From Mountains to Saltmarsh: Rediscovering the MOS Sanctuaries--via Zoom
2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
Speaker: Marcia Watson, Maryland Ornithological Society
The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) owns ten wildlife sanctuaries, totaling almost 3,000 acres, across the state. All of them are open to the public every day of the year, at no charge, and represent a microcosm of Maryland bird habitats. Many people have heard of the Carey Run and Irish Grove Sanctuaries, but the others have been seldom visited. Marcia will review the history of the MOS Sanctuary Program, show maps and photos of all the sanctuaries, discuss the birds and habitats found there, and explain some of the challenges that MOS faces in managing the properties. Attendees will also learn about some of the research being conducted at the sanctuaries as well as their conservation value, and why it’s important to preserve these lands.
If you are on our Osprey newsletter list, you will receive the Zoom link via email to attend this event. You can join the mailing list by using the form at the bottom of this page.

Woodcocks!
2026-03-13 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, 2695 Grays Road, Prince Frederick, MD, 20678, United States
Photo by John Troth/Audubon Photography Awards
Trip Leader: Ben Springer
Don’t be afraid of Friday the 13th! Join Ben as he hunts for the American Woodcock, known for its nasal peent call and dazzling aerial displays. The woodcock is easiest to find at dusk in the springtime, when the male performs a marvelous display flight, or “sky dance.” Meet us at Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm for a trip you won’t forget!
Parking: meet at the small parking lot by the barn, across the road from the dog park.
Maximum of 10 participants. RSVP to the following link to hold your spot:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448A8AF2AAAF9C43-62811405-woodcock

Film screening: The Little Things That Run the World
2026-03-27 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | College of Southern MD, La Plata Campus, 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD, 20646, United States
Still from the movie The Little Things That Run the World.
Join a free screening of the documentary The Little Things That Run the World on March 27th at 6:00 PM in CE Room 101 on the La Plata Campus of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM).
This engaging film explores the vital role that insects play in sustaining ecosystems around the globe. From pollination to nutrient cycling, these often-overlooked species are essential to the health of our environment and our own survival.
Representatives from local and national conservation organizations — including Xerces Society, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, and the Southern Maryland Audubon Society — will share information and opportunities to get involved in insect and pollinator conservation efforts in our community.
The event is free but registration is required. Please visit the CSM web page https://www.csmd.edu/calendar/2026/03/documentary-screening-mar27.html to sign up.
Be sure to check out the movie trailer on YouTube: THE LITTLE THINGS THAT RUN THE WORLD – Trailer #2.

March on the Mattawoman, a State Park Event with SMAS Bird Walks
2026-03-28 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury, 20658, United States
Trip Leader: Lynne Wheeler
Family fun! Come to Smallwood State Park, where you can enjoy fishing activities, hands-on kids’ activities, a food truck, demonstrations, and the park’s Discovery Center. Smallwood also hosts an Osprey nest cam, which generous SMAS donors made possible. If we are lucky, we might see Ospreys when they first return for the breeding season! As part of the full day’s lineup, Lynne Wheeler will lead a mini bird walk at 1:30 p.m. Park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Pre-registration is required. Please visit the event page at the park’s website for additional information and to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tBol9RAMtQC7ey_YRCD8nvbVb-dDae5ptP8mAWu3Q5E/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1.

Spring Migration in Southern Maryland--via Zoom
2026-04-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
Speakers: Dr. Gwen Brewer and George Jett
Black-throated Blue Warbler. Photo by Eric Peterson/Audubon Photography Awards
Need an introduction to or refresher on spring migrants in Southern Maryland? Dr. Gwen Brewer and George Jett will provide insights into finding and identifying the birds you might not have seen or heard for six months or more. Gwen and George will suggest good habitats and locations to search and offer tips for identifying tricky or confusing species. They will also provide sound clips of songs and suggest mnemonics to help you remember them, such as the buzzy “I am so lazy” of the Black-throated Blue Warbler.
George Jett is a retired chemical engineer who spent thirty years at the Environmental Protection Agency but always had a passion for nature. Dr. Gwen Brewer manages the science program for rare species at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
If you are on our Osprey newsletter list, you will receive the Zoom link via email to attend this event. You can join the mailing list by using the form at the bottom of this page.

Forest & Meadows---Early Spring Migration
2026-04-18 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, 2695 Grays Road, Prince Frederick, MD, 20678, United States
Field Trip Leader: Ben Springer
Meadow birds and warblers—what could be better? Join Ben for a spring birding adventure. Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm offers great habitat for finding a diversity of birds. Parking: meet at the small parking lot by the barn, across the road from the dog park. Maximum of 10 participants/vehicles. Follow this link to register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448A8AF2AAAF9C43-62821545-forest

Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival
2026-04-18 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | MD
If you love birds, wildlife, and nature, or just want to learn about them, head out to the Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival at the town of North Beach. Bring the whole family! There you can watch a live raptor up close, meet Oscar the Osprey and get a selfie, enjoy the child-focused nature activity stations, browse vendors’ tables, and listen to a lecture series. Southern Maryland Audubon Society will have a booth and we can’t wait to see you! Entry fees are $10/person, $20/family. Proceeds from the festival go to non-profit organizations who protect and conserve Ospreys, Bald Eagles, other wildlife, and natural areas. See marylandospreyfestival.org for additional information.

Bird Walk, BioBlitz, Walk Charles County---Combo Event
2026-04-26 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | Mallows Bay Park and Marine Sanctuary, 1440 Wilson Landing Rd, Nanjemoy, MD, 20662, United States
Field Trip Leaders: Lynne Wheeler, SMAS; Karen Kleyle, NOAA
This is a whatever-floats-your-boat event! Choose from any of three activities: join Lynne for a bird walk, help document the biodiversity in the sanctuary using the iNaturalist app, or get your exercise by participating in a walk with the group Walk Charles County. Find more information and register for this event at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeX6SD7lT66Etpskp40ZOR7rZ8Y2_DSdfg0-z8YdGLZEaPUuQ/viewform

Every Bird Counts at Cosca Park
2026-05-02 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Clearwater Nature Center, Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, 11401 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD, 20735, United States
Field Trip Leaders: Lynne Wheeler and Pam Brumbley from Southern Maryland Audubon Society and a naturalist from Clearwater Nature Center
Join us as we celebrate this year’s World Migratory Bird Day theme: Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter. On this bird walk, our goal is to increase the number of bird species seen at Cosca Regional Park. This park is a Hot Spot on eBird (eBird.org), where community scientists log their bird sightings. Researchers use this data to help birds and the environment—so your observations matter! Come hone your skills in identifying birds, add to your life list, and learn how to count birds in the field.
Meet at the nature center parking lot. Restroom facility opens at 8:30 a.m. Maximum of 20 participants. RSVP to Lynne at somdaudubon@yahoo.com.

Bird Walk at Piscataway MOS Sanctuary
2026-05-03 07:30 - 10:30, 2026-05-23 07:30 - 10:30 UTC | Piscataway MOS Sanctuary, 14300 Hardy Tavern Drive, Accokeek, MD, 20607, United States
Come out and enjoy birds at our nearest Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) Sanctuary in Accokeek. Led by an MOS guide, the event is free and open to all—including kids—no birding experience necessary. Loaner binoculars can be provided upon request. Please visit the MOS website to learn more and register: Piscataway MOS Sanctuary Spring Bird Walk Sign-up. If you have questions, email Alex at piscatawaysanctuary@gmail.com.

Fifty Years of Fighting for Birds and Other Wildlife: My Life in Politics and with American Bird Conservancy--via Zoom
2026-05-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
Speaker: Former Maryland State Senator Gerald Winegrad has fifty-five years of environmental policy and advocacy experience. After his legislative service, he became Vice President for Policy at the American Bird Conservancy in Washington, DC.
Join former state Senator Winegrad as he discusses his lifelong fight for the conservation of birds and other wildlife. His work included saving the critically endangered San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike, protecting Laysan Albatross and the Kirtland’s Warbler while convincing policymakers like President George W. Bush and Governor Schaeffer on conservation initiatives.
If you are on our Osprey newsletter list, you will receive the Zoom link via email to attend this event. You can join the mailing list by using the form at the bottom of this page.

May Count 2026
2026-05-09 | MD
Please mark your calendars! The annual Maryland Ornithological Society’s May Count will take place on Saturday, May 9 in Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s Counties. County coordinators and the confirmed date for Calvert County will be listed shortly.

Nature Fest at College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus
2026-05-30 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | College of Southern MD, La Plata Campus, 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD, 20646, United States
The Neighborhood Creative Arts Center will hold its sixth annual Nature Fest on May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the La Plata Campus of the College of Southern Maryland.
With engaging exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, Nature Fest reaches nature lovers of all ages—from toddlers to teens, parents, and grandparents—offering an inspiring day of outdoor learning, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Bring the whole family for interactive, outdoor learning and fun.
Kids working on craft projects at Nature Fest 2025.
Southern Maryland Audubon Society (SMAS) is a supporting partner for this year’s event. The SMAS booth will be located next to the College of Southern MD/Town of La Plata booth, which SMAS helped design. Its display will be based on this year’s World Migratory Bird Day theme Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter. Multiple vendors will play a part in an activity wherein kids learn about observing and counting birds! We will also offer other hands-on birdy activities and demonstrations. All are welcome to this free family event!

Annual Picnic 2026
2026-06-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Maxwell Hall, 17388 Teagues Point Rd., Hughesville, 20637, United States
Please save the date for the Southern Maryland Audubon Society’s annual picnic! Time and other details coming soon.
