SOMD Audubon

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.

Winter Birds and Tundra Specialists at Pax River Airfield
2026-01-24 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Patuxent River Naval Air Station, 21866 Cedar Point, Bldg. 2189, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, 20670
Leader: Dean Newman
This field trip offers access to sections of the Navy base fronting on the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, which hosts airfields that provide tundra-like habitat. Previous trips here have found 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. We will be escorted and traveling together in a van; participant size is limited. No restrooms. RSVP to Dean Newman at deannewman03@gmail.com. Meet at Gate #2, pass office parking lot.

Frogs: Learn Who's Calling and How to Get Involved via Zoom
2026-02-04 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
Speaker: Matthew Neff, Curator of Estuarine Biology, Calvert Marine Museum. Formerly a zookeeper in the Department of Herpetology at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Did you know you can find sixteen species of frogs and toads in Southern Maryland? Learn about their calls and how you can get involved in their conservation. Matt will share his experiences in FrogWatch, a citizen science program that trains individuals to listen for and record frog calls during the breeding season. Last year, more than 1,263 observations of fourteen different frog species were submitted across the Southern Maryland and surrounding areas. Attendees will also learn what’s new at the Calvert Marine Museum.
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.

Sea Ducks at the Point
2026-02-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s County, 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD, 20687
Leader: Phin Rouland
We will meet at the picnic area parking lot before walking to the Chesapeake Bay side of the point to scan for sea ducks, including all three scoter species, Common Goldeneye, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, and Long-tailed Ducks. Other species of note could include horned grebe, two loon species, and Northern Gannet. The remainder of the time will be used walking the picnic area and trails around Fort Lincoln and could include Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, and Fox Sparrow. Flat but unpaved sufaces. Gate fee $3 per car. Restrooms available. RSVP to phin.rouland@gmail.com.

Winter Waterfowl Trip
2026-02-21 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Rd, St. Leonard, MD, 20685, United States
PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE and RAIN DATE
Leader: Tyler Bell
Open fields, edge habitat, and wooded areas offer a variety of both resident and winter bird species. Additionally, the river frontage provides close views of waterfowl including Horned Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Ruddy Ducks, both scaup, Common Goldeneye, and lots more! Call or email Tyler for directions to the meeting spot. Flat with occasional hills and largely paved. No fee. Restrooms available. Maximum of 12 participants. RSVP to Tyler Bell at 301-862-4623 or jtylerbell@yahoo.com.
Please note: In case of rain or other inclement weather, this trip will take place on Sunday, February 22 instead.

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.

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.

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.

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.
