Monthly Meetings

SEPTEMBER 2011

September 7
WEDNESDAY – 7:30 p.m.
37600 New Market Road (Rt. 6 at Rt. 5)
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
"The Status of the Eastern Coyote)"
JIM BENNETT, Habitat Manager, DNR-Wildlife and Heritage Service, Myrtle Grove WMA.

This presentation will cover how coyotes arrived in Maryland over the past several decades, where this species is present today and the relative numbers across the state. Some of the impacts seen will also be discussed. You’ll want to learn about this recent addition to our Maryland wildlife.

OCTOBER 2011

October 5
WEDNESDAY – 7:30 p.m.
La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, Charles County
911 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646
"Michael L. Smith – The Mad Bluebird, Wildlife Photographer"
MICHAEL L. SMITH, International Wildlife Photographer

Everyone knows the Mad Bluebird picture!! Come and meet the extraordinary photographer, Michael L Smith, and enjoy his world of wildlife photography. He offers revealing glimpses into the lives and behavior of his subjects, as well as their breathtaking beauty. Michael will also explain the photography set-up of many of his photographs. Come and enjoy this wonderful presentation that we are so fortunate to offer.

NOVEMBER 2011

November 2
WEDNESDAY – 7:30 p.m.
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Center, Calvert County
Gray’s Road off of Sixes Road (Rt. 506), Prince Frederick, MD
Call 410-535-5327 for additional information or visit www.calvertparks.org
"The Art of Falconry - The World’s Oldest Sport"
JEREMY ALLEN, Falconer

Falconry dates back 3000 years and is known as the oldest sport in the world. Learn about the history, art and regulations of hunting with a bird of prey. Jeremy will have a live bird with him and may also be in the company with another falconer. Great close up opportunity for photographing and observing a live raptor.

DECEMBER 2011

December 7
WEDNESDAY – 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Hall Library, St. Mary’s County
37600 New Market Road (Rt. 6 at Rt. 5), Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
"Local Photographers Night and Holiday Gift Sale"

Come see what others have photographed on trips, backyards, and local birding hot spots. Feel free to bring your own photos to show. Contact Lynne Wheeler by November 15 at 301-743- 3236 or fidsruschic@aol.com to coordinate electronic viewing equipment. We are also highlighting our SMAS book and gift store to help you with your hard to find holiday gift shopping. Gift wrapping included!

JANUARY 2012

January 4
WEDNESDAY – 7:30 p.m.
Leonardtown Library, St. Mary’s County
23250 Hollywood Road (Rt. 245), Leonardtown, MD 20640
"St. Paul, Alaska – Birdwatching Haven. A study of Seabird Telemetry"
TOM HARTEN, Calvert County Public School Environmental Educator

During the summer of 2009 Tom Harten was selected as a PolarTREC teacher to join in a research project in the Bering Sea of Alaska. The project focused on seabird telemetry in the Pribilof Islands, a mecca for birders from around the world. No fewer than 248 species of birds have been recorded on the island. In spring, many rare birds, including Siberian vagrants, can be spotted on the island. Please come and join Tom as he shares this wonderful experience on St. Paul.

FEBRUARY 2012

February 1
WEDNESDAY – 7:30 p.m.
La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, Charles County
911 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646
"A Snapshot of Cuba Today"
GWEN BREWER AND GEORGE JETT, Southern Maryland Audubon Members

In Mid-April 2011, Gwen Brewer and George Jett traveled to Cuba as part of the Caribbean Conservation Trust’s long running bird survey. They searched for both resident (particularly endemic) and migrant birds as they traveled over 2,600 km and visited many of the ecosystems of this isolated island country. The group tallied 166 species and 10,208 individual birds during the 10-day trip. The program will also include elements of Cuban culture, history, and other natural history components such as insects, reptiles, amphibians and plants. Don’t miss this latest adventure of these intrepid travelers!

MARCH 2012

March 7
WEDNESDAY – 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Hall Library, St. Mary’s County
37600 New Market Road (Rt. 6 at Rt. 5), Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
"Saw-whet Owls in Maryland"
MELISSA BOYLE & DAVE BRINKER, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

NOTE: This meeting is listed in the program guide for the Leonardtown Library. That location became unavailable so the meeting has been moved to the Charlotte Hall Library.

Although seldom seen or heard, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is relatively common throughout Maryland, if you know when and where to look. The smallest of all owls in Maryland, this species is found from the Eastern Shore to the mountains. Learn about ongoing research, what we have learned so far, and what we still don’t know about this little elusive owl. This program is sure to whet your appetite for “S-whets!”

APRIL 2012

April 4
WEDNESDAY – 7:30 p.m.
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Center, Calvert County
Gray’s Road off of Sixes Road (Rt. 506), Prince Frederick, MD
Call 410-535-5327 for additional information or visit www.calvertparks.org
"Out of South Africa, A Naturalist’s Adventure"
GREG KEARNS, MD-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Patuxent River Park

Go on a safari with naturalist Greg Kearns to see the cultural & natural beauty South Africa’s Capetown and Kruger National Park. This multimedia presentation will highlight the large mammals, mega fauna of the region and some notable birds. You know how electrifying Greg’s talks can be, so imagine joining him step by step on an African safari!

MAY 2012

May 2
WEDNESDAY – 6:45 p.m. Field Trip & 8:00 p.m. Lecture
Hard Bargain Farm, 2301 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Prince George’s County and Faith United Methodist Church, 15769 Livingston Road, Accokeek
"Living Shoreline at Piscataway Park"
KAREN JENSEN MILES, Program Director, Alice Ferguson Foundation

With several factors causing increased erosion along the Potomac River shoreline, a stabilized “Living Shoreline” was constructed in 2010. Funded by NOAA through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the project restored 2,800 feet of shoreline. Come walk along the Potomac River to see how this project is monitored, and observe the many flora and fauna and bird species. Enjoy a great view of Mount Vernon against the magical sunset. Meet at 6:45 p.m. at the Hard Bargain Farm parking lot to carpool to the shore. After our one hour walk we will return to the parking lot and drive to the Faith United Methodist Church for Q&A and refreshments, estimate time 8:00. This is a special treat for SMAS. Feel free to meet us wherever you can. (In case of rain, meet at 7:30 at the church)