SOMD Audubon

Croaks, Peep, and Color: Exploring the World of Amphibian Communcations
2025-03-05 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Monthly Meeting Via Zoom with Program
Speaker: Kerry Wixted; Amphibian, Reptile, and Invasive Species Program Manager, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
Amphibians communicate in a variety of ways from calls to scents and even color. Explore the diverse world of amphibians and the variety of ways that they communicate. Much of this talk’s focus will be on amphibians in Maryland, but it will also cover cool species around the world, too.
The zoom link will be sent out prior to the lecture to all enrolled.

Point Lookout State Park Field Trip
2025-03-22 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s County, 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD, 20687
Leader: Phin Rouland
Catch some of the earliest signs of migration at one of Maryland’s peak hotspots. Attendees will meet at the picnic area parking and together we’ll walk down to the Point. We’ll scan both the Chesapeake and Potomac waters for any remaining winter waterfowl as well as for spring arrivals including Osprey, Brown Pelican, and tern species.
At the point we’ll target Northern Gannet which are in peak numbers passing by on migration. We’ll spend what time is left around the picnic area and on trails around Fort Lincoln. Highlights could include arriving swallow species, Bluegray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-throated Warbler.
Flat but unpaved, around a 2-mile walk. Gate fee $3 per car. Restrooms available. Limit 12.
RSVP to phin.rouland@gmail.com
Meet Location: 10444 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687 Google Map to Meet Location

March on the Mattawoman - Special State Park Event
2025-03-29 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury, 20658, United States
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bird Walks by Lynne Wheeler
Family fun! Come and welcome back our Osprey, family fishing activities, hands-on kids’ activities, explore the Discovery Center, food truck, demonstrations, and bird walks.
Park entrance fee $5/vehicle. Pre-registration required. See https://forms.gle/Bu1skNSQ9PnxxiF17

The Cherry Blossom Festival
2025-03-29 12:00 - 16:00 UTC | Lexington Manor Passive Park, 21675 S. Coral Drive, Lexington Park, MD, 21677, United States
Family Fun at the Lexington Manor Passive Park
This free, family-friendly event will feature bird feeder making craft hosted by Southern Maryland Audubon, winter sowing seeds in milk jugs, vendors and food trucks, and more.
Note: Parking will be available at Lancaster Park off of Willows Road.

How Mockingbirds Dupe Us
2025-04-02 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Monthly Meeting Program via Zoom
Speaker: DAVE GAMMON, Professor of Biology, Elon University
Mockingbirds have fascinated humans for thousands of years with their ability to imitate the sounds of other species, but scientists began to study vocal mimicry in this species for only a few decades. For the past 20 years Dave’s research has focused on basic questions like “Which species get mimicked by mockingbirds and why?” and “How do mockingbirds vary over time in their production of mimicry?” In this talk Dave will share an update on some of his latest research. The zoom link will be sent out prior to the lecture to all enrolled.

Maryland Osprey Festival in North Beach
2025-04-05 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | MD
Family Friendly Event with Raptors and Vendors
Southern Maryland Audubon will host an exhibit and activities. This family-friendly event will also feature live raptors, vendors and activities for all ages. (admission charge)
MARYLAND OSPREY AND NATURE FESTIVAL
North Beach Maryland Boardwalk
9023 Bay Ave, North Beach, MD

Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach, VA
2025-04-12 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | Town Hill in Colonial Beach, VA, Town Hill (Intersection of Colonial Avenue and Washington Avenue), Colonial Beach, VA, 22443, United States
Lots of Family Fun
Southern Maryland Audubon will host an exhibit and activities. This family-friendly event will also feature other nature and wildlife displays and demonstrations, vendors, food trucks, trolley and golf cart tours, and activities for all. (admission charge) https://www.virginiaospreyfoundation.org/

St. Mary’s County Earth Day Celebration
2025-04-26 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Summerseat Farm, 26655 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD, 20659, United States
Free Community Event
Southern Maryland Audubon will be hosting bird walks and bird info exhibits. Event will include children’s activities, vendors, food trucks, live music and tons of info on how to live a more sustainable life.
For information about the event.

Spring into Birding: A Walk on the Boardwalk
2025-04-27 08:00 - 11:30 UTC | MD
Leaders: Lynne Wheeler and Pam Brumbley
Join us for a bird walk on the Marsh Boardwalk at Piscataway Park. This is a beautiful and easy walk on a boardwalk that traverses tidal marshland along the Potomac River. It is approximately a 1.6 mile out-and-back trail. We will meet in the back parking area near the entrance of the trail; look for a gravel lane on the right (north) side of the road, at a break in a post-and-rail fence. Drive down the lane to a parking area. Along the way, the trail to the boardwalk has wooded borders where we should see migratory birds. Once we access the boardwalk, we expect to see other avian species such as Red-headed Woodpeckers and Great Blue Herons along the marsh, gull species on the Potomac River, and field species at the end. Bald Eagles and raptors are prevalent. Pack a lunch if you would like to follow us after the walk to National Colonial Farm – Piscataway Park for an eat-and-chat session. RSVP to Lynne Wheeler at somdaudubon@yahoo.com or text 301-751-8097.
Marsh Boardwalk at Piscataway Park, Prince Georges County
Accokeek Creek Marsh Boardwalk, 2904 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607

Southern Maryland Heritage Festival
2025-05-17 11:00 - 2025-05-18 17:00 UTC | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Family Fun at Historic Sotterley
A family-friendly celebration of Southern Maryland’s rich history and culture, and the incredible people who make it unique. Southern Maryland Audubon will be hosting bird walks, up close and personal views of an occupied Bald Eagle nest through scopes, children’s nature events and bird tips.
Note: The Heritage Festival has admissions charge. For more Information.

Annual Meeting and Picnic
2025-06-08 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Maxwell Hall, 17388 Teagues Point Rd., Hughesville, 20637, United States
Business Meeting and Potluck Lunch Picnic

Business Meeting:
• Elections
• Presentation of AwardsActivities:
• Bird Walk
• Native plant sale
• Southern Maryland Audubon t-shirts, mugs and more sale
• Tours of historic Maxwell Hall
Please RSVP to assist us in planning for the picnic: Signup Genius

My Summer with Ospreys via Zoom
2025-09-03 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Zoom Meeting
My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist’s Journey Toward Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet
Speaker: PAMELA LOWELL – MSW, LICSW, Therapist, Award Winning Author, Naturalist, Artist and Avid Birder
Description: As a trauma specialist, Pamela Lowell expertly guides us to the connections between therapy, the life of an artist, and the natural world as a place of healing. Lowell, an avid birder, jumped at the chance to accompany Mass. Audubon in their weekly Osprey nest monitoring project on the Westport River. She hoped to get some photos of cute Osprey chicks that she could use in her paintings. But what happened next was nothing short of transformation. In journal format, Lowell weaves together a deeply personal and exciting narrative as a passenger on the Lucky Me–along with a cast of dedicated staff and volunteers. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy descriptions of the nest monitoring process, banding, and translocation of Osprey chicks. Pamela perfectly captures our dilemma of being poised between desperate worry and the urgent need to do something specific to help our planet. With her original illustrations throughout, this book inspires us all to be better stewards and healers of our ever-changing world.
A zoom link to attend this meeting will automatically be sent out twice to all that have signed up for our Osprey newsletter.

Birding the Fields and Trails of Sotterley
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Leader: Dean Newman
Join us for an 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. The walk starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.; please arrive 10-15 minutes prior in the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. To take your experience to the next level, download the “Merlin Bird ID” app from Cornell Lab. It’s available from Google Play and the App Store. Please bring binoculars if you have them. If not, loaners will be provided. Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and attire weather appropriate. For all levels of birdwatchers.
Bathrooms are available.

Slow Birding--Designed for Birders Who Don't Want to Walk but Enjoy Coffee and Snacks
2025-09-20 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | For Location contact Jan de Regt Email: Jederegt@gmail.com
Leader: Jan de Regt
Come join Jan on a laid-back birding adventure sitting on a back deck drinking coffee and enjoying snacks. There’s no walking involved. Bring your own binoculars if you have them. If not, a limited number of loaners will be provided. For maximum enjoyment, download the Merlin Bird ID app to your smart phone and install the “US: Southeast” bird pack. These apps are free, and there’s no massive email assault to deal with. Jan will show you how to use the program to identify all the birds without a bird guide. If you’re interested, email Jan at jederegt@me.com and she’ll give you the address where the event will take place.

Another Birding the Fields and Trails of Sotterley
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636, United States
Leader: Dean Newman
Join us for an 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. The walk starts promptly at 9:00 am, please arrive 10-15 minutes prior in the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. To take your experience to the next level, download the “Merlin Bird ID” app from Cornell Lab. It’s available from Google Play and the App Store. Please bring binoculars if you have them. If not, loaners will be provided. Suggested to wear comfortable walking shoes and attire weather appropriate. For all levels of birdwatchers.
Bathrooms are available.

Migration on the Point
2025-09-27 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s County, 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD, 20687
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.
Directions: From Lexington Park drive south on Rte. 235 for 13 miles. Go left on Rte. 5 for 0.7 miles then left into the Ridge Post Office parking lot. We will arrange carpooling from there. Pt. Lookout State Park is a fee area. Bathroom facilities available. Flat, easy terrain. Mosquitos can be problematic so bring bug spray. Sunscreen recommended. Maximum of 15 participants.
RSVP to Tyler at jtylerbell@yahoo.com or 301-862-4623.

The Bug Guy! via Zoom
2025-10-01 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Zoom Meeting
You Can Aid and Abet Mother Nature’s Hit-Squad to Keep Insect Pests at Bay
Speaker: DR. MICHAEL J. RAUPP, aka The Bug Guy!
Your landscape and garden can be a refuge for beneficial insects that provide the vital ecosystem service of biological control, the natural system of putting a beatdown on plant-damaging pests. Meet wicked wasps, bodacious beetles, fierce flies, and other arthropod allies as they provide vital functions and enhance the sustainability of landscapes and gardens. Learn simple steps to enhance the abundance and contributions of beneficial insects and ways to conserve them in gardens. Explore organic approaches to managing key insect and mite pests including the use of Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed insecticides.
Raupp is a professor emeritus and extension specialist at the University of Maryland. He is also a fellow of the Entomological Society of America.

A Lazy Bird Walk for Late Migrants
2025-10-11 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Mount Aventine Chapman State Park, 3452 Ferry Pl, Indian Head, MD, 20640, United States
Field Trip: Mount Aventine Chapman State Park
Leader(s): Lynne Wheeler, Pam Brumbley
Bring your eyes, ears, and lazy bones as we leisurely walk along the road and trails of Chapman State Park, one of our Charles County birding “Hot Spots.” This officially designated Important Bird Area offers biodiversity of great significance and interest, as well as beauty. Maximum 12 participants. Difficulty level low – medium. RSVP to Lynne at 301-751-8097 at somdaudubon@yahoo.com.
Note: Rain date Oct. 12th.

Slow Birding at Lexington Manor Passive Park
2025-10-25 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Lexington Manor Passive Park, 21675 S. Coral Drive, Lexington Park, MD, 21677, United States
Field Trip: Slow Birding
Leader: Jan de Regt
Come join us at the Community Garden at Lexington Manor Passive Park for a morning of slow birding. We will set a leisurely pace on smooth, accessible surfaces — ideal for walking as well as for assistive devices such as scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs. We’ll observe the birds around us, discuss their behaviors and preferred habitats. Bring your own binoculars or borrow one of a limited number of binoculars available for use during the walk. If you’re interested, email Jan at jederegt@gmail.com to register.

Gateway Native Garden Dedication
2025-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Lexington Manor Passive Park, 21675 S. Coral Drive, Lexington Park, MD, 21677, United States
Join us at 2 p.m. for the official dedication of our Gateway Native Garden and celebrate the University of Maryland Extension Baywise certification.
The celebration will be part of the Lexington Manor Passive Park Community Gardens Harvest Festival from 1-4 p.m.
The Southern Maryland Audubon Society will have crafts for kids and native garden info.
The native learning garden is funded by a grant from the National Audubon Society and is supported by eleven community partners.

Raptorquest via Zoom
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Zoom Meeting
RAPTORQUEST: CHASING AMERICA’S RAPTORS
Wildlife photographer Scott Harris discusses his new book—RaptorQuest, Chasing America’s Raptors—which details his journey to find all 53 of the raptors that call the Lower 48 states home. He found all 53, along with a Bat Falcon, a Steller’s Sea Eagle, and a Eurasian Eagle Owl. The book is filled with stories about each bird and dozens of color photographs. The quest took him seventeen months and more than 100,000 miles of travel across 34 states. In his presentation, he shares his adventures, misadventures, successes, and failures. From minus 36-degree days, to one over 100, to getting stuck in the mud, to barely missing a bird, to just arriving in time. He talks about the raptors, of course, but also the people he met, the things he learned, and why he’s already in the middle of his next big birding adventure.
If you are on our Osprey newsletter list, you will receive the Zoom link via email. You can join the mailing list by using the form at the bottom of this page.

Bird Walk at Mallows Bay with Walk Charles County
2025-11-08 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Mallows Bay Park and Marine Sanctuary, 1440 Wilson Landing Rd, Nanjemoy, MD, 20662, United States
Southern Maryland Audubon Society (SMAS) collaborates with Walk Charles County on November 8, at noon, at Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. Join us for an informal bird walk welcoming birders of all levels! SMAS will have loaner binoculars available. No registration required; just show up, amble around a great habitat, and learn about this wonderful marine sanctuary.

Waterfowl on Mattawoman Creek, Walk the George Wilmot Trail
2025-11-29 08:15 - 12:00 UTC | Lackey High School, 3000 Chicamuxen Rd, Indian Head, Maryland, 20640, United States
Leader: Lynne Wheeler
Join us for an easy 1/3-mile walk through the woods on the George Wilmot Trail to a cove on the Mattawoman Creek. In the past the cove has shown up to 5,000 individuals and 13 different species of waterfowl. During the walk we will look for winter arrivals, woodpeckers (a known spot for Red-headed), Hermit Thrush, and raptors.
Meet at the lower parking lot of Lackey High School at 8:15 a.m. Bring waterproof shoes or low boots, and dress for possible wind.
RSVP to Lynne at 301-751-8097 (prefer text) or somdaudubon@yahoo.com.

Owlsome Owls in Maryland via Zoom
2025-12-03 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Biologist and educator Kerry Wixted will present owls as the magnificent and charismatic birds they are! She will explore the wonderful world of owls including their adaptations, species you can find in Maryland, and how to support them in the landscape.
Kerry is the Amphibian, Reptile, and Invasive Species Program Manager at the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies.
If you are on our Osprey newsletter list, you will receive the Zoom link via email. You can join the mailing list by using the form at the bottom of this page.

Christmas Bird Count, Port Tobacco
2025-12-14 | MD
Join us for the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count!
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) began in 1900, a period of rampant hunting, to promote the conservation of birds. Now organized by the National Audubon Society, it is an early winter census, where thousands of volunteers go out to count birds. Open to people of all experience levels, the CBC is a great opportunity to learn!
For more info about the Christmas Bird Count, check out the National Audubon Society’s webpage at https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count. Counts take place for one day in a given “circle,” or territory. Several circles in Southern Maryland need volunteers.
If you’d like to help in Port Tobacco on December 14, contact Mike Callahan at 240-765-5192 or email him at raptorsrulemc@gmail.com.

Christmas Bird Count, Point Lookout
2025-12-21 | Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s County, 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD, 20687
Join us for the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count!
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) began in 1900, a period of rampant hunting, to promote the conservation of birds. Now organized by the National Audubon Society, it is an early winter census, where thousands of volunteers go out to count birds. Open to people of all experience levels, the CBC is a great opportunity to learn!
For more info about the Christmas Bird Count, check out the National Audubon Society’s webpage at https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count. Counts take place for one day in a given “circle,” or territory. Several circles in Southern Maryland need volunteers.
If you’d like to help in Point Lookout on December 21, contact Bob Boxwell at 410-231-1251 or email him at robertboxwell1@outlook.com.

Christmas Bird Count, Patuxent River
2025-12-27 | MD
Join us for the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count!
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) began in 1900, a period of rampant hunting, to promote the conservation of birds. Now organized by the National Audubon Society, it is an early winter census, where thousands of volunteers go out to count birds. Open to people of all experience levels, the CBC is a great opportunity to learn!
For more info about the Christmas Bird Count, check out the National Audubon Society’s webpage at https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count. Counts take place for one day in a given “circle,” or territory. Several circles in Southern Maryland need volunteers.
If you’d like to help at the Patuxent River on December 27, text Ben Springer at 443-771-6636 or email him at ben.springer@comcast.net.

Christmas Bird Count, Potomac River Shoreline
2026-01-04 | MD
Join us for the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count!
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) began in 1900, a period of rampant hunting, to promote the conservation of birds. Now organized by the National Audubon Society, it is an early winter census, where thousands of volunteers go out to count birds. Open to people of all experience levels, the CBC is a great opportunity to learn!
For more info about the Christmas Bird Count, check out the National Audubon Society’s webpage at https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count. Counts take place for one day in a given “circle,” or territory. Several circles in Southern Maryland need volunteers.
If you’d like to help along the Maryland Shoreline of the Potomac River (Charles County) on January 4, contact Lynne Wheeler at 301-751-8097 or somdaudubon@yahoo.com or reach out to Bob Lukinic at 301-283-6317 or rdlukinic@gmail.com.

Port Tobacco River Park Bald Eagles: Chandler & Hope; Plus an Update on Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring Program via Zoom
2026-01-07 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Zoom Meeting
Presenters: Brenda Nairn Davies, Barbara Hill, and Lynne Wheeler
Bald Eagle nesting season is approaching, so what better time to present the historical nesting results for the stars of our Bald Eagle Nest cam—Chandler and Hope. The Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership will also give background and an update on the Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring Program (https://marylandbirds.org/bald-eagle-nest-monitoring). If you are wild about Bald Eagles, this project is a great opportunity to report Bald Eagle nests and to help monitor nesting activity.
If you are on our Osprey newsletter list, you will receive the Zoom link via email. You can join the mailing list by using the form at the bottom of this page.

Owl Prowl
2026-01-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | MD
*Please note: This is not a Barn Owl Prowl, as previously described.*
Leader: Mike Callahan
Join us for a night hike as we listen and look for owls! This is a great family outing for everyone who gives a hoot! RSVP to Mike at 240-765-5192 or raptorsrulemc@gmail.com.
Charles County, exact location to be determined.
