antbird. As these stories unfold you will see how experiences in the field, several completely unexpected, have directed and altered Kim’s research efforts. During the presentation we will explore questions such as: Why do mockingbirds have one of the largest vocal repertoires of any bird species? How do birds know how far away a neighbor is by listening? Why are there good Dads and poor Dads in Wood Thrushes when it comes to parental care? And, do Wood Thrushes actually see their eggs? Free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 PM for 7:30 PM meeting start time. College Park Airport Operations Bldg, 2nd FI, 1909 Corporal Frank Scott Dr, College Park.
Thursday, April 12 MEETING. Howard. “From Mountains to Saltmarsh: Rediscovering the MOS Sanctuaries,” by Marcia Watson. MOS owns nine sanctuaries, spanning the state from Garrett County to Somerset County on the lower Eastern Shore. They are open to the public at no charge every day of the year, and represent a macrocosm of the habitats for birds in Maryland. Marcia will review the history of the Sanctuary program, cover some of the challenges
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MOS faces in managing the properties and suggest ways interested individuals can become involved. Hospitality 7 PM; meeting/program 7:30 at Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia. Info: John Harris, 240-755-0183,
Saturday, April 14
® Anne Arundel. Swan Harbor. The grounds offer multiple types of habitat including frontage along the Chesapeake Bay, open farm fields, a small freshwater marsh, manmade water impoundments, some small woodlots and a forested stream valley, Over 250 species of birds have been seen at this site. We will be looking for flycatchers, vireos, breeding warblers, orioles as well as migrating shorebirds. 6:45 AM (half day). Meet at Millersville P&R. Contact Matt Addicks, 442-987-7208 or maddicks13@gmail.com.
® Baltimore. Youth Trip to North Point SP, We will walk down the Black Marsh trail to the Bay, looking for late ducks and early migrants, such as Hooded Mergansers and Little Blue Herons as well as the increasingly rare Rusty’ Blackbird, Afterwards, we will head down to the stone pier to check for other interesting residents and visitors, The walk is free, but there is a $3 charge to enter the park, 9 AM. Meet at the small parking area on the left, just past the entrance booth. Leader John Robinson, 410-483-6620 or jcrobin@jhmi.edu.
® Frederick. Hughes Hollow Birds, Wildflowers and Butterflies. A great trip for beginners as well as experienced birders, Contact leaders Pat Caro, 240-651-5651, or Kathy Brown, 301-865-1369, for meeting time and location.
f Harford. Harford Glen. This preserve offers great opportunities for good spring birding. The woodland trails through rolling hills and some open meadow entice a wide variety of birds, We will begin this tour with sightings from the parking lot and then proceed to survey the triple riparian habitats of Atkisson Reservoir, the faster flowing Winter’s Run, and the Plumtree Run tributary, 7:30 AM. Meet at the Glen, west end of Wheel Rd. Leader Phil Powers, birdsinmd308@qmail.com or 410-679-4116.
<# YMOS. Lower Eastern Shore early migrant search. We'll bird Nassawango Creek, Elliott Island Rd, and Blackwater NWR. 7 AM (full day). Meet at
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Sailwinds Park in Cambridge. Email George Radcliffe, radclifg@gmail.com, of your intent to go at least 2 weeks in advance of the trip,
Sunday, April 15 ® Anne Arundel. Kinder Farm Park. We will walk on paved and grassy/rocky trails looking for common birds of the park. Listening and learning bird calls will be highlighted. During nesting season, participants can assist in checking bluebird boxes. Though participants can leave at any time, the walk will conclude after two hours with a review and count of birds observed, Canceled for rain, If weather is iffy or for questions, contact leader. 8 AM (2 hrs). Meet in the first parking lot on left after the entry hut.
Contact Stacy Epperson, 410-987-7533 or
stac.epperson@gmail.com (preferred).
® Baltimore. Cylburn. Casual spring walk for easy birding in Cylburn's gardens and urban forest, Beginning birders welcome. Expect to find a variety of migrant and resident birds. Rain date April 22. 8:15 AM. Meet at the main Vollmer Center parking lot. Leader Mark Linardi, 443-834- 8413 or mlinardi@outlook.com.
® Montgomery. Occoquan Bay NWR. Explore the diverse habitats in this one-square-mile refuge at the confluence of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers in Woodbridge, VA. A variety of raptors and migratory warblers, vireos, thrushes = and flycatchers should be present, and rails and bitterns are possibilities, Reservations required, Limit 25. 7:30 AM (half day). Meet at the parking lot in the center of the refuge. Leaders Mike Bowen, 301-530-5764 or dhmbowen@yahoo.cam, and Gerry Hawkins, 571-277-8406 or maineusa@comcast.net.
® Talbot. Nanticoke WMA. Discover a new area, Expect early migrants and possibly late migrating waterfowl and sparrows along the SE shores of the Nanticoke River. 7 AM. Depart Easton Acme parking lot. Leader Jeff Effinger, 410-443-5016 or jkeffingerS55@gmail.com,
Tuesday, April 17 ® Baltimore. Phoenix Pond. Excellent migrant spot in N Baltimore County on NCR Trail. Self-
March/April 2018
guided walk, Optional add-on to nearby Paper Mill Rd Flats. 8 AM. Coordinator Kevin’ Graff, keyweststyle2001@gmail,com or (text only) 410- 967-5896.
Wednesday, April 18 ® Anne Arundel. Fort Smallwood Park, The Park consists of approximately 90 acres at the tip of a peninsula where the Patapsco River and Rock Creek meet the Chesapeake Bay. To date 258 species have been identified at this site and it is also home to the annual spring hawk watch. Join us to see late wintering ducks, migrating raptors as well as passerines and woodpeckers, including resident Red-headed Woodpeckers. 8 AM (3 hrs), Meet at the Park. Contact Dominic Nucifora, 443- 534-4891 or dnucifora@yahoo.com.
MEETING. Anne Arundel. “Young Voices for the Planet” with Lynne Cherry. Lynne Cherry, author/illustrator of 30 award-winning children’s books (The Great Kapok Tree, A River Ran Wild) is producer/director of the Young Voices for the Planet films championing youth solutions to the climate crisis. She will discuss her works, tell the story about how kids saved Maryland’s Belt Woods, and show two or three short films from the Young Voices Series. Lynne will have books available for sale and signing, 7 PM, Quiet Waters Park, Blue Heron Center. Contact Barbara Johnson, 410-703-4664 or barbarajohnson222@qmail.com.
® Baltimore. Fort McHenry. Part of a series of evening bird walks at the Fort and wetland. Telescope can be useful, Cancelled in bad weather, 6 PM (2 hrs). Meet outside of park gates and park at lot on left hand side. Leader Joe Supik, 443- 417-5015.
MEETING. Montgomery. Mike Hudson and the "Red Knot”, Just in time for the Northward migration, Mike Hudson will be bringing up to speed about the Red Knot story, Doors open at 7 PM, refreshments 7:30 and meeting starts at 8 PM. Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Rd.
Thursday, April 19 MEETING. Caroline. David Curson, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Maryland-D.C. will present “Saving the Chesapeake’s Shrinking Marshes”. He
The Maryland Yellowthroat
will also give an update on Maryland's Important Bird Areas (IBAs). 7:30 PM. Caroline County Public Library, 100 Market St, Denton,
f Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible. 6 PM, Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed, Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, for more information.
Friday, April 20
® Harford. Jerusalem Mill. Visit this appealing stretch of the Little Gunpowder River marking Harford County's western border. This area involves some hiking and hills. 7;30 AM. Meet at the parking lot by the mill on Jerusalem Rd. Leader Phil Powers, birdsinmd308@gqmail,com or 410- 679-4116,
Saturday, April 21
® Anne Arundel. North Point SP. With 1,310 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and waterfront, this is one of the top birding sites in Baltimore County. We will cover the Black Marsh Trail and the waterfront, as well as others if time permits, It is possible to see rails, herons (including Little Blue and Green) and even bitterns as well as migrating shorebirds. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the first parking lot on the left by the gatehouse. Contact Sue and Alan Young, 410-991-8300 or alnmyoung@aol.com.
Baltimore. Fort McHenry. Continuing survey of bird activity at the Fort. Telescope can be useful, Cancelled in bad weather. 8 AM. Meet outside of park front gates and park at lot on left hand side, Leader Wendy Alexander, 443-204-3754.
® Baltimore. Jug Bay Wetlands, Anne Arundel Co. We expect marsh birds, waterfowl, raptors and plenty of passerines. Easy two mile roundtrip walk. Entrance fee $6 per car. One hour drive from Baltimore. Contact the leaders in advance if you want to arrange car pools. 9 AM. Leaders Debbie and Lou Taylor, 410-852-9807 or debrataylor11@gmail.com.
f Frederick. Baker Park. Easy walking on paved paths in Frederick's in-town park. Contact leader Bonnie Borsa, 301-695-8214, for meeting time and location,
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® Frederick. Spring Migrants. Audubon Society of Central MD Nature Walk. 9-11 AM. Fred Archibald Sanctuary, 6011 Boyers Mill Rd, New Market. For more information contact Crystal Kunst, hckunst@qis.net or 443-536-3071.
® Harford. Susquehanna SP. An ideal time to enjoy emerging wildflowers, early migrant songbirds, including warblers, and lingering winter visitors. 8:30 AM. Meet at the parking area at the confluence of Deer Creek and the Susquehanna River just north of Rock Run Mill. Leaders Sue Procell, procellmd@gmail,com or 443-417-4919, Eric Vangrin, evangrin@msn.com, and Colleen Webster, cwebster@harford.edu or 410-459- 4577.
® Howard. Mt. Pleasant Farm. Earth Day Walk in conjunction with the Howard County Conservancy, Easy walking through the fields of Mt. Pleasant Farm. Tree lines, hedgerows and streams provide opportunity for non-meadow species. Great opportunity for flyovers. Facilities available, 8 AM (2-3 hrs). Meet at parking lot near the barn, Leader Anthony VanSchoor, tonyvanschoor@gmail.com.
® Kent. Beginner's Bird Walk, Eastern Neck NWR. In honor of Earth Day, we'll explore several of the Refuge’s trails and overlooks, looking for a variety of migrants, from raptors to warblers. Noon (2-3 hours). Meet at the Tundra Swan Boardwalk. If you have questions, please contact leaders Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or borealdee@gmail.com.
® Montgomery. Blue Mash Nature Trail/Oaks Landfill, Interesting walk at these adjacent and surprisingly birdy sites. Waterproof boots helpful at Blue Mash, but not needed at the landfill. Call leader for reservations and directions. Trip is limited to 8-10 participants. 7:30 AM (half day). Meet at Zion Road parking lot. Leader Mark England, 240-375-4500 (cell) or markengland@canamcontractors.com.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Governor Bridge Natural Area. Monthly walk. No reservations needed. 7:30 AM, Meet at the Natural Area parking lot on the S side of Governor Bridge Rd, 1 mile E of Rt 301. For
24 more information contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com.
® Tri-county. Nassawango Preserve for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, migrating passerines and newly arrived summer residents. Bring drinks, lunch and snacks, 7:30 AM. Meet at Ward Museum parking lot. For more information, contact leaders Betty Pitney, 410-543-1853, or Ellen Lawler, 410- 982-8695 or emlawler534@comcast.net.
Sunday, April 22
f Baltimore. Jerusalem Mill Area, Gunpowder Falls SP. New trip for BBC. An easy walk including open fields, edge habitat and wooded trails along the Little Gunpowder River. Expect to see migrant and resident birds including warblers, thrushes, and raptors. Trails can be muddy, boots advisable, 8 AM. Leaders Matt Lince, mdlince@comcast.net, and John Landers, dadolbw@aol.com,
f Montgomery. Hugh Mahanes Presidents’ Walk at Hughes Hollow. Participation of all former Chapter Presidents is encouraged, and everyone is welcome. This is a wonderful chance for newer birders to be in the field with “old hands” who enjoy sharing what they know. With a variety of habitats, Hughes Hollow is always interesting in spring. We will look for water birds on the move and early songbird migrants. Possible birds include Purple Finches, Blue-winged Teal, swallows, and maybe even an American Bittern. 7 AM (half day), Meet at the Hughes Hollow parking lot. For more information, directions, and reservations (required), contact leader Clive Harris, clivegharris@yahoo.com,
f® Talbot. Annual spring trip to the Pocomoke Swamp, We will bird the edge of the Nassawango Creek Preserve along Johnson Rd in search of migrant and resident songbirds with a focus on wood warblers. This location yields an average of 14-17 species of warblers, as well as Vireos, tanagers, Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks and Red-shouldered Hawk, Bring lunch, drinks and snacks. 6:30 AM (full day), Leader Charles Hopkins, 443-786-6332.
® Washington. Sky Meadows SP, VA. 6:30 AM (half day). Leave from the DMV parking lot. Contact Anna Hutzell, amp81i856@aol,com or
March/April 2018 301-797-8454,
Monday, April 23 MEETING. Tri-county. “Rediscovering the MOS Sanctuaries: From Mountains to Saltmarsh” presented by Marcia Watson. 7 PM. MAC Education Center off Snow Hill Rd, Salisbury, For more information, contact Ellen Lawler, 410-982-8695 or emlawler534@comcast, net.
Tuesday, April 24
® Baltimore. Lake Roland. First in a series of weekly walks follawing the progress of spring migration in Lake Roland's varied habitats. 8 AM. Meet at the Light Rail Parking Lot (Boardwalk entrance to the park), Check with coordinator if weather is extreme (rain, wind). Coordinator Debbie Terry, 443-578-8243 or dterry12@verizon.net.
® Baltimore. Phoenix Pond. Excellent migrant spot in N Baltimore County on NCR Trail, Self- guided walk. Optional add-on to nearby Paper Mill Rd Flats. 8 AM. Coordinator Kevin’ Graff, keyweststyle2001@qmail.com or (text only) 410- 967-5896.
® Washington. Mills Park, Hagerstown, Co- sponsored with Hagerstown Parks and Recreation, 8 AM (2 hrs). Meet at the Mills Park lot accessed from Belview Ave, Contact Anna Hutzell, 301-797- 8454 or amp8185@aol,com.
MEETING. Washington. Program TBA, 7 PM. Mt, Aetna Nature Ctr, 21905 Mt. Aetna Rd, Hagerstown.
Wednesday, April 25
® Anne Arundel, Cromwell Valley Park - Willow Grove Farm. The 460-acre park is a stream valley park comprised of pasture, cultivated gardens, open fields, woods, hedgerows, orchards and wooded piedmont hills. Many species of raptors, songbirds, and migrants can be seen. Minebank Run is especially good for many different kinds of warblers. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the Park. Contact Kevin Graff, 410-967-5896 - or keyweststyle2001@gmail.com.
f Baltimore. Fort McHenry. Part of a series of evening bird walks at the Fort and wetland. Telescope can be useful, Cancelled in bad weather.
The Maryland Yellowthroat
6 PM (2 hrs). Meet outside of park front gates and park at lot on left hand side. Leader Joe Supik, 443-417-5015.
Friday-Sunday, April 27-29 RETREAT. Birding 101. Weekend Retreat at Hashawha Environmental Center, April 27-29-2 nights, 5 meals. $155. For more information & to register, please call Carroll County Recreations & Parks: 410-386-2103.
Saturday, April 28 ® Allegany/ Garrett. Elk Ridge Nature Preserve or New Germany SP. We will look for birds and native plants. 8:15 AM. Carpool leaves from Ollies in Cumberland. 9 AM. Meet at New Germany SP. Leader Liz McDowell, Contact Melissa Hensel, mjhensel@yahoo,com or 240-362-1086.
fA Anne Arundel. Howard County Conservancy and Mariottsville Road Railway path. Walk through the fields of Mt, Pleasant Farm looking for a variety of sparrows and other species. Good chance to see meadowlarks and warblers, After this hike we will travel by car to Mariottsville Rd and walk the railroad path along the Patapsco SP rapids, Warblers, including waterthrushes, abound! 8 AM (half day), Meet at Mt. Pleasant Farm on Rt 99, Contact Tony VanSchorr, 443-538-8669 or tonyvanschoor@gmail,com.
® Baltimore. Smith Island. All-day memory making trip to see waders and other migrants on the island, plus water birds during boat rides. Bring lunch, snacks, beverages and extra cash. The general store on the island might be open, offering great sandwiches, drinks and snacks, cash only. Rental bikes and golf carts available on the island. As a precaution, motion sickness medicine is advised (take it an hour before the boat ride), This trip requires RSVP by Wed Apr 25 and $40- $50 per person (depending on attendance), paid when boarding. NO CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS. Limited to 40 passengers, If we don't have enough to sail, the trip will be cancelled. 7 AM. Car pool from Nursery Rd P&R. 9 AM. Meet at the Point Lookout boat dock. The boat leaves 9:30 AM sharp, arrives at the island about 11 AM, Contact Kevin Graff, keyweststyle2001@qmail.com or 410-976-5896 (text only) for reservations. Check again by Fri Apr 27 to learn if the trip is a go or no
25 go.
® Carroll. McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley SP, Watch Bob work his magic. 8 AM (half day). Meet at the P&R on Rt 32 just south of Rt 26 in Eldersburg. For more details, contact Bob Ringler, 410-303-2792,
M Frederick. Native Plant Sale of the Audubon Society of Central Maryland, held at the Audrey Carroll Sanctuary, 13030 Old Annapolis Rd, Mt Airy. Please support this sale at one of our favorite and most productive birding hot spots. More information can be found at www.centralmdaudubon.org.
® Howard. Mt. Pleasant Beginners’ Walk. Gentle ramble around rough pastures, brushy thickets and stream valleys. Early migrants arriving and resident birds starting to nest. Good chance for beginners to learn bird ID and habits before the Spring migration brings in a _ profusion (= confusion) of later migrants. Facilities available. 8 AM (2-3 hrs), Meet in parking lot. Leaders John Harris, jaybee.harris@gmail.com or 240-755- 0183, and Robin Todd, totnesman@aol.com or 410-491-5333,
® Patuxent/PGAS. Fort Smallwood Hawk Watch. Observe the spring raptor migration spectacle. Data for the spring raptor migration are compiled annually by a team of counters organized by Sue Ricciardi from the Anne Arundel Bird Club, The number of raptors counted in a spring season ranges from 9,000 to 12,500, and fifteen different raptor species are usually observed, though not all may be present on any one day. Migration of non- raptor species is also noteworthy, especially waterfowl, swallows, and Blue Jays and other passerines. About 260 species of birds have been observed at the Park. Bring folding chair, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, drinks and snacks. Daily parking fee $6 per vehicle, 8:30 AM. Meet at the Bowie P&R to carpool. No reservations needed. Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtlantic.net, for more information.
® Talbot. Smith Island excursion. Travel across Tangier Sound and make stops on Smith Island at the villages of Ewell and Tylerton to bird and take in the sights. Always a nice mix of waterbirds, herons, egrets, Brown Pelicans and a few migrant
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songbirds, Arrangements through Delmarva Birding Weekend. Cost to be determined, includes crab cake lunch. 8 AM (full day), Depart Samer's Cove Marina in Crisfield. Directions and more information will follow via our listserv. Leader Terry Allen, 410-829-5840 or pattyallenlLO@hotmail.com.
Sunday, April 29
® Baltimore. Soldiers Delight. We will cover 1.5- 2 miles of level, but sometimes rocky terrain, Expect a wide variety of migrating songbirds. Trails can be muddy if the weather has been wet, 8 AM. Meet at the Overlook on Deer Park Rd, Leader Sarah Luttrell, luttrell.sa@gmail.com or 614-352-7718.
® Baltimore. Cylburn. Casual spring walk for easy birding in Cylburn's gardens and urban forest, Beginning birders welcome. Expect to find a variety of migrant and resident birds. 8:15 AM. Meet at the main Vollmer Center parking lot, Leader Peter Lev, 410-823-2962 or plev@comcast.net.
f Frederick. Thompson WMA (near Front Royal, VA). Warblers and wildflowers! All-day trip, Pre- registration necessary. Contact leader Lois Kauffman, 301-845-6690, for details.
® Talbot. Hope House Farm. This property provides a mixed habitat of forest, forest edge, fields and tidal waterfront. We will be looking for new spring arrivals including thrush species, flycatchers and orioles. Numerous sparrows should be present, and the property provides nesting sites for a full range of woodpeckers, Lingering waterfowl may be seen on the broad reach of water that can be viewed. Raptors may also be around, especially nesting Bald Eagles and Osprey, 7 AM, Depart Easton Acme parking lot, Leaders Ron Ketter, rketter@verizon.net, and Les Roslund, 410-763-8169. Breakfast hosts Carolyn and Les Roslund.
<f YMOS. Western Shore migrant search. Preparation for the World Series of Birding. We will cover Susquehanna SP for warblers and early migrants, including possible Cerulean Warbler, Swan Harbor for King Rail, Sora, and Least Bittern, Patapsco Valley SP for warblers, make several stops along the C & O Canal and end at McKee-
March/April 2018
Beshers WMA, 7 AM (full day). Meet at Susquehanna SP. Email George Radcliffe, radclifg@gmail.com, of your intent to go at least 2 weeks in advance of the trip.
Tuesday, May 1
® Baltimore. Lake Roland. Weekly walk following the progress of spring migration in Lake Roland's varied habitats. 8 AM. Meet at the Light Rail Parking Lot (Boardwalk entrance to park), Check with coordinator if weather is extreme (rain, wind), Coordinator Debbie Terry, 443-578-8243 or dterry12@verizon.net.
® Baltimore. Phoenix Pond. Excellent migrant spot in N Baltimore County on NCR Trail, Self- guided walk. Optional add-on to nearby Paper Mill Rd Flats. 8 AM. Coordinator Kevin’ Graff, keyweststyle2001@gmail.com or (text only) 410- 967-5896.
MEETING. Baltimore, Marcia Watson on “From Mountains to Saltmarsh: Rediscovering the MOS Sanctuaries,” MOS, the Maryland Ornithological Society, owns and manages ten bird sanctuaries spread throughout the state of Maryland. Yet many birders are unaware of these properties. Marcia Watson will present illustrated profiles of the sanctuaries, discussing the birds and habitats found in each one. Doors open at 7 PM for socializing and snacks, lecture starts about 7:20 PM, Greenhouse Classroom, Cylburn Arboretum,
Wednesday, May 2
® Anne Arundel, Susquehanna SP. Hike along the river to find Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers and many spring migrants. One of the best spring warbler sites in Maryland with as many as 24 warbler species in a single day! We will drive to the picnic area for lunch and then hike some of the trails there. Pack lunch, snacks, and water, Bring sun block and bug spray. 7 AM - 2 PM. Meet at Severna Park P&R. Contact Kevin Graff, 410- 967-5896 or keyweststyle2001 @gmail.com.
® Baltimore. Fort McHenry. Continuing a series of monthly morning surveys at the Fort and wetland, Telescope can be useful. Cancelled in bad weather, 8 AM (half day). Meet outside of park gates and park at lot on left hand side. Leader Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769.
The Maryland Yellowthroat
® Baltimore. Fort McHenry. Part of a series of evening bird walks at the Fort and wetland. Telescope can be useful, Cancelled in bad weather. 6 PM (2 hrs). Meet outside of park gates and park at lot on left hand side. Leader Joe Supik, 443- 417-5015.
MEETING. Carroll. “Your MOS Sanctuaries” by Marcia Watson, 7 PM. Carroll Nonprofit Center, Westminster. Contact Don Jewell at jewelldg@qmail.com.
® Tri-county. Schumaker Pond for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, migrating passerines and newly arrived summer residents. This will be a short walk around the two sections of Schumaker Pond. 7:30 AM (2 hrs). Meet at Ward Museum parking lot. For more information, contact Ellen Lawler, 410-982-8695 or emlawler534@comcast.net.
Thursday, May 3 MEETING. Frederick, Mike Hudson will speak on the incredible migration of "Red Knots." 7 PM. The Lodge at Homewood, 500 Pearson Circle, Frederick. Contact Don Hambright, 301-676-0635.
M Patuxent/PGAS. Lake Artemesia Natural Area. Semi-monthly walk. Wheelchair-accessible. 3 PM, Meet at parking lot at intersection of Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights, No reservations needed. Contact David Mozurkewich, mozurk@bellAtiantic.net, for more information.
Friday-Sunday, May 4-6
® Allegany/Garrett. Garrett County Bird Fest with Deep Creek SP. All MOS members are invited to participate. Many of the trips planned will be the same as the trips to birding hot spots at last year’s MOS conference. Included are trips to Jennings Randolph Reservoir, Lost Land Run, The Glades etc, Check out the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center website for schedules and registration, www, discoverycenterdcl,com,
Friday, May 4 ® Montgomery. Birding by Ear at Hughes Hollow. Tune up your ears as we listen for and learn to identify the songs and calls of migrant and local breeding birds. The trip will be geared to new birders but all levels are welcome. Limit 10.
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Reservations required.7/ AM. Meet at the Hughes Hollow parking lot. For more information email leader Paul Woodward, grackling@ATT.NET.
Saturday, May 5 ® Anne Arundel. Swan Creek, The number one birding spot in the county, this trip will include a variety of habitats such as upland woods, wetlands, beach and dredge cells. Many shorebirds and waterfowl, also migrating warblers and other passerines. Path has coarse stones and rocks; therefore, hiking boots are encouraged. Scopes are helpful. 7 AM (half day), Meet at Swan Creek, Park on the right side along the fence. There will be a sign in at the start of the walk. Contact Stan Arnold, 410-428-7567 or thrushhost@gmail.com.
® Baltimore. Susquehanna SP Rock Run Area, Trip to the river in Harford County for resident Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers and a collection of spring migrants. This is one of the best spring warbler watching sites in Maryland; 18 to 24 warbler species possible in a single day. Bring a picnic lunch for the wrap-up of what could be an excellent morning of birding. Optional extension after lunch to Swan Harbor Farm Park for shorebirds, herons, rails and bitterns. Contact the leaders in advance for possible carpooling, 7:30 AM. Meet at the lot at the end of Rock Run Rd, next to the old mill building, Leaders Brent and Mary Byers, 410-686-7294 or baypuffin@hotmail.com.,
® Cecil. Fair Hill NRMA. Fair Hill 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, 7 AM. Meet at the parking lot on Appleton Rd. Leader Ken Drier, kdrier@zoominternet, net.
® Frederick. Little Bennett Park. Look for migrants and our returning warm weather feathered friends. Contact leader Deb Calhoun, 410-215-3268, for meeting time and location. Lunch/brunch will follow at Deb's house.
® Harford. TENTH Annual Epic Birding Challenge at Susquehanna SP, The previous competitions have been well-attended and a lot of fun. Birders
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of all skill levels are welcome, The rules allow all to contribute to the fun and success of each team. 6:30 AM. Meet at the Rock Run Mill for team selections and rules review. Counting will run from 6:45 - 11:30 AM, A rally celebration will be held at 12 noon at the Laurrapin Grille, 209 N Washington St, Havre de Grace, Family members and others are welcome to join the contestants for the celebration. Coordinator Tom Gibson, gibson|Id@aol.com or 410-734-4135.
® Patuxent/PGAS. Fran Uhler Natural Area. Monthly walk, 7:30 AM, Meet at E end of Lemon's Br Rd, off Rt 197 just N of Bowie State University, No reservations needed. Contact Bill Sefton, kiwisuits@msn.com.
® Washington. Hagerstown City Park. 8 AM, Meet at the Hager House parking lot. Contact Larry Zaleski at 301-491-2866 or larry.zaleski@gmail.com,
Sunday, May 6
® Anne Arundel. Foreman’s Branch Bird Banding Station (previously known as Chino Farms). This is the only major migratory bird banding station on the Eastern Shore. The small group of banders will demonstrate how they ensnare the birds in the nets, carefully extract them, transport them back to the banding shed, note the sex, age, and weight, attach bands and release them back into the wild. We will get to observe both resident and migratory birds on the way to their summer grounds, see them up close and learn about them in a fun and exciting way. Trip limited to 15 people, an RSVP is required and carpooling is necessary. Porta-potty facilities only on site. 6:45 AM (half day). Meet at Bay 50 shopping center, Contact Dianne Westbrook, 443-618-9421 or edwestbrooki@gmail.com.
® Anne Arundel. Kinder Farm Park. We will walk on paved and grassy/rocky trails looking for common birds of the park. Listening and learning bird calls will be highlighted. During nesting season, participants can assist in checking bluebird boxes. Though participants can leave at any time, the walk will conclude after two hours with a review and count of birds observed, Canceled for rain, If weather is iffy or for questions, contact leader, 8 AM (2 hrs). Meet in the first parking lot on left after the entry hut.
March/April 2018
Contact Stacy Epperson, 410-987-7533 or stac.epperson@gmail.com (preferred).
® Baltimore. Oregon Ridge and Agricultural Center. Oregon Ridge is a fine spot for warblers in early May, with some birds on territory and others passing through. The Center for Maryland Agriculture, just across the street, is great for meadow birds. Grasshopper Sparrow (breeds), Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink and Savannah Sparrow are all possible. 8 AM. Meet at the Oregon Ridge Nature Ctr, 13555 Beaver Dam Rd. Leader Simon Best, simonrabest@gmail.com.
® Baltimore. Chimney Swifts at Dusk. Join the BBC Swift Watch Team as Chimney Swifts enter a favorite chimney at sunset. Since the swifts routinely change migration roosting chimneys, this year’s spring site will be posted on the BBC website (baltimorebirdclub.org/) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/382565775136349/) by Friday, May 4. 7:45 - 8:30 PM. Come half an hour early if the weather is cloudy or gray, Directions will be provided. Cancelled if raining. Leader Joan Cwi, 410-467-5352 or jafjsc@verizon.net.
® Cecil. 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. 8 AM (half- day). Meet at the Turkey Point Parking Lot. Leader TBD and Elk Neck park staff.
M Frederick. Fred Archibald May Count. 6 AM, Meet at the Sanctuary, 6011 Boyers Mill Rd, New Market. Coordinator David Smith, 410-549- 7082,
M® Howard. Western Regional Park. Moderate walking along field edges and woodland trails.
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Opportunity for warblers, sparrows, thrushes, and
flyovers. Facilities available.
8 AM. (2-3 hrs). Meet at Carr’s Mill Rd parking lot. Leader David Sandler, detour65@gmail.com- or 410-370-0747.
M® Kent. Millington NRMA. Migrating warblers should still be on the move while many breeding specialties will have established territories in Kent County’s most extensive forest. Half day. Meet at the Dollar General parking lot (off Philosopher’s Terrace) in Chestertown. If you have questions, please contact trip leaders Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or borealdee@gmail.com.
® Montgomery. Izaak Walton League Conservation Farm. Once again, the B-CC Chapter is generously providing us access to this large private property south of Poolesville. Woods, hedgerows, streams, fields, and ponds provide a wide range of bird habitats, and migration should be well underway. Reservations required, limit 12. 7 AM _ (half day). Meet at the League’s Chapterhouse. For’ reservations and more information, contact leader Jim Nelson, kingfishers2@verizon.net or 240-515-4517.
® Talbot. Susquehanna SP. Prime migration location; possibly 12-15 warbler species (including Cerulean, Hooded and _ Kentucky), vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers. We will not be back until mid-afternoon thus lunch or snacks should be taken. Facilities are available at a very nice picnic location in the park. 6:30 AM. Leader Vince DeSanctis, 410-886-2009 or vdesanctis@verizon.net.
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POSTMASTER: TIME-DATED MATERIAL—PLEASE EXPEDITE!
MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL
Nonprofit Org. SOCIETY, INC. U.S. POSTAGE P. O. Box 105, Monrovia, MD 21770-0105 PAID
The Maryland Yellowthroat Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological
Editor:
Designer:
Calendar Editor:
Chapter Chatter:
Mailing list:
MOS web site:
Webmaster:
Society, Inc.
Richard Donham rdonham8@gmail.com
Eric Skrzypczak ericskrz@gmail.com
Marilyn Veek mveekmos@yahoo.com
Jean Wheeler jswheeler3 @verizon.net
Martha Crouse crouse.martha8@gmail.com
http://www.mdbirds.org
John Hays Christy SiteMaven@mdbirds.org
Anyone is welcome to contribute articles, photos, or ideas that would be of interest to other birders.
Copy may be e-mailed to Richard Donham by March 25, 2017 for the May/June 2018 issue.
Illustrations pp. 1,4 ©M. Suzanne Probst
at Hagerstown, MD Permit No. 184
MOS Chapter Web Sites (to be consulted for the most up-to-date trip/meeting info)
Allegany/Garrett: westernmdbirding.com/ Anne Arundel: aabirdclub.org/
Baltimore baltimorebirdclub.org/
Caroline: carolinebirdclubmos.blogspot.com/ Carroll: mdbirds.org/about/chapters/carroll.html Cecil: cecilbirds.org/
Frederick: frederickbirdclub.org/
Harford: harfordbirdclub.org/
Howard: howardbirds.org/
Kent: kentcounty.com/recreation/birding/birding-club Montgomery: montgomerybirdclub.org/ Patuxent/PG: patuxentbirdclub.org/
Talbot: mdbirds.org/about/chapters/talbot.html Tri-County (Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset): tricountybirdclub.weebly.com/
Washington: washingtoncountybirdclub.webs.com/
YMOS: ymos.org/
SO He wpland
MAY/JUNE 2018
President’s Corner Barbara Johnson
ay term as Maryland Ornithological wal Society president comes to a close 29 BAGO August 31, and your next President’s Gotner will be penned by incoming President Robin Todd. Writing the last of these columns is bittersweet; ideas haven't reliably popped into focus between deadlines, but I've benefited from the challenge of writing to the level of the MOS readership! Working with Editor Richard Donham has been a sheer delight, and I start by thanking him for his encouragement, humor, patience and editing finesse.
My view of the organization has evolved enormously since I entered the position nearly two years ago. I confess part of me imagined that MOS was a bit hidebound, and I was sensitive to the grumblings that MOS was just a group for tickers who burn gas while beefing up their life lists. It seemed to me that MOS, like many volunteer organizations, was overly-dependent on a small group of volunteers to do most of the heavy lifting. If Chapter members were surging at opportunities to serve on a state level, I wasn’t aware of it, and if a key volunteer left her/his MOS position, I fretted about whether we would ever find a worthy replacement.
I’ve come to see MOS not as an institution, but as a body of energetic, imaginative, well-informed people with an abundance of generous and astonishingly diverse expertise to go with their love for and commitment to birdlife. Yes, we have our committed long-serving members in key positions (and thank goodness!) but we’ve been fortunate to see a steady stream of enthusiastic and competent new folks stepping up as additions and replacements,
The last two years have taught me to drop my image of MOS as stuck in the past. Our members rise far above’ simply consuming — wildlife
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VOL. 38, NO 3
experiences, They devote their resources, time, energy and funds to bird and wildlife conservation in myriad ways. And to accede to the image of MOS as_— stodgy tickers is not_ only counterproductive, it’s flat-out wrong. Just when I've expected “we've always done it this way” in response to some big problem or call for change, the issue is met with receptive and creative flexibility. I now trust that when challenges arise, there will be hands and minds--remarkably belonging to just the right people--joining to meet them.
I've been inspired, and frankly staggered, by the volunteer energy that MOS members exert as individuals and as a collective. One of my great challenges as president has been simply trying to keep up with it all. At the Chapter level, marvelous projects, community service and outreach arise from the marriage of local needs and members’ ideas and enthusiasm. At the state level, a truly head-spinning amount of work is generated by YMOS, Maryland Birdlife, The Maryland Yellowthroat, and the Committees of
Table of Contents:
President's Corner
Birdathon 2018 Results
New Website for MOS! ......cccccceueeeeseeeene 5 Chapter Chatter
Conservation
Come Get Your Hands Dirty
Beyond Birding
Records Committee Status Report Book Reviews
Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring Program MOS Calendar
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Records, Conservation, Sanctuary, Awards, Scholarship, Convention, Long-Range Planning, Research, and Investment, Working with our excellent Board, including Chapter Presidents, State Directors and committee members has been most rewarding.
Many long-term MOS members continue to provide indispensable insight and “the long view”. Among these I especially thank Dotty Mumford, Jan Reese, Sue Riccardi, Bruce Beehler, Paul Zucker, Maureen Harvey and Paul Bystrak. Each has generously made my work clearer and more effective. I am forever grateful to my fellow Executive Council members: Vice-President Robin Todd, Secretary Maryanne Dolan, Treasurer Dave Webb, and Past-President Tom Strikwerda (upon whom I called a LOT). A more sensible, devoted, astute and amiable group would be tough to find.
I thank all of those folks and the rest of you MOS members who have helped, inspired, and encouraged me, given me ideas and criticism, and who have reinforced in me what a living treasure we have in the Maryland Ornithological Society, It has been one of the great gifts of my life to serve.
One parting thought: during the financial report at our annual meeting in February, something struck me as remiss. I wondered; why doesn’t MOS have a special fund for "Conservation", as it has for Education, Research, Sanctuary, Scholarship, and Youth? Yes, we have a Conservation Committee, but since our Conservation Committee's primary work has been advocacy, it has a small budget ($50.00 in this year's budget). On the other hand, MOS board has voted twice to donate $25,000 from_ its discretionary fund to support the formation and development of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, So, even though MOS has no ongoing budgetary commitment to allocate monetary resources to active conservation projects, it has put real monetary muscle behind good programs, such as those that MBCP is developing. I believe that MOS has a responsibility, now more than ever, not only to appreciate birds, and not only advocate for bird and habitat conservation, but to put our money behind it, remembering that 143 of our Maryland birds are regarded as “species of greatest conservation need”. We've been able to build up our other funds through the generosity of members, So I appeal to those of us who are able,
May/June 2018
please donate to the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership through MOS, and please--remember to consider MOS during your giving and estate planning.
CWICF »®
Birdathon 2018 Results
18 YMOS Students with 6 adult drivers covered the Eastern Shore from Ocean City to Kent Island this past Saturday and Sunday as a part of the annual YMOS Birdathon. Strong winds earlier in the week clearly kept potential migrants down, and wind and rain Saturday afternoon kept birds somewhat hidden; however, the group was still able to find 127 species. With 8 of their 100 Must See Species missed, their overall score/total drops down to 119 species. Rails were noticeably absent from all areas, but waterfowl were cooperative. Noteworthy finds included Red-necked Grebe, White-winged Scoter, 2 Merlin flyovers, an Iceland Gull, and both Vesper and Clay-colored Sparrow, Saturday ended shortly after sunset as the students watched an amazing display of 10 Short- eared Owls working the marshes near Shorter’s Wharf in Dorchester County.
The students represented Garrett, Frederick, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Queen Anne’s, and Dorchester Counties as well as Baltimore City and Delaware. Beginning at 4 AM Saturday, the group birded until 5 PM Sunday with the latter part of Sunday turning into a “Where are the Catbirds Hiding?” event. The students were amazingly focused, never veering off task until 5:00 PM Sunday, and demonstrated exemplary behavior throughout, being both respectful of others they encountered as well as making every
The Maryland Yellowthroat
attempt to minimize any negative impacts on the birdlife of the area. No auditory calls were used, and students avoided getting any closer than necessary to species being observed.
Special thanks go out to the parents who drove, as they patiently transported the troops around on minimal sleep. The funds raised will be used to support the 4 YMOS teams heading to the World Series of Birding in May and to purchase extra optics and guides for youth birding. We send a huge YMOS “Thank You!” out to all who pledged funds for the Birdathon. Your support of youth birding helps insure a good future for the activity that so many of us love,
Birdathon Participants, Photo Credit: Mike Irons
2018 Annual MOS Convention and
Business Meeting Ocean City, Maryland, 2-4 February By Fred Fallon
Attendance at this year’s MOS Convention came to 180, continuing what we hope is an upward trend beginning with last year’s convention. Some innovations this year may have been part of the reason; the unusual winter convention date was also probably a good draw. The first-time host was the Holiday Inn “Oceanfront” at 67 St, where rooms and facilities were housed together. As in past conventions, the Mother Nature’s Store, set up conveniently across the hall from the convention area, and offered a nice selection of
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birding books, optics, and supplies, with a window view through which to try binos and scopes.
Convention preparation began with a brochure that was nicely illustrated again by Diane Ford with a drawing of Long-tailed Ducks. This year’s winning pin design featured a Surf Scoter in flight drawn by Gail Regester of the Kent County chapter. Mike Bowen managed the solicitation of entries and their submission to judges and arranged the ordering and delivery of pins for convention attendees.
A first for MOS conventions was our invitation to the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS) to participate jointly in convention events. While only a few DOS members signed up this year on rather short notice, two DOS birders did lead four of our field trips, and DOS has indicated they would like to be part of future MOS conventions.
Field trips were ably organized by Peter Hanan, who had to work harder than last year, receiving no help, it must be said, from the convention chair (myself) this time, A total of 27 trip leaders led 43 field trips to popular destinations. A special feature was a series of three near-shore pelagic trips on the “Morning Star” captained by skipper “Monty” Hawkins, as arranged through Jim Rapp of Delmarva Adventures and manned by our own spotters, So well-received were these we had to add a fourth for Sunday afternoon, though that unfortunately had to be cancelled due to high winds. Also a special treat were two trips into the restricted ORV zone, made possible by Bill Huislander of the National Park Service with special NPS vehicles, Mark Hofman led a Worcester Listers’ trip, while Bob Ringler led a follow-up trip on Sunday AM to try for good birds seen on earlier trips. At Sunday lunch Bob went through the traditional tally of species, which