SOMD Audubon

Behind the Scenes in Wildlife Photography
2022-12-07 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Monthly Meeting via Zoom
Speaker: Dean Newman, SMAS director, local conservationist, photographer
Dean Newman will describe what can happen behind the scenes when shooting wildlife images. Photographing wildlife sounds romantic but can come with a dose of hazardous duty from jungle bites, stings, jabs, and rashes to arctic frostbite, hostile wildlife, and acrobatic stakeouts. Join us as Dean shares his experiences where interacting with wildlife and editors have pushed him to the very brink of endurance, health, and sanity. Dean and his wife Sandy live in St. Mary’s County. He is now retired after 29 years in the Navy and is an avid supporter of conserving wildlife habitat.
Zoom in and join us online. The presentation is free and open to all. To receive the link to join this lecture you must sign up for our Osprey newsletter. See the sign-up form at the bottom of this web page. We will email the link to join the lecture several days prior to and the same day of the lecture.

Early Waterfowl and Late Migrants on the George Wilmot Trail
2022-11-13 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Lackey High School, 3000 Chicamuxen Rd, Indian Head, Maryland, 20640, United States
Field Trip
Leader: Lynne Wheeler
Come take a walk with us through the Mattawoman Wildlands to the Mattawoman Creek as we sneak up on waterfowl that love the cove. We expect large concentrations of waterfowl, along with songbirds, woodpeckers (Red-headed WP’s breed here), and raptors. Meet at Lackey High School parking lot, 3000 Chicamuxen Road, Indian Head, MD 20640 at 7:45 a.m. Bring waterproof shoes or low boots, and dress for possible wind. Be prepared for a one-mile walk to and from the head of the trail, and then a half-mile walk on uneven forest trail. Make reservation with Lynne at somdaudubon@yahoo.com or 301-751-8097 (prefer text).

Birds and Beyond in Cuba
2022-11-02 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Monthly Meeting via Zoom
Speaker: Paul Baicich, Bird Conservationist, and co-author of numerous books, including the popular monthly Birding Community E-Bulletin.
Paul will introduce us to a number of key natural and bird-filled locations in Cuba – Viñales, Zapata, Guanahacabibes, Cayo Coco, Baracoa, Topes de Collantes, and Havana. But just as importantly, we will examine opportunities for “connecting” with our counterparts in Cuba. This is particularly important since Cuba contains 28 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), with over 370 bird species recorded on the island. Of these 370 species, 27 are endemic to the island, and 29 are considered globally threatened. We will look at these fascinating birds, places, and people in terms of advancing bird-education, conservation, and responsible eco-tourism.
To receive the link to join this lecture you must sign up for our Osprey newsletter. See the sign-up form at the bottom of this web page. We will email the link to join the lecture several days prior to and the same day of the lecture.

Youth Birding at Jefferson Patterson Park
2022-10-29 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, MD, 20685, United States
Field Trip: Birding the Fields and Woods of JPPM
Leader: Phin Rouland, Audubon Southern Maryland Youth Birders Club
Another field trip for youth to get into birding!! This is a wonderful location offering open fields and wooded areas, which provides for good land birding. When done birding we recommend you check out this large reserve with archaeological sites & historical exhibits, plus trails and an Indian village. Meet at the visitor center/museum parking lot. Loaner binoculars provided, but please bring your own if you have them! This event will include two adults for supervision of youth. Geared for ages 7 – 18. All youth under the age of 12 must include an adult. Maximum of 12 youth participants. RSVP to Lynne Wheeler at 301-751-8097 (text preferred) or somdaudubon@yahoo.com.

On the Trail of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
2022-10-05 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Spotted Lanternfly. Photo by Nick Stoff, Penn State
Monthly Meeting via Zoom – Recording Available
Speaker: Kenton Sumpter, Entomologist, Maryland Department of Agriculture
Kenton Sumpter is a detective on the trail of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. He will share tales of how entomologists are discovering the routes and trying to halt the spread of this menace to some of our favorite Maryland native trees and most important agricultural crops. He also will offer tips on how you can support critical research to identify, track, and report this visually arresting but highly destructive insect.
Zoom in and join us online. The presentation is free and open to all. To receive the link to join this lecture you must sign up for our Osprey newsletter. See the sign-up form at the bottom of this web page. We will email the link to join the lecture several days prior to and the same day of the lecture.

Sharp-tailed Sparrows and Migrants--Cancelled due to weather
2022-10-02 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Cove Point, Private, United States
Field Trip
Leader: Bob Boxwell
Cove Point beach and marsh is a unique habitat on the Western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. A living shoreline project is helping to restore the freshwater marsh from saltwater incursion. We will target sparrows, marsh inhabitants and migrants.
This is a restricted area and we are limited to ten guests. Exact location and directions given upon reservation. RSVP by September 28th to Bob at 410-231-125 or robertboxwell1@outlook.com

Migration on the Point--Cancelled due to weather
2022-10-01 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s County, 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD, 20687
Field Trip
Leader: Tyler Bell
Join us at Southern Maryland’s premier birding hotspot as fall migrants funnel south to cross the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Loblolly pines, mixed hardwoods, beaches, marshes and broad water views regularly deliver a wide variety of species and occasional rarities. Contact leader for meeting location. (Do not proceed directly to the park entrance.) Fee area. RSVP required to Tyler at 301-862-4623 or jtylerbell@yahoo.com

Birding the Fields and Trails of Sotterley
2022-09-25 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Field Trip
Leader: David Moulton
Join us for a fall excursion to this scenic and historic Patuxent River property, sponsored jointly by SMAS and Historic Sotterley. Bald Eagles, migrant songbirds and lingering meadowlarks and sparrows can be found via Sotterley’s trails and river views.
Directions: From Rt. 235, go north on Sotterley Road; turn right through gates to the Historic Sotterley visitors’ center parking lot. Maximum of 10 Participants. RSVP required to David at 240-278-4473 or moulton.davidh@gmail.com.

Youth Birding at Tilghman Lake, A Bird City Event
2022-09-24 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Tilghman Lake Park, Charles County, 10598 Box Elder Rd, LaPlata, MD, MD, 20646
Field Trip
Leader: Phin Rouland
Calling on all kids!! This birding field trip is targeting all youth interested in joining our Southern Maryland Youth Birders Club, or who simply want to learn more about birds and get together with other kids that are also interested in birds. We will start with a one-hour discussion: Birding 101- The Basics of Birding, bird migration, and Town of La Plata becoming the first Bird City MD, and what that means to us. Meet at the pavilion. The discussion will be followed with a two-hour bird walk around the lake. Loaner binoculars provided, but please bring your own if you have them. NOTE: This event will include two adults for supervision of youth. Geared for ages 7 – 18. All youth under the age of 12 must include an adult. Maximum of 12 youth participants. RSVP required to Lynne Wheeler at 301-751-8097 (text preferred) or somdaudubon@yahoo.com

Migration on the Point changed to October 1, 2022
2022-09-17 00:00 UTC | Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s County, 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD, 20687
Field Trip
Leader: Tyler Bell
This field trip has changed date to October 1, 2022. Please see that calendar date for description.

Migration along the St. Mary's River
2022-09-10 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Chancellors Point, St. Mary’s City, 18171 Rosecroft Road, St. Mary’s City, MD, 20686
Field Trip
Leader: Ben Springer
Join us for a fall meander to key bird migration hotspots in and around Historic St. Mary’s City, which can be easily combined with a visit to the site of Maryland’s first capital. The combination of riverfront, open fields, forest and marshland provide us with a chance to look for migrating warblers as well as lingering breeding birds.
Meet leader at 8 a.m. at the Chancellors Point Park parking lot. Directions: Driving south on Rte. 5 from St. Mary’s City, turn right on Rosecroft Road. In one mile, watch for signs for Chancellors Point Park. Turn right onto access road and follow signs to the end. (GPS coordinates: 38.1694115, -76.4407542.) Maximum of 10 participants. RSVP required to Ben at 443-771-6636 (text preferred) or ben.springer@comcast.net.

Winter Sowing: How to grow your own natives for birds & beauty
2022-09-07 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Monthly Meeting via Zoom
Speaker: Molly Moore, President, Southern Maryland Audubon Society and Charles County Master Gardener

Southern Maryland Audubon Zoom presentation Wed., Sept. 7 at 7 PM
We all want to grow more natives for birds, wildlife and beauty in our yards and on our patios. But native plants can be expensive! Learn how to grow your own natives from seeds, on the cheap, in milk jugs in the dead of winter.
Zoom presentation is free and open to all. To receive the link to join this presentation you must sign up for our Osprey newsletter at somdaudubon.org. See the sign-up block at the bottom of the page. We will email the link several days prior as well as the same day of the lecture. (Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists can earn advanced education hours.)

SMAS Annual Meeting & Picnic 2022
2022-06-05 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Kings Landing Park, 3255 Kings Landing Road, Huntingtown, 20639, United States
American Robin chicks in nest. Photo by Tiffany Farrell
Please join our annual picnic on Sunday, June 5 at the pavilion at Kings Landing Park. All members and friends welcome. Food and fun with your fellow birders await!
Potluck Lunch 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Welcome 2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Business Meeting: Elections and Award Presentations 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Bird Walk 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Come and join us as we appreciate this Calvert County park with 265 acres of natural area on the Patuxent River, including 4,000 feet of river shoreline and 50 acres of marshland. Our annual meeting will be held at a picnic pavilion, where we immerse ourselves in the park’s nature-filled environment.
Directions: From Rt 4 at Huntingtown, turn onto Old Town Road (Rt. 524). Proceed to Bowen’s Grocery Store and turn on Huntingtown Road (Rt. 521). At the 4-way stop intersection, continue straight, and you will be on Kings Landing Road. The road dead ends at the park. The pavilion is on the right approximately 75 feet past the park entrance.

May Count
2022-05-14 - 2022-05-15
Come out and join our annual spring bird count! Help is always appreciated from all, including backyard birders, beginners, and new members. This is a great way to learn! Data and information from this effort help save our birds.
Exact dates for each county will be posted on our website or in upcoming Osprey newsletters. Counties may choose Saturday OR Sunday. The county coordinators to contact are as follows:
CALVERT: Sherman Suter (401-586-1073), sjsuter29@verizon.net
CHARLES: Lynne Wheeler (301-751-8097), somdaudubon@yahoo.com
PRINCE GEORGE’S: Matthew Felperin, (703-268-6064), mfelperin@nvrpa.org.
ST. MARY’S: Tyler Bell (301-862-4623), jtylerbell@yahoo.com

Spring Migrants at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
2022-05-07 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, MD, 20685, United States
Field Trip
Leader: Bob Boxwell
Jefferson Patterson Park, located off the Patuxent River in Calvert County, offers woods, edge habitat, and open fields, which will provide a venue for a variety of migrants. The gates open at 7:30, and we will meet at 8:00 a.m. in the upper parking lot. RSVP to Bob at robertboxwell1@outlook.com or 410-610-5124.

Bird City MD Campus Walk and Talk
2022-05-04 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | College of Southern MD, La Plata Campus, 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD, 20646, United States
Eastern Bluebirds, Native Plants & World Migratory Bird Day
In-Person Monthly Meeting
Leaders: Barb Whipkey, Lynne Wheeler, and Tracey Stuller
Join us outdoors and see what College of Southern Maryland did to become the first Bird City Campus in Maryland! We will take a walk around campus with Barb Whipkey, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited stores in La Plata and Lexington Park. Barb is a champion for Eastern Bluebirds. As we walk the campus, we will check on the many bluebird boxes there, as Barb talks about bluebird trails, feeding bluebirds, as well as how to provide for the migratory birds that are here for nesting season.
Our walk will also stop at the site’s many native plant gardens, which helped the college be designated a Bee Campus USA! The event will end in the central area of the Science and Technology building with food treats. As the sun sets and lights come on, we will discuss the theme for this year’s World Migratory Bird Day – light pollution and migratory birds. We’ll also learn about the bird species that are being highlighted for 2022.
FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

Celebrate the Return of the Prothonotary Warbler
2022-05-01 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, 2880 Grays Road, Prince Frederick, MD, 20678, United States
Prothonotary Warbler. Photo by Gary Robinette / Audubon Photography Awards
Field Trip
Leader: Gene Groshon
Visit this unique swampland where one of Southern Maryland’s most eye-popping warblers makes its home. The Prothonotary Warbler will be in full song, setting up its breeding territories. Our leader Gene Groshon has been banding Prothonotaries in this location for several years. Our goal will be to identify individual warblers that have just returned from Venezuela, Colombia, or Mexico to the Cypress Swamp to nest again. The Sanctuary includes a visitors’ center and a boardwalk through the swamp, so the birding should be excellent at the height of spring migration. DIRECTIONS: About 2 mi south of Prince Frederick, MD on Rt 4, turn south on Sixes Road (Rt 506). In 2 miles turn left on Grays Road. Proceed for about a quarter mile to Sanctuary entrance on the right. Group size may be limited. Register online at: https://www.calvertparks.org/event-4657586
FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional, unless otherwise stated in the trip description;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

Smallwood State Park: Red-Headed Woodpeckers & Migrants
2022-04-30 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury, 20658, United States
Red-headed Woodpecker. Photo by Barbara J. Saffir
Field Trip
Leaders: Marisa Rositol and Lynne Wheeler
Smallwood State Park is a great location for Red-headed Woodpeckers and a good variety of migrating birds and warblers. Louisiana Waterthrush highly likely. Meet at 8:00 a.m. and proceed to Pavilion 1 parking area, past the campground. RSVP to Lynne at somdaudubon@yahoo.com or 301-751-8097 (prefer text).
FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional, unless otherwise stated in the trip description;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

Barn Owls & Bar-B-Que
2022-04-25 17:00 - 19:30 UTC
Barn Owl chick with metal band on its leg. Photo by Tiffany Farrell
Join Southern Maryland Audubon Society to meet Barn Owl nestlings up close! Mike Callahan will talk about these endangered raptors and describe their habitats and prey. A licensed bird handler will apply numbered bands to help identify the chicks when they are later photographed or found. Then enjoy a Bar-B-Que dinner from Founders Tavern and Grille! Cost is $30 per person and will benefit raptor conservation in Southern Maryland.
Space is limited. To register, contact Mike Callahan at raptorsrulemc@gmail.com or call him at 240-765-5192. When you register, you will be given driving directions to the private farm where the event will be held.

Earth Day Field Trip: What's Soaring at Sotterley
2022-04-24 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Eastern Meadowlarks are in steep decline. Photo by Sheri Douse / Audubon Photography Awards
Field Trip
Leader: David Moulton
Celebrate Earth Day weekend with a bird walk at this scenic and historic Patuxent River property as the annual surge of migrating birds begins throughout St. Mary’s County. Nesting Bald Eagles, migrating warblers, meadowlarks, woodpeckers and waterfowl can all be found via Sotterley’s farm roads and trails. From Rt. 235, go north on Sotterley Road, turn right through the gates to the gravel parking lot on the Sotterley historic property. 10-person maximum; SMAS Covid rules apply. RSVP at moulton.davidh@gmail. com or 240-278-4473.
FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional, unless otherwise stated in the trip description;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

The Mysteries and Marvels of Bird Migration
2022-04-06 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Kings Landing Park, 3255 Kings Landing Road, Huntingtown, 20639, United States
Louisiana Waterthrush. Photo by Cameron Darnell / Audubon Photography Awards
In-Person Monthly Meeting
Join us to learn about examples of amazing bird migrations, from raptors to shorebirds to songbirds with Chris Eberly, executive director of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership since 2017. Chris earned his MS in natural resources and ornithology at the University of Georgia. Following grad school, he became the first coordinator of the Department of Defense’s bird conservation program (DoD Partners in Flight program). After serving as executive director of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory in Texas, he returned to Maryland to head up the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership. Chris strives to connect people to birds through Bird City Maryland, the Maryland Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring Program, and the Farmland Raptor Program.

Maryland Osprey & Nature Festival
2022-04-02 11:00 - 16:00 UTC | Drum Point Club, Lusby, MD
Bring the whole family to the inaugural Osprey & Nature Festival on Saturday, April 2, from 11 am to 4 pm!
Join us in Calvert County at the Drum Point Club, where the trees and the shoreline meet. Take a story walk, make an owl mask, see a live raptor up close, move through the nature activity stations and Rotunda Lectures with wildlife experts from all over the state.
If you’re a lover of birds and nature, or just want to learn more about wildlife, come out and enjoy a day of fun. You can also shop our amazing vendors for photography, souvenirs, jewelry, auction items, and much more. Grizzly Mountain Grill will be serving up some of Southern Maryland favorite dishes including Raptor Talon Pulled Pork and Oscar the Osprey Braised Beef.
ALL Parking at Patuxent High School with courtesy shuttle transportation. Parking will not be allowed at the Drum Point Club
Entry fee: $10 per family or $5 per person
Proceeds from the 2022 festival go to the Owl Moon Raptor Center, a facility that rehabilitates injured raptors with the goal of releasing them into the wild. Thanks to the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership for being the fiscal host for the 2022 Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival.
For More Information please email Sal Icaza at Marylandospreyfestival@gmail.com or go to the event website at https://marylandospreyfestival.org/.

Early Spring Birds at the Neck, Southern Maryland Youth Birders
2022-03-26 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Newtowne Neck State Park, 21110 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD, 20650, United States
FIELD TRIP
SOUTHERN MD AUDUBON YOUTH BIRDERS CLUB –
YOUTH WELCOME TO JOIN!
Leader: Ben Springer
Join us for our first field trip for the Southern MD Audubon Youth Birders Club. This outing is for all youth interested in joining the club, those who want to meet other kids who love birds, or those who simply want to learn about birds and enjoy them more.
Defined by Breton Bay, the Potomac River, and St. Clements Bay, Newtowne Neck is a 776-acre
property of woodlands, wetlands, and agricultural fields that offers a wide variety of birding habitats.
Directions: From Rte. 5, north of Leonardtown, turn on Rte. 243 (Newtowne Neck Road) for 4.5 miles to parking lot on left just beyond the graveyard and before St. Francis Xavier’s Church. NOTE: Two adults will supervise the group on this outing. In addition, all participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. RSVP to Lynne Wheeler at somdaudubon@yahoo.com or text 301-751-8097.
FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

Bald Eagles and Winter Birds--Youth Welcome!
2022-03-19 08:30 - 10:30 UTC | Port Tobacco River Park, 7740 Chapel Point Road, Port Tobacco, MD, 20677, United States
Bald Eagle pair in nest. Photo by Doug Kliewer / Audubon Photography Awards
Field Trip
Leaders: Lynne Wheeler and Brenda Nairn-Davies
Join us to celebrate our local Bald Eagles Chandler and Hope and learn eggciting facts about our rapturous birds. This event will begin at the park pavilion with a 30-minute talk, observation of the Bald Eagles nest, followed by a 60-to-90-minute walk around the trails looking for winter birds and waterfowl on the river. RSVP to Lynne Wheeler at somdaudubon@yahoo.com or text 301-851-8097.

FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional, unless otherwise stated in the trip description;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

Winter Waterfowl Trip
2022-03-12 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, MD, 20685, United States
A breeding male Ruddy Duck. Photo by Joseph Mahoney / Audubon Photography Awards
Field Trip–Cancelled due to inclement weather
Leader: Tyler Bell
Open fields and wooded areas provide good land birding and the river frontage close views of waterfowl including Horned Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, lots of Ruddy Ducks, both scaup, Common Goldeneye, lots of others! Call or email Tyler for directions to the meeting spot. Maximum of 6 participants; SMAS Covid rules apply. RSVP to Tyler Bell at jtylerbell@yahoo.com or 301-862-4623.
FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional, unless otherwise stated in the trip description;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

What's Up with Maryland Plants?
2022-03-02 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Swamp Pink or Helonias bullata. Photo by Kerry Wixted
Monthly Meeting Program
Our speaker this month is Chris Frye, who has served as Maryland’s chief botanist for 26 years. He leads conservation efforts for plants and maintains the state’s list of rare, threatened, and endangered plant species. Chris will discuss some highlights of his research, detail some activities for management and recovery of rare plants, S3 plant species to look for, and talk generally about the challenges to conservation posed by small population size and isolation.
Instead of in-person meetings, SMAS is hosting virtual lectures using Zoom. We will send invitations via email with a link for joining each online event. If you do not get our Osprey newsletter via email, you need to sign up first. Please scroll to the bottom of this page and submit your email address to subscribe.

Winter Birds & Tundra Specialists at Pax River Airfield
2022-02-26 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Patuxent River Naval Air Station, 21866 Cedar Point, Bldg. 2189, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, 20670
Peregrine Falcon. Photo by Jon Ferguson / Audubon Photography Awards
Field Trip
Leader: Dean Newman
We are fortunate to have access to sections of the Navy base fronting on the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay. Airfields here provide tundra-like habitat. Previous trips have turned up winter birds such as Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspurs, Short-eared Owls, Horned Larks, Savannah Sparrows, Wilson’s Snipe and Peregrine Falcon. Preregistration is required and open to U.S. citizens only. Must bring photo I.D. Covid vaccination and masks are required. We will be escorted and traveling together in a van; participant size is limited. RSVP to Dean Newman at deannewman03@gmail.com. Information about meeting point will be sent to registered attendees.

FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional, unless otherwise stated in the trip description;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

Winter Waterfowl and Resident Birds
2022-02-20 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Piscataway Park & Hard Bargain Farm, 2301 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD, 20607, United States
Hooded Merganser. Photo by John Thornton / Audubon Photography Awards
Field Trip
Leaders: Lynne Wheeler and Bill Townsend
The varied habitat of water, woods, farm fields and edges provide for a great variety of birds. See fergusonfoundation.org for directions. Bill Townsend, Hard Bargain Farm educator, will meet you at the entrance. No fee. Limit to 12 participants. RSVP to Lynne Wheeler at somdaudubon@yahoo.com or 301-751-8097 (prefer text).
FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.

Great Backyard Bird Count
2022-02-18 00:00 - 2022-02-21 00:00 UTC
Count Birds in Your Backyard!
Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count
was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time. For
information about the GBBC see their website at birdcount.org. You can help out by counting birds for as little as
15 minutes! Local GBBC get togethers throughout southern Maryland will be advertised on our Facebook page. The SMAS field trip at Hard Bargain Farm on Sunday, February 20 will participate in the count!

Owl Prowl
2022-02-11 17:50 - 19:30 UTC | Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, MD, 20685, United States
Barred Owl. Photo by John Creasman / Audubon Photography Awards
Flash Field Trip—Just Added!
Leader: Bob Boxwell
Owls are nocturnal, and therefore not easy to spot. Join us as we “call out” the owls! This is a great family “owting”. Dress appropriately for the weather, and avoid noisy clothing. Rain or high winds will result in cancellation.
Directions at the park: enter at the main entrance and follow the road to the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. Walk across the entrance road towards the big brown pavilion. Port-a-pot bathroom only available at the parking lot. Event ends depending on the owls! Event to last about 60 to 75 minutes. RSVP to Bob at robertboxwell1@outlook.com or 410-610-5124.
FIELD TRIP COVID POLICY: SMAS is restarting its program of outdoor birding field trips as of January 2022 using the following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of participants on all trips:
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated except those with medical exemptions;
2. Masks are optional;
3. Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID;
4. Maintain social distancing.
