Vol. 42. No 2 The Maryland Yellowthroat May 2022 Photo by Debi Talbott We raise a glass to, and with (if only in memory), Bob Ringler, (1946-2022) to honor his contributions to Maryland birding. Marcia Watson remembers his remarkable life in a tribute, beginning on page 21 In this Issue President's Corner Page 3 Spotlight on Mandares Creek MOS Sanctuary Page 15 by Marcia Watson MCBP Update Page 4 Hand-turned Bowl at Irish Grove Page 18 by Chris Eberly i ei y Pat Valdata Members' Perch Page 5 Sanctuary Committee Report Page 19 A tribute to Philip Davis Page 6 by Marcia Watson by Barbara Johnson In Memoriam: Bob Ringler Page 21 Maryland/DC Records Committee Page 8 by Marcia Watson Status Report Chapter Chatter Page 24 by Philip Davis by Jean Wheeler APRIL 28, 2022 The Maryland Yellowthroat Publication of the Maryland Ornithological Society Editor: Dave Wood Copy Editor: Susan Pardew Yellowthroat@mdbirds.org Calendar Editor: Marilyn Veek Chapter Chatter: Jean Wheeler calendar@mdbirds.org jswheeler3@verizon.net Mailing List: Maryanne Dolan Webmaster: Tom Strikwerda maryanne.dolan@gmail.com webmaster@mabirds.org Editor's Note The cover page of this issue of the Yellowthroat is dedicated to a treasured, long-time MOS member, Bob Ringler, who sadly passed away in 2022. Marcia Watson has composed an eloquent remembrance, which you can find beginning on page 21. We also include a tribute, written by Barbara Johnson, to another inspiring MOS member, Philip Davis. Barbara's article begins on page six. Philip is currently serving as the Secretary of the Maryland and District of Columbia Records Committee, and, on cue, his Records Committee report follows Barbara's. We are honored to present both testimonies by Barbara and Marcia, both remarkable, long-time MOS members themselves. Their many contributions to the organization and to the birding community, as well as the contributions of the individuals about whom they have written, remind us again of our gratitude to members like them who really keep MOS humming along in good working order. Also, in this issue, we introduce a new feature, a forum for MOS members and others to share opinions and commentary on topics pertaining to birds and birding. We are calling it Ihe Members' Perch, a name suggested by MOS member Jim Speicher, who has contributed the first entry on page five. For those who might want to avail themselves of this vehicle of communication, here are some guidelines that might prove helpful: -- Please attempt to keep articles/commentary to no more than one page or 500 words in length. -- Please focus on issues, not personal attacks. Of course, this goes without saying with us MOS members, who pride ourselves on our civility and courtesy. Rebuttals or opinions contrary to those previously-published are, however, perfectly fine. -- Please limit any biographical information with your name to your MOS chapter accompanied perhaps by a brief sentence. The merits of the commentaries should speak for themselves. -- We may have to suggest editorial changes, shorten article length, or even postpone entries to subsequent issues, to accommodate available space and layout design. -- Of course, it is understood that contributors will be speaking solely on their behalf, and that any published submission will not express nor reflect any official position(s) of MOS or its members. Our collective experiences and perspectives suggest that we may have an opportunity here to encounter many stimulating, informed thoughts and ideas. Let's see how this goes! Elsewhere in this issue, Marcia Watson keeps us up to date on the latest sanctuary committee activities and, once again, gives us another in her series profiling the MOS sanctuaries, this one focusing on Mandares Creek. These profiles are just the thing to keep handy when thinking about new places to explore in the state. Pat Valdata tells us about a beautiful wooden bowl that you might encounter If you visit the Irish Grove sanctuary. Chris Eberly fills us in on the latest at MCBP. And Jean Wheeler, as we have come to look forward to, contributes the latest Chapter Chatter with accounts of the most recent adventures of the MOS membership. And, so many beautiful photographs. We also need to thank Susan Pardew, eagle-eyed copy editor, for yet again spotting typographical and other assorted errors in the Yellowthroat text. Speaking of members who keep MOS humming along.... 2 MDBIRDS.ORG President's Corner | am writing this note in early April, in order to make the deadline for this issue of the Yellowthroat to appear in your mailboxes sometime around the first of May. The weather, as is so often the case in early April, isn't really conducive to being outside; the temperature is in the 40's, it’s windy, and the sky is cloudy. Yes, April is the cruelest month, full of promise of warmth, but so often coming up short in temperature and sunshine. We had the spring work weekend at Irish Grove the first weekend of the month, and while the temperatures were only in the 50's, the sun shone brightly and much was accomplished. In particular, the west side of the pole shed was repainted (see photo). That side of the shed had been re-sided on the Saturday of the work weekend in 2019, and a first coat of paint was applied on that Sunday. Unfortunately, it rained later in the day, and the rain washed some of the paint off. Multiple work days since then were called off because of Covid, so it was a high priority that needed attending to. Fortunately, the temperature was just high enough (plus we waited until the afternoon so the sun was on that side of the shed), and there was no rain. And while painting the shed was the highlight of the work that was done, the real highlight of the work weekend was seen by the caravan of cars that went down the road towards Rumbly Point after dinner. As the sun set, a pair of Short-eared Owls started working low over the marsh, and good looks were had by all. While we were stopped on the road gazing at the owls, those with good ears were able to hear a Yellow Rail clicking to the east, near Marumsco Creek. Sadly, my hearing isn’t good, and that was one that got away. The work weekend at Irish Grove was a full weekend, with people arriving as early as Friday night and with many staying over Saturday night into Sunday. That was possible because of the lull in the Covid pandemic since the peak of the Omicron variant. And a joy it was to again see people! To eat dinner in the dining room with others!! But the course of the Covid pandemic is hard to predict, and with the arrival of the newest variant, Omicron BA.2, cases in Maryland have started to creep upwards once again, though still at a low level as | write this letter. At the moment, the MOS convention, scheduled for May 20-22 at Solomons, is still on, but we will be keeping a very close watch on the case and hospitalization levels for the state. A final decision on whether to hold the convention will have been made by the time this newsletter reaches your mailbox (or your inbox), and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able to hold the convention as planned. Meg Harris, the convention chair, has overseen a committee that has put a great deal of time and effort into planning. |, for one, am looking forward to it! Both the work weekend at Irish Grove and the convention are examples of the volunteer work that MOS members undertake in support of MOS activities. Without those volunteers, neither the work weekend nor the convention would take place. As president, | often get suggestions of things that MOS should be doing, in support of various goals such as conservation. MOS does have certain resources that can be applied to these goals. Chief among these is our ability to spend money in support of our activities. Currently, our annual budget is over $100,000, and that supports many activities ranging from conservation advocacy to scholarships to youth activities; it also allows us to print and mail the Yellowthroat. The other resource that MOS can provide is willing volunteers, such as those who were at Irish Grove on the work weekend, or those who are working to put on the convention. The key words here are “willing” and “volunteers”. MOS is entirely supported by volunteers, and finding volunteers to step into roles such as the currently-open chair of the Sanctuary Committee can be difficult. This is not a problem unique to MOS; many other organizations face the same challenge that we do and are struggling to find volunteers to fill organizational needs. But MOS members do volunteer in large numbers to support some things. In particular, the MD-DC Breeding Bird Atlas is entirely dependent on volunteers to collect observations of breeding activity, and most of those volunteers are MOS members. The difference between volunteering for the Atlas and volunteering to chair the Sanctuary Committee is that conducting atlas surveys is just birding with a purpose, another reason to do something we all want to do anyway. The Atlas is another reason to go out birding; chairing the Sanctuary Committee doesn't lead directly to more birding (short-eared owls over the Rumbly Point marsh notwithstanding). | am reminded of an anecdotal recounting of how atlasing started in Maryland. In the 1970's, the then-president of the Montgomery Bird Club asked Chan Robbins if he had any suggestions for what his club members could do in the summer when birds weren't migrating. Chan at that time was thinking about breeding bird atlases, such as the ones being conducted in Europe, and he promptly organized a breeding bird atlasing effort for Montgomery County. The next year, Howard County was included, and shortly thereafter the whole of the state was atlased for the first time. Atlasing is indeed “Birding with a Purpose”, as a recent article in the New York Times about the New York atlas explained, and serves not only to push us to go out birding more often but also to bird more thoughtfully and to deepen our understanding of birds and bird behavior. What MOS member wouldn't volunteer for that! There is a lesson in the outpouring of volunteers for the Atlas that we, the leaders of MOS, should pay attention to. MOS members are birders, first and foremost, and will volunteer to do things that provide them with opportunities to combine their love of birding with becoming more deeply involved with birds. That means we should be able to recruit MOS volunteers easily to support efforts such as the Atlas, efforts that can have an important conservation output and that require dedicated birding. MOS really doesn't lack volunteers; what it is lacking is a mechanism to identify projects that gives MOS members a purpose to go birding. It is a different way of thinking about how to approach big tasks such as conservation that MOS should be addressing. Rather than just throwing money at the problem, hoping someone will apply for a grant who can use the money wisely, we can select projects that our own members can contribute to, by doing what they love best - going birding. Such projects Maryland Ornithological Society 3 do exist, but we do not have a means right now of identifying those projects, nor a way to support them. We need to figure it out soon; the Atlas only lasts another two and a half years. How will we bird with a purpose then? John Mckitterick john.mckitterick@mdbirds.org President, MOS Figure1: The west side of the pole shed at Irish Grove being painted. Thank you Jane Fallon, Robin Todd, and Bobbie Wells (on the ladders), for this first coat of paint. And a big thank you to Bob Zerbe, who sat in for me to oversee the paint job (and who provided the tall ladder)! Photo by Marcia Watson 2022 MOS Convention Update The MOS Annual Convention will be held May 20 - 22, 2022 in Solomons, MD at the Solomons Inn Resort and Marina. Registration is open until May 3rd.Field trip sign-up starts April 1st and ends May 16th. MOS is excited to partner with Southern Maryland Audubon Society (SMAS) this year. Their members have expertise in this part of Maryland and have helped us pick field trip locations. They are also providing leaders for some of our field trips. There will be two different boat field trips along with a dozen or so more walking field trips. MOS has received cash and item donations from multiple sponsors. We will be raffling off a number of items, and we have an MOS-wide silent auction for a few big ticket items. Check the convention website, MOS Convention, to see what's available and more details on all parts of the convention. We have some great speakers lined up. Our Friday night Keynote Speaker will be Greg Kearns, a Park Naturalist Il, from the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation, who will talk about an automated migration tracking system and its impact in North America. Our Saturday afternoon seminar speakers will be Andy Wilson, Associate Professor for Environmental Studies, Gettysburg College, who will talk about nocturnal flight recordings and Melissa Boyle Acuti, Citizen Science Program Volunteer from the Maryland Park Service, who will talk about the Northern Saw-whet Owl banding as part of Project Owlnet station at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Then Saturday night our Keynote Speaker will be Fred Tutman, Patuxent Riverkeeper, who will talk about why, in spite of decades of citizen activism, the Patuxent River still struggles to thrive. The Pin Design contest is closed. We received 15 pin designs from 6 artists. The winner will be announced soon. You can still submit photos to the Photo Contest, and you can vote for your favorite picture starting May 14th and ending May 19th. We will have eight scientific posters on display during the Saturday afternoon Social. We added a new attendee orientation Friday at noon to help people new to the convention get acclimated. MBCP Update Bird Conservation Happenings in Maryland Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival The inaugural Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival was held on April 2 in Lusby. The Festival, a grassroots movement, was created to celebrate our charismatic Ospreys and educate the public, agencies, and owners of structures to foster an attitude of co-existence and conservation awareness in Calvert County and throughout the Bay. Proceeds from the festival go to non-profit organizations who have a vested interest in protecting and conserving Ospreys, Bald Eagles, other wildlife, and natural areas of Maryland. About 400 people attended the event, held at the Drum Point Club where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Owl Moon Raptor Center was the recipient of this year’s Festival donation. MBCP is proud to serve as the fiscal host of the Festival. Thanks to MOS for being a sponsor of the Festival and supporting raptor conservation! Bald Eagles are Nesting - Please Help Us! Bald Eagle eggs are hatching, and we need you help to know where these nests are located and how many eaglets are in a nest. As you being you are out birding or starting your Breeding Bird Atlas work for the season, please report any sightings to us. Visit https://marylandbirds.org/bald-eagle-nest-monitoring for information and to view a current map of known Bald Eagle nests. If you find an eagle nest, please send an email to eagles@marylandbirds.org and include the following information: ‘Nest ID (you can find this by clicking the icon on the map for the nest) ‘Coordinates (if you can't find the Nest ID) ‘Nest information (such as in a hardwood tree, 100 feet from a creek, etc.) 4 MDBIRDS.ORG ‘How many adults and young birds you see Thanks for helping us keep track of our growing Bald Eagle population! Farmland Raptor Intern We are please to welcome Victoria Aguilar as a summer intern. Victoria has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Universidad Aut6énoma de Nuevo Leon (Monterrey, Mexico). She's currently in a cultural exchange program in Maryland, and she's working with Eden Mill Nature Center and Phoenix Wildlife Center volunteer programs. Her goal is to learn from the different conservation programs in the States and give back to the community around her. The Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership and the Audubon Society of Central Maryland are excited to have Victoria helping with the Farmland Raptor Program this summer! Chris Eberly, Executive Director Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership The Members Perch Brief commentary [ McKitterick, President's Corner, yt4104, pp3-4 ] on the harassment of the Kirtland's Warbler [KIWA], the first recorded visit for this species in MD, recently appeared in these pages. Surprisingly, for a bird listed on eBird [ ] with status given as Near Threatened, no attention has been given to the almost relentless pressure that the public exerted on this bird during its brief stay at Swann Park in Baltimore City in October of 2021. That's the primary focus of this effort. Of equal importance, | believe, is the need to offer a counterpoint to the idea that rare birds must inevitably be chased by the birding public. The full record of checklists documenting the KIWA can be found at either of two links: or net Fao aN, A, : 7 A Ms Round LR we i Bay ae XN +." Bi a = From US Route 50 near Annapolis, take Exit 23B for Crownsville, turning left at the traffic signal at the end of the ramp to go west on MD Route 450/West Street. In about 800 feet, Route 450 turns left, but do not turn - stay straight here to continue north on MD Route 178/Generals Highway. In 1.7 miles, bear right to go north on Old Generals Highway. In just 0.4 miles, turn right onto River Road. The Sanctuary will be on your right in 1.5 miles, south of the intersection with Maynadier Lane. Stop at the Garmin Brothers Sawmill on the left just past the Sanctuary and request permission to park in their lot during your visit. Raima | if Private / roperty ive. ou Ve, stow ar creak = =RIver | Private Ps ec Ditch/creek , Ss = | House at \ #1308 Mandares Creek Map: Mandares Creek Sanctuary property boundaries shown in yellow. Orange dotted area is walkable (no trails) but will vary with tides and rains. About the author: Marcia Watson is the President of the Patuxent Bird Club and the secretary of the MOS Sanctuary Committee. Hand-turned Bowl at Irish Grove by Pat Valdata The next time you're lounging in the living room at Irish Grove, take a look at the small wooden bowl on the table. This beautiful bowl was handmade, and given to the sanctuary, by John Styer of Cecil County, using a piece of cherrywood from Irish Grove. John calls himself The Lathe-Meister, and he has been making turned wood objects for many years. He was a 18 MDBIRDS.ORG regular at all the regional craft festivals and art shows until a fall two years ago left him paralyzed. John has lots of support from family, church, and community, but he’s had to adapt to life in a wheelchair. Last year, he got a new lathe that he can operate from a seated position, so he is once again turning bowls, pens, and other items from a variety of wood, some locally sourced. If you'd like to know more about John and his work, visit his website: https://lathe-meister.com/ Sanctuary Committee Report By Marcia Watson, Sanctuary Committee Secretary With Contributions by Paul Bystrak, Melissa Hensel, Bettye Maki, and Robin Todd The last few months have been quite busy for the Sanctuary Committee. Here are some brief updates. Carey Run Sanctuary (Garrett County) Sanctuary Manager Chuck Hager reports that he has granted permission to film a segment of Outdoors MD, the popular MD Public Television Show, at Carey Run. The segment will focus on the history of the Old Braddock Road that passes through Carey Run. Years ago, as an Eagle Scout project, Chuck's son T.C. created a nature trail and placed interpretive signage on the Old Braddock Road. Our continuing partnership with Trout Unlimited led to a second tree planting event at Carey Run (the first occurred in October 2021). On April 9, about 200 Red Spruce seedlings were planted at the north end of the fields, along the boundary line, where there is an intermittent stream. The planting took place amidst snow squalls. Melissa Hensel reported that Trout Unlimited recruited Americorps members from Frostburg State University and an FSU wildlife club member for two hours of help. Six volunteers continued for additional hours to fill the target area, leaving the 4-wheeler track open. Chuck determined that the area will no longer be mowed as it would be impossible to mow around all the seedlings. We'll try to keep a path open (the 4-wheeler trail) for hiking. Unfortunately, there is also bad news to report on Carey Run. Last fall, we noticed Hemlock Wooly Adelgids on some of the hemlocks; closer inspection over the winter and early spring revealed that most of the hemlocks are infested. Hemlock Wooly Adelgids (HWA) are an exotic insect, originally from Japan, that suck on hemlocks twigs and leaves, causing defoliation and eventual death. The hemlock groves at Carey Run cover about 30 acres and are a significant habitat feature, hosting breeding birds such as Hermit Thrush, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, and others. It would be devastating to lose the hemlock forests at Carey Run; in addition to their wildlife value, the hemlocks are a very beautiful feature of the landscape. In February, the Sanctuary Committee met with Dr. Mike Raupp, Professor Emeritus from the University of Maryland College Park. Mike has assisted organizations such as the National Arboretum and Longwood Gardens, as well as the MD Department of Natural Resources and the US Department of Agriculture, to develop management plans for adelgid infestations. Based on Mike's advice, the Sanctuary Committee has arranged for a professional arborist to visit Carey Run in late April to help us start to develop a plan to address the adelgids. For a very good overview of the impact of HWA on hemlock forests and birds, see “Birds of Hemlock Forests,” an informative flier prepared by the Allegheny Forest Health Cooperative and available online through the Roger Tory Peterson Institute website at https://archive.rtpi.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2020/08/Birds-HWA.pdf. Irish Grove Sanctuary (Somerset County) A successful work weekend was held at Irish Grove the weekend of April 1st-3rd. This was a comeback - the first full work weekend held at Irish Grove since fall 2019. Work weekends were suspended at Irish Grove in the interim because of the Covid pandemic. We did have a one-day workday at Irish Grove last November, but this time people appreciated the opportunity to once again stay in the house or camp on the lawn, and to share meals and camaraderie as we cleaned up the Sanctuary. We had an excellent turnout of 24 volunteers: Jen Barnes, Paul Bystrak, Brent Byers, Mary Byers, Trish Cope, Jeff Effinger, Elaine’s friend Kim, Fred Fallon, Jane Fallon, Ron Griffin, Mary Huebner, Ellen Lawler, John McKitterick, Marylee Ross, Gene Scarpulla, Elaine Scribner, Robin Todd, Pat Valdata, Steve Wagner, Mike Walsh, Marcia Watson, Dave Webb, Bobbie Wells, Bob Zerbe Maryland Ornithological Society 19 Sanctuary Committee Report continued from Page 19 a (er (7/’ Work weekend crew having lunch on the lawn at Irish Grove. Photo by Marcia Watson The work weekend crew performed routine trail maintenance, repaired bridges and boardwalks, painted the exterior of the pole barn/screened picnic enclosure, trimmed trees, inventoried the bluebird boxes, installed new hardware on the latrines, put in some native plants in the garden alongside the house, reconstructed the outdoor shower stall, did some minor repairs inside the house, installed new curtains in the front parlor/museum room, and performed routine house cleaning. There was ample time for birding and enjoying the beauty of Irish Grove. Two special species observed over the weekend were Yellow Rail and Short-eared Owl. Willets and TreeSwallows were newly arrived. In March, MOS received an inquiry from a citizen who was interested in establishing a small oyster aquaculture facility near the mouth of East Creek. Oyster aquaculture operations are regulated by the MD Department of Natural Resources, and MOS was not being asked to approve her plan. She was reaching out in neighborly fashion to ask if MOS would have any objection to her plan. The Sanctuary Committee's only concern was for the person's personal safety - the mouth of East Creek is exposed to high tides and waves and has a bottom filled with deep mud, tree stumps, and other obstructions. However, after further examination of the site, she determined that the East Creek location would not be sheltered enough to provide a good place for the floating oyster cages. She is looking for an alternate site. Historically, the creeks around Irish Grove hosted a thriving oyster fishery and parts of Irish Grove Sanctuary were formerly owned by the A,J. Tull Oyster Company. However, the old oyster beds have been inactive for many years, as elsewhere in the Chesapeake. As more interest grows in oyster aquaculture and restoration, Irish Grove may receive more inquiries in the future. We have a new Barn Owl nest box project at Irish Grove. Under the leadership of Paul Bystrak, three new Barn Owl nest boxes were placed in the marshes at Irish Grove during February and March. The boxes were constructed by Jeff Effinger using plans provided by Andy Brown, who recently retired as a naturalist with Calvert County Parks. Andy has years of experience with Barn Owl conservation in Southern Maryland, and is now state coordinator for Barn Owl conservation under the auspices of the Maryland Installation of one of the new Barn Owl boxes at Irish Grove. Left to right: Mark Herring, Jeff Effinger, Brent Byers, Marylee Ross. Photo by Paul Bystrak. Bird Conservation Partnership and the MD Department of Natural Resources. The boxes are quite hefty and bulky and the installation in marshland is no small feat and required some trial and error. The Sanctuary Committee is grateful for the assistance of Chris Snow (Stewardship Coordinator, Monie Bay National Estuarine Reserve), Mark Herring (Park Ranger at Janes Island State Park), Melissa Boyle Acuti (Chief of Interpretation, MD State Parks) and Jennifer Brown-Whale (Environmental Educator from Howard County), who volunteered their time and muscle to help install the boxes. Sanctuary Committee members Jeff Effinger, Robin Todd and Brent Byers also assisted with installation. Pat and Bob Valdata helped to assemble materials and equipment, and Marylee Ross provided food to feed the hungry crew on the three separate installation days. Paul Bystrak and Marylee Ross will be monitoring the boxes and gathering data on any nesting that occurs. We are happy to report that Dr. George Hochmuth has been named a Life Member of MOS. Yellowthroat readers will recall that last November, Irish Grove hosted a special 20 MDBIRDS.ORG Sanctuary Committee Report Continued from Page 20 visit by George, who is an Emeritus Professor of Soil Science at the University of Florida. In the 1920's, George's grandfather had owned a farm on the north end of what is now Irish Grove Sanctuary, and in November, George and his daughter Melissa, along with an uncle, visited Irish Grove. An expedition was mounted to escort George and Melissa to the site of their grandfather’s home. The Sanctuary Committee looks forward to a long association with this special descendant of Irish Grove. Mill Creek Sanctuary (Talbot County) Bettye Maki, President of the Talbot chapter of MOS, reports that their chapter hosted a work day at MIIl Creek on Saturday, March 19th. The major focus of that work day was meant to be the re-construction of a long bridge over a deep ravine; however, the needed long lumber pieces were unavailable at any of the lumber yards, and so that work has been postponed. Instead, the 16 volunteers focused on other tasks. Twelve people divided into three groups to mark and clear three pathways on the property. Jeff Effinger, Sanctuary Manager, laid out a new pathway through the center of the main tract. The trails are now marked by different colored streamers. In addition, a crew marked the sanctuary boundaries with blue paint blazes. Four men installed the posts for new sign boards for the parking area; the sign boards will be added at a later date, after the concrete hardens. Wayne Bell has volunteered to draw up a color-coded map of the trails. A laminated version of the map will be installed in the information kiosk at the parking area. During a lunch of take-out sandwiches, Jeff Effinger, Wayne Bell, and Terry Allen gave some background information on this sanctuary. The Talbot Chapter thanks Robin Todd for driving down from Howard County to join in the workday. Research The MOS Sanctuaries continue to host several research projects. Sam Droege, a biologist with the Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent Research Refuge (aka “The Bee Guy”), is periodically visiting Mill Creek Sanctuary to conduct surveys of native bee species. Harford County Bird Club member Dave Webb, who is also a member of the MD Entomological Society, is conducting a series of nocturnal insect surveys at Myrtle Simons Pelot Sanctuary (Caroline County), the Robbins Sanctuary at Red Run (Garrett County), and Irish Grove (Somerset County). Dr. Henry Leggett, a researcher with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, is conducting a second year of water temperature monitoring of the Gravelly Branch stream that flows through Pelot Sanctuary in Caroline County; Dr. Leggett’s research is focused on identifying habitat that can support migratory fish in the Choptank River and Tuckahoe Creek systems. Last year’s monitoring showed that the Pelot and Tuckahoe State Park provided the best habitat among the various study sites. Nocturnal Insect Survey Set-up. Insects are attracted to the lights and land on the sheet suspended over a frame, where they can be studied and photographed. Photo by Dave Webb at Robbins Sanctuary. In Memoriam: Bob Ringler With deep sadness, we report the death of Bob Ringler on February 15, 2022. Bob was a giant of a manin the Maryland birding community. The importance of Bob's contributions to our knowledge of birds in Maryland and the influence of his leadership within the Maryland Ornithological Society cannot be overstated. His personal birding covered the entire state, and his knowledge is reflected in birding activities in every corner of Maryland. Many of our favorite birding spots were pioneered by Bob. Bob joined MOS in 1976 and quickly became a keystone of the organization. Initially Bob was a member of the Baltimore Bird Club, then later moved to Eldersburg and became a member of the Carroll County Bird Club. About a year ago, he moved to Queen Anne's County, where there is no local MOS chapter, but he continued his Maryland Ornithological Society 21 In Memoriam: Bob Ringler Continued from Page 21 birding activities and created a bird club in the community where he lived. Over the years Bob held many leadership positions within MOS. To name just a few: ‘President of MOS, 1988-1989 ‘President of the Baltimore Bird Club, 1983-1986 ‘President of the Carroll County Bird Club, 1994-1995 ‘Assistant or Associate Editor of Maryland Birdlife,1979-2013 ‘Considered to be one of the founders of the Breeding Bird Atlas project; served on the Steering Committee for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Atlases of the Breeding Birds of Maryland; also Worcester County Coordinator and Baltimore County Co-Coordinator for the 1st Atlas; Carroll County Coordinator for the 2nd Atlas; Somerset County Coordinator for the 3rd Atlas; wrote five species accounts for the 1st Atlas and one for the 2nd Atlas. ‘Compiler and editor of “The Season” report in Maryland Birdlife, 1977-1991 and 1999-2005. “The Season” was a quarterly report on bird distribution and notable occurrences for each season of the year, and was a prominent recurring feature in every issue of the journal from 1946 until 2005. ‘Member of numerous other committees and projects, including the Nest Records Committee and the Collections Committee. Bob was a world traveler, and starting in the 1970s, organized and led birding tours to numerous destinations across the US and overseas. He is probably best remembered for his many tours to Costa Rica; we have no record of how many times he visited that country, but it must have been dozens of times. From about 1983 through 1991, Bob was the leader and organizer of the weekly MOS bird survey trips to Hart-Miller Island; these trips were undertaken through an agreement between MOS and the Baltimore Port Authority as part of the wildlife monitoring required for the construction of the Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material Containment Facility. But Bob’s experience in birding Hart-Miller spans a much longer time period. His eBird lists at Hart Miller pre-date the start of construction there, and he would get himself to the island by renting a rowboat at a nearby dock. He continued to visit Hart-Miller on a regular basis through the present,and accumulated a list of 262 species that he observed there. Bob was often accompanied on field trips and bird walks by his dogs Cindy and Skippy. Skippy, in particular, no doubt logged more miles at Hart-Miller than any other canine. Bob and Skippy. Photo by Debbie Terry. Bob happily gave slide presentations and led field trips all around the state. He was a fixture at the annual MOS Convention, where his tall form towered over all the other birders at the Convention’s Wine & Cheese Social, and his laugh would ring out over the crowd while he hoisted a beverage and told one of his many dry-humor birding anecdotes. Bob traditionally led the Tally Rally at the end of every Convention, and as the bird reports were called out, Bob would give an interesting running commentary on historical changes in Maryland's birdlife. Before we had eBird, we had Bob Ringler. Bob is best remembered for his encyclopedic knowledge of bird distribution and populations in Maryland and DC. He was equally known as a meticulous record-keeper and took the trouble to enter every one of his sightings into eBird, going back through his historical records to do so. Over decades, he maintained his own database - a simple Excel spreadsheet - that held not only his own sightings but also those of other birders, as reported to the MD Osprey list-serve and its later incarnation, the MDBirding Google Group, as well as to the Voice of the Naturalist, other Rare Bird Reports, and reports that came to him personally by email, letter, text message or possibly by carrier pigeon. By 2020, Bob's database held over 88,000 observations. Bob was, quite simply, the data hub for day-to-day Maryland bird reports. But, he held formidable knowledge even without accessing his computer. He apparently carried in his head mental maps of the distribution of Maryland birds, and working from memory, could provide detailed predictions on when to expect certain birds to show up in certain places, or could give a summary of changes in the distribution or population size of Maryland birds over time. 22 MDBIRDS.ORG In Memoriam: Bob Ringler Continued from Page 22 Bob’s extensive knowledge of the birds of Maryland culminated in Bob serving as lead author for the Third Edition of the Field List of the Birds of Maryland, aka The Yellowbook, published by MOS in 1996. Bob was also the Technical Editor for the Birds of Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, authored by Bruce Beehler and published in 2019. Bob also authored numerous articles on notable bird sightings in Maryland Birdlife and in other regional publications. Bob's interests didn't stop at birds. He was also extremely knowledgeable about butterflies and native plants, and was an excellent all-around naturalist. He was among the top submitters of records to the Maryland Biodiversity Project, and his submissions spanned the entire state and numerous forms: birds, butterflies, bees and other insects, plants, amphibia, reptiles, and more. Bob with Bill Hubick from the Maryland Biodiversity Project at the project's Bioblitz at the Howard County Conservancy BioBlitz. They both had just gotten their lifer Monkey Slug Caterpillars. Photo by Bill Hubick. Bob was well-liked because of his kindness and patience. For example, he always made sure that all participants on a field trip had a chance to see every bird. No bird, and no birder, were unworthy of his attention. He would courteously answer inquiries about Maryland birds from anyone. And yet, Bob was a man of few words, especially concerning his own feats of birding prowess. Bob was born in Baltimore in January 14, 1946, the only child of the late Julia Clara and Jackson F. Ringler. As a youngster, he was introduced to birding by his father, and began practicing his impeccable note-taking under his father’s guidance. He was also active in Cub Scouts and Little League Baseball, and enjoyed watching Sunday football games with family and friends. After graduating from Severna Park High School, Bob went on to receive his Bachelor's degree from Drexel University. His first job was working for the DuPont Company in Seaford, Delaware, followed by a move to Swanson Foods in Salisbury, Maryland. He was later employed as an analytical chemist for the Maryland Department of Health and Hygiene in Annapolis, where he conducted analyses of water quality, and retired from that position several years ago. Bob was 76 years old when he passed away, having been hospitalized for a few weeks prior to his passing. Bob is survived by his cousins: Faith Ringler-Stevinson and husband Walter of Maryland; Jay Anthony of Florida: Patrick Buckley and wife Betty of Minnesota; David Buckley and wife Nancy of lowa; Paul Buckley and wife Connie of lowa; and Sharon Edmunds of Florida. Also surviving are his great nieces: Adrienne Dilaimy and husband Fabian of Maryland; Melanie Brown and husband John of Maryland; and Roxy Anthony of Maryland. Cards and sympathy notes may be sent to his family in care of Bob's cousin Faith Ringler-Stevinson, 106 Harmony Way, Centreville, MD 21617. You may view Bob's obituary as well as a slideshow of photos at https://www.fhnfuneralhome.com/obituaries/ Robert-Ringler/#!/Obituary. Please send memorial gifts in Bob's memory to: ‘The Maryland Biodiversity Project. Donations may be made online at https:/Awww.marylandbiodiversity.com or checks may be sent to Maryland Biodiversity Project, c/o Jim Brighton, 117 Regulator Drive N, Cambridge, MD 21613. OR: ‘The Maryland Ornithological Society, either donations to the Society in general or specifically to the MD-DC Breeding Bird Atlas Project. Donations may be made online at https://mdbirds.org or checks may be sent to the Maryland Ornithological Society, c/o Carol Daugherty, Treasurer, 11925 Oden Ct., Rockville, MD 20852 This memorial was written by Marcia Watson with ample assistance by Phil Davis. A similar version appeared earlier in the Patuxent Bird Club newsletter. Phil has compiled an extensive set of information about Bob from many sources, including numerous personal recollections submitted to the MDBirding Google Group. A memorial webpage is being planned to display all of the submitted recollections, photos, and other materials. Maryland Ornithological Society 23 ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY Gerald Winegrad and his wife Caro/ Swan reside on Oyster Creek. They travel to Naples, Florida, around Thanksgiving and again mid -March to visit their daughter and three grandkids. Gerald has submitted several of Carol's outstanding photos for the enjoyment of Yellowthroat readers, including a photo of ABA's 2022 Bird of the Year -Burrowing Owl! Gerald writes “We do a lot of birding and alligator searching, drives, hikes, and viewing. The Marsh Trail at 10,000 Islands NWR is a must with an observation tower. If you go at sunrise, you will see thousands of _ waterbirds leaving their mangrove roosts to | furiously feed in the lagoons. Wood Storks fly by as do Spoonbills and Bald Eagles, and there are many, many egrets and herons, Coots, Moorhens, Blue-winged Teal, Brown Pelicans, a few Reddish Egrets and sometimes White Pelicans. Often, three large alligators are sunning in the morning warmth. “= A Limpkin has been feeding in the shallows at a 58 Nearby fancy hotel. We have had Swallow-tailed > Kites overhead since we arrived on March 13, and 4, one was five doors down working insects around a See tree, a truly elegant bird. We saw the Burrowing > * Owls of Marco Island again and Gopher Tortoises, “We too. And, a special treat on Marco was six 1722 Magnificent Frigatebirds doing aerial acrobatics at low elevation as we had a picnic lunch. Saw a bunch of Black Skimmers, too. Of note, the invasive Collared Dove sounds like a donkey braying.” Burrowing Owl- Photo by Carol Swann Right Roseate Spoonbills in Mixed Flock, Marsh Trail, Florida. Photo by Carol Swann 24 MDBIRDS.ORG Barbara Johnson writes: "After | moved with my husband Barry to Chattanooga, TN in 2019, my Annapolis friend Ann and | planned a spring 2020 drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Covid-19 thwarted us until this year. At 11AM on February 19, | found Ann at the Nashville Airport, and we headed straight to the famed Loveless Cafe at the gateway to the Trace for sustenance at the outset of our 4-day trip. "First, a bit about the Natchez Trace Parkway: A 444-mile paved road beginning just south of Nashville and coursing seamlessly through Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, the Trace approximates an ancient trail carved first by animals, then Native Americans, and later, boatmen walking home north after floating their goods to southern ports via the Mississippi River. The National Park Service (NPS) administers the parkway. Federal land occupies 400+feet on either side of the parkway, for a total of 52,000 square miles. A popular destination for cyclists and hikers, the road meanders through various ecosystems, predominantly upland forest, and forested wetlands, with occasional fields and lakes. Cypress swamps and Spanish moss-draped live oaks line the southernmost stretch. With few entrances and very little civilization visible along its course, the Trace is a green gem of a road, like none other in the country. "At the outset let me say that Ann, while the most engaging and curious travel companion, is neither birder nor hiker. Suffice to say that my bird list reflects sightings from the car (and | did the driving) or short forays on our many stops. | counted only 49 species (all of which can be seen in Maryland). | report this trip more to extol the wonders of the Natchez Trace Parkway, which would indeed be a great place to bird, while taking in the abundant scenery and history that the parkway offers. "That said, the car birding was fun. We had more than a few Pileated Woodpecker flyovers (which will impress even a non-birder), and we saw over 100 Wild Turkeys along the roadsides. The top speed limit on the parkway is 50 MPH, and there was little traffic, so | was often able to slow down to peer into the alluring habitat. "The Parkway’s history is well-told in signage, NPS maps, and T.&T. Jacksons’ Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway. There are sites significant to Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and the Civil War. Meriwether Lewis is memorialized near the inn where his life ended tragically. We left pavement to drive graveled sections of the“Old Trace”, walked trails to waterfalls and boardwalks through sloughs, and toured the excellent National Parkway Visitors Center. We stopped at several mounds built by ancestors of the Natchez, Choctaw and Chickasaw tribespeople. My favorite, Emerald Mound near Natchez, is the 2nd-largest Mississippian mound in the country. Built basket-by-basketload between 1250 and 1600 CE, this astonishing 8-acre earthwork is still used in tribal ceremonies and is open to the public. | challenge anyone to climb to the vast center and lie face up in the grass for a time without being affected (pre-chigger season, of course). "The Trace offers numerous campsites, but we bunked in nearby towns. Muscle Shoals, along the Tennessee River, is home to famous recording studios that offer tours (just not on Sunday, our day there). "In Tupelo we awoke to rain. Having a short leg ahead of us, we decided to take in the Elvis Presley Birthplace, a humble contrast to the opulent Graceland in Memphis. Never huge Elvis fans, Ann and | arrived with the lowest of expectations, but left, quite honestly, feeling as if we’d had a religious experience. My details would run on way too long, but if you're there, just go. Take the whole tour. You'll see. "Jackson was just a stopover on our third night, but we ended our drive in the utterly charming town of Natchez. Set on high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi, Natchez was once the wealthiest per capita city in the country (“when cotton was king”), and it shows in the many antebellum homes in various states of repair. Several of the mansions, city homes of plantation owners, are open for tours. We explored the dazzling Longwood, the largest octagonal house in the US. Its construction was halted by the Civil War and the story of its owner, the colorfully-named cotton baron Haller Nutt, is a vivid example of the fate of the vast fortunes built upon human suffering. | long to return to the Natchez Trace when the Neotropical migrants are coming through, with (no disrespect to my beloved Ann) a fellow birder along for the ride!)" Barbara Johnson CECIL COUNTY The Cecil Bird Club is digging itself out of the latest COVID-19 variant with the help of long time member Sean McCandless. Field trips are back. Long known as an expert on gull identification, Sean led a hardy group of about 15 individuals on an extremely blustery day to North East Community Park for a study of the resident gulls there on February 19th. This became the first Cecil Bird Club field trip since last summer. He followed that up two weeks later with a trip to Perryville Community Park for wintering waterfowl. Eleven species of ducks were found as well as the Tundra Swans which hang out there all winter. One Horned Grebe put in an appearance as well. Mid March found Sean at Blackwater NWR, with the grand finale being the Snowy Owl in Cambridge. Thanks much Sean for kick-starting the club's field trip schedule. As we turn to spring, the Cecil Club is involved in the monitoring of not one, not two, but now three sites with nest boxes. Besides the long term running project at the Woodland Reserve near Port Deposit, which used to be a superfund site and Maryland Ornithological Society 25 the nest boxes at Turkey Point in Elk Neck State Park, a third park has been added as of last year. This is Conowingo Park, which is just below the Conowingo Dam opposite Fisherman's Park, known for wintering Bald Eagles. Friends of Cecil County Parks and Recreation is responsible for these boxes and taking the lead in their monitoring. Time to get those boxes cleaned out and scrubbed for the upcoming season. Club President and self proclaimed travel agent Maryanne Dolan has put together a string of upcoming birding trips. First up is Panama at the Canopy Family resorts at the end of April. She previewed this region last year. Both she and club member Ken Drier will venture down there, hoping for a Sunbittern. Stay tuned for the follow-up on this next time. Ken Drier HARFORD COUNTY After two years of no travel, Dennis Kirkwood from the Harford Bird Club got back on a plane to visit Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The tour was organized and led by Rockjumper Birding Tours. Dave Webb joined Dennis in Puerto Rico and Bob Murphy replaced Dave in the Dominican Republic. Both islands are known for their bird, especially the endemics and near endemics. Each location also boasts1-3 endemic families of birds. In four days of birding Puerto Rico, all endemics and near endemics were seen, including the Puerto Rican Tanager, an endemic monotypic family, and the Puerto Rican Parrot, of which there are roughly 200 alive in the wild. Fortunately a robust captive breeding program is bringing this native Amazon back from the brink of extinction. Key West Quail Dove Photo by Dennis Kirkwood _ The Dominican Republic, only 100 ~ milles from Puerto Rico, shares the island of Hispaniola with the country of Haiti.It is best known in the states for its beaches and resorts on the eastern end of the country.The endemic birds are mostly in the mountains close to the Haitian border.Some of the birding took * place right on the border which was " obvious due to the deforestation in » Haiti versus the intact forest of DR.In — eight days of birding, all but one of the 28 endemics were found.The birding was more rigorous as the road system made access more difficult. The Bay-breasted Cuckoo presented the biggest challenge as almost one day was spent just trying to locate this notorious skulker. Dennis recommends both islands as great opportunities to bird the tropics with direct flights to both from Baltimore. Dennis Kirkwood MONTGOMERY COUNTY The two travelers from Montgomery who wrote of their winter adventures both told of Florida, obviously the location of choice for many birders this year. A March eBird posting revealed to Lydia and Paul Schindler, who migrate to a winter roost near Saint Augustine, that their friend and fellow club member Jo Cox was visiting St. Augustine.The two birders arranged to spend a morning at a local favorite, a water management tract. There they found over 50 species -- all the herons and egrets, both Ibis, Anhingas, Limpkins, Wood Storks, American Bittern, King Rails, 3 Soras in view at once, heard-only Sandhill Cranes, singing (and seen) Marsh Wrens, hundreds of Tree Swallows (plus one Barn), and a prettily posed female Painted Bunting. And Bruce Beehler, on the opposite side of Florida, wrote:"Periodically, our family takes a winter vacation, staying at ‘Tween Waters Resort on Captiva Island, a spot where luminaries such as Anne Morrow Lindbergh and Theodore Roosevelt and J.N. "Ding” Darling stayed in earlier centuries... It remains a great place to commune with Nature--early mornings with 26 MDBIRDS.ORG Manatees in knee-deep water at the edge of the mangroves, walks on the Gulf Shore with flocks of Red Knots and Black-bellied Plovers. Other mornings start with a bike ride to Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on adjacent Sanibel Island -- a 20-minute ride from Captiva. There one is entertained by flocks of American White Pelicans, White Ibis, mixed flocks of egrets and herons, and sunning Anhingas. Repeated efforts to locate a Mangrove Cuckoo _ proved fruitless, but that's birding!” Chris Wright Above: Yellow-crowned Night Heron Photo by Bruce Beehler Right: Anhinga Photo by Bruce Beehler Left: Reddish Egret Photo by Bruce Beehler Maryland Ornithological Society 27 An early-2022 birding visit to Panama’s Canopy gems Mike Bowen wrote that the last time he was in Panama was in 2005, on an ABA tour coordinated with Raul Arias, the Panamanian businessman and naturalist who bought the iconic Canopy Tower, once a USAF radar installation, and went on to build the Canopy Lodge in a hilly valley near his country home west of Panama City. Both sites are now primary attractions for birders visiting Panama, including Mike and Anne Cianni, who visited for 10 days in February 2022. “Welcome help from a local MD birder enabled us to navigate the somewhat arcane on-line“affidavit” required of the Republic of Panama's health department for visitors to the country, and it took a little time to sort out the name Delta Airlines had on record for Mike, who rejoices in three given names - a gift from his Welsh parents - so that we could actually take off from Baltimore. But, by the time Mike and Anne eventually arrived in Panama, all was smooth and the birds certainly cooperated. ‘Views from the roof of the Canopy Tower at dawn introduced us to Keel-billed Toucans and Yellow-headed Caracaras, together with Palm Tanagers and (surprisingly common) Bay-breasted and Tennessee Warblers. Not forgetting well-named Howler Monkeys and long-tailed Geoffroy’s Tamarins. An exciting morning boat trip up into the Panama Canal put us into close contact with gigantic LPG boats and awesomely huge container ships and allowed us to see at close range Snail Kites, Gray-breasted Martins, and a gorgeous American Pygmy Kingfisher. One island in Lake Gatun - an artificial lake created during construction of the Panama Canal 120 years ago -- afforded us a close view of a male Prothonotary Warbler -- who knows, maybe one slated to turn up at Montgomery County's Pennyfield Lock in May!! “We visited the famous“Pipeline Road” near Gamboa and came away with fabulous memories of a Great Potoo. By the time we were ready to move on to the Canopy Lodge we were up to our ears in new bird species - Trogons, Motmots, etc. etc., and eager to find new birds in the higher elevations around the lodge. One of Canopy Lodge's principal attractions is the fruit feeder arrangement, which can be seen worldwide on a live camera link. This didn’t disappoint, and we spent many spare minutes over four days, sitting and watching small birds such as Crimson-backed Tanagers, Blue-gray Tanagers, ™ Buff-throated Saltators, and Yellow-crowned Euphonias uy were sometime crowded out by much larger and equally impressive giants such as Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Gray-cowled Wood-rails, and Gray-headed Chachalacas. The nearby stream had Sunbittern, wintering Louisiana and = Northern Waterthrushes, and (non-migratory) Buff-rumped Keel-billed Toucan Warbler. Photo by Anne Cianni One day, our expedition took us to the Pacific coast where the Arias family has a “beach place” called Villa Denise." Our dip in the ocean (warm but rough) was accompanied overhead by multiple Magnificent Frigatebirds, while Sanderlings and a lone Whimbrel walked the beach. On our way to the coast we had birded low-elevation fields where Fork-tailed Flycatchers were ridiculously common.Later trips around the Anton Valley, where Canopy Lodge is located, gave us wintering Summer Tanagers, a gorgeous Rufous-crested Coquette and a family of Spectacled Owls. “Our only regret is that we did not have the time to visit the“other” Canopy property - the Canopy Camp - which is in the extreme East of the country, and which has some different and exceptional bird species such as Harpy Eagle. Maybe next time.” Mike Bowen PATUXENT BIRD CLUB Patuxent Bird Club is on Facebook! Matt Felperin, who serves on the Patuxent Bird Club's Board of Directors, has set up a Facebook page for Patuxent Bird Club! You can find the page athttps://www.facebook.com/groups/228557249461552/ The site is private, which means you have to request permission to join, but just click the“Join Group” link and a message will go to Matt, who will add you to the page. Matt advises that the private setting helps cut down on spam postings. Matt is looking for a person to co-administer the site with him, so if interested, please drop Matt a line at mfelperin@nvrpa.org. You need not be a member of Patuxent Bird Club to help out. Many thanks to Matt for his efforts in setting up the Facebook page. 28 MDBIRDS.ORG A gallery of Panama Birds by Anne Cianni Above: Rufous-crested Coquette Right: Spectacled Owl Above: Great Potoo. Right: Crimson -backed Tanager Maryland Ornithological Society 29 Matt Felperin Featured in Washington Post Speaking of Matt Felperin, this Board Member from Patuxent Bird Club was featured in a Washington Post article about the Snowy Owl that visited Union Station in DC in January. Matt was interviewed for the article, and his photos were used as illustrations. If you missed the article, you can catch it here: https://wapo.st/3Hn|DG9 (this link will work even if you don't have a paid subscription to the Post). (Photo by Matt Felperin, 1/6/22, Macaulay Library ML403273461) Greg Kearns and Dave Brinker Featured in New Episode of Outdoors Maryland The popular PBS TV show Outdoors Maryland has aired a new episode called“The Long Flight” that features the migration tracking research being conducted by Greg Kearns, biologist for Prince George’s County Parks, and Dave Brinker, DNR biologist. The segment starts with Greg Kearns’ research on Sora at Jug Bay Natural Area in Prince George's County and shows how this is just part of a network of sites that are tracking bird migration. The story is the third segment of the Outdoors Maryland show, Season 33, Episode 6. If you missed it on TV, you can catch it online at https://video.mpt.tv/video/episode-3306-qeecwx/. Marcia Watson TALBOT COUNTY The Talbot Chapter has resumed our in- person monthly meetings and weekly field trips. We are proud to have completed three projects over the last few months. If you have not visited Pickering Creek Audubon Center recently you should plana visit soon,, as the TCBC has donated money to build a new viewing platform overlooking a pond. Another large platform overlooking a large meadow has been built by Pickering Creek ,aided by donations in honor of our long time friend and club member Les Roslund. The Marengo Woods MOS Sanctuary parking area has been completed. Previously, there was no place to park so visiting was limited to have the courage to park in a farmer's field driveway. Several members of the TCBC cleared the area of shrubs, small trees, etc. A gravel parking lot is now available. Our last project took place March 19 at the Mill Creek MOS Sanctuary. Twelve members and one guest marked and cleared 3 paths through the sanctuary while three members erected the posts that will hold the new sanctuary sign. A lunch followed with background information about this sanctuary given by Jeff Effinger, Terry Allen, and Wayne Bell. lt was a beautiful day with good comrades. Our group has started traveling again, Bettye Maki to Costa Rica and Wayne Bell to Egypt, and several others are planning trips in the near future. Bettye Maki TRI-COUNTY New club member Deshirl Rankins recently had a three falcon day on a Delmarva birding weekend trip to an“amazing” private property on Newport Bay in Worcester County. Deshirl writes “While we were waiting & standing prior to going through the property gates, a Peregrine Falcon not far from where we were standing goes flying by us with a bird in its talons (meal)! Then, while on the property in a tree next to a house, we saw an American Kestrel!!! As we are looking at the Kestrel, a Merlin flies in!!! We saw a number of Eastern Meadowlarks, Bluebirds & White Pelicans!.” After a number of DMV birding trips to the property, Deshirl is yet to see the pair of Barn Owls that nest in one of the barns, but she is still hoping. Ellen Lawler 30 MDBIRDS.ORG Above: Displaying Hooded Mergansers Below: Male and Female Buffleheads Both Photos by Carol Swann Maryland Ornithological Society 31 POSTMASTER: TIME -DATED MATERIAL - PLEASE EXPEDITE MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. Nonprofit Org. 4915 Greenspring Avenue U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, Maryland, 21209 Hagerstown, MD Permit No. 184 Come to the 2022 MOS Convention! The MOS Annual Convention will be held May 20 - 22, 2022 in Solomons, MD at the Solomons Inn Resort and Marina. Registration is open until May 3rd. Field trip sign-up starts April 1st and ends May 16th. MOS is excited to partner with Southern Maryland Audubon Society (SMAS) this year. Their members have expertise in this part of Maryland and have helped us pick field trip locations. They are also providing leaders for some of our field trips. There will be two different boat field trips along with a dozen or so more walking field trips. MOS has received cash and item donations from multiple sponsors. We will be raffling off a number of items, and we have an MOS-wide silent auction for a few big ticket items. Check the convention website MOS Convention to see what's available and more details on all parts of the convention. We have some great speakers lined up. Our Friday night Keynote Speaker will be Greg Kearns, a Park Naturalist Il, from the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation, who will talk about an automated migration tracking system and its impact in North America. Our Saturday afternoon seminar speakers will be Andy Wilson, Associate Professor for Environmental Studies, Gettysburg College, who will talk about nocturnal flight recordings and Melissa Boyle Acuti, Citizen Science Program Volunteer from the Maryland Park Service, who will talk about Northern Saw-whet Owl banding as part of Project Owlnet station at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Then, Saturday night, our Keynote Speaker will be Fred Tutman, Patuxent Riverkeeper, who will talk about why, in spite of decades of citizen activism, the Patuxent River still struggles to thrive. The Pin Design contest is closed. We received 15 pin designs from 6 artists. The winner will be announced soon. You can still submit photos to the Photo Contest, and you can vote for your favorite picture starting May 14th and ending May 19th. We will have 8 scientific posters on display during the Saturday afternoon Social. We added a new attendee orientation Friday at noon to help people new to the convention get acclimated. 32 MDBIRDS.ORG MOS Calendar Through 8/31/2022 Field Trips Please follow all restrictions requested by the host organization. Additional details are posted on MOS and chapter web sites. Host: Talbot Bird Club Description: Owls, chuck-wills-widows. Carpool from Easton, Acme parking lot. 10 AM Dorchester County Host: YMOS Contact: George Radcliffe, radclifg@gmail.com, 410-463-1669 Description: Migrant 4PM Migrant Search search of Western Shore areas: Susquehanna SP, Swan Harbor, North Point State Park. 5/1 7 AM - Izaak Walton League | Host: Montgomery Bird Club For reservations (required) and directions, email leader Jim Nelson at ae Conservation Farm kingfishers2@verizon.net. Description: Woods, hedgerows, streams, fields, and ponds provide a wide range of bird habitats, and migration should be well underway. Limit: 10. 5/1 7:30 - Monthly walk at Host: AABC Contact Alan Young, alanmyoung@gmail.com, 410-991-8300 10 AM Kinder Farm Park 5/1 8 AM - Millington NRMA Host: Kent County Bird Club Contact: Walter Ellison & Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568, 1 PM field trip birdclub.kentcountymd@gmail.com Description: Migrating warblers should be on the move while some breeding specialties will be setting up territories. Meet in the Dollar General parking lot, Chestertown at 8:00 AM. Bring lunch or snacks. 8 AM - Oregon Ridge and Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Simon Best, simonrabest@gmail.com Description: Oregon Ridge is 12 PM Agricultural Center a good spot for warblers, thrushes, and other passerines. The Center for Maryland Agriculture has a variety of open habitats and field. RSVP required, limit 10. 5/1 8:15 AM | Cylburn Walk Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Peter Lev, plev@comcast.net or 410-952-9426. Description: Easy birding in Cylburn's gardens and urban forest. Expect to find a variety of migrant and resident birds. Some paths are not paved and can be hilly. Beginning birders welcome. RSVP required, limit 10. 5/3 8-10 Lake Roland Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Peter Lev, plev@comcast.net or 410-952-9426. Description: AM Continuing series of weekly walks following the progress of spring migration. Meet at the Light Rail Parking Lot (Boardwalk entrance to the park). Check with leader if weather is extreme (rain, wind). RSVP required, limit 20. Bird Walk at Host: AABC Contact Alan Young, 410-991-8300, alanmyoung@gmail.com Susquehanna State Park First Wednesday Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769 (alternate contact Wendy Alexander, Walks at Fort 443-204-3754). Description: Continuing survey of bird activity at the Fort. Binoculars required. McHenry Telescope can be useful for distance viewing. Canceled in bad weather and walk will be rescheduled to May 11. Semi-Monthly Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Description: Two-mile walk around lake on paved path; wheelchair- afternoon walk at accessible. Families welcome. Meet at parking area at corner of Berwyn Rd. and Ballew Ave. in Lake Artemesia Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Leader varies. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. For more information, see PGAS Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Prince-Georges- Audubon-Society/ Birding by Ear at Host: Montgomery Bird Club For reservations (required) and more information, email leader Paul Hughes Hollow Woodward at grackling@ATT.NET. Description: Tune up your ears as we listen for and learn to identify the songs and calls of migrant and local breeding birds. The trip will be geared to new birders but all are welcome. Limit: 6. Warbler Walk at Host: Harford Bird Club Leader is Tim Houghton (410-510-7504; timhoughton@comcast.net). Susquehanna SP Description: Warblers will be the focus of the trip, but there should be plenty of other songbirds, as well as waterfowl and waders out on the river. 5/7 7:30 - Monthly walk at Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Bill Sefton (kiwisuits@msn.com). Description: Two-mile out- 10 AM Fran Uhler Natural and-back walk at natural area on the Patuxent River; fields, wet woods, brushy areas. Trail is gravel Area and dirt and is mostly flat, no hills. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. Reservations not needed. Meet at 7:30 AM at east end of Lemon’s Bridge Road, off Route 197 just north of Bowie State University. 5/7 7:30 AM | Birding at Hazel Host: Tri-county Bird Club. Leader Mike Walsh at 410-422-0428 or mik.walsh@comcast.net. —3PM Outdoor Center Description: We’ll walk trails through a variety of habitats searching for summer residents, then have lunch at the picnic pavilion. Meet at Ward Museum parking lot at 7:30 a.m. Bring drinks, lunch and snacks; wearing comfortable, waterproof shoes is suggested. 5/7 8-11 Joint Bird Walk with Host: AABC & BBC, Contact Stan Arnold, thrushhost@gmail.com, 410-428-7567 AM Baltimore Bird Club Check MDBIRDS.ORG/Calendar for updates 1 Parking is inside the gate on the cemetery roads. Check out greenmountcemetery.com for more information. 5/7 TBA Birding at Sideling Host: Washington County Bird Club Contact Mark or Heather 301-573-1301. Description: Time and Hill meeting place TBD. 6:30 AM | Millington WMA Host: Talbot Bird Club Description: Migrants. Carpool from Easton, Acme parking lot. —12PM 5/8 7:30 AM | Occuquan Bay NWR_ | Host: Montgomery Bird Club For reservations (required), contact Mike Bowen at 202-236-0510 or — 12 PM dhmbowen@yahoo.com or Gerry Hawkins at 571-277-8406 or maineusa@comcast.net. Description: 5/7 9 AM- Green Mount Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Mary Shock, mmaryshock@aol.com. Description: Hike paved roads 12 PM Cemetery through Green Mount Cemetery to find migrating warblers and orioles and to see resident raptors. Explore the diverse habitats in this refuge at the confluence of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers. Start at the parking lot in the center of the refuge. Limit: 12. 5/8 8-11 Marshy Point Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leaders: Brent and Mary Byers, baypuffin@hotmail.com or 410-686-7294. AM Nature Center Description: Easy walk through varied habitats for feeder birds and other songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl. All are welcome, including families. Telescopes useful. RSVP required, limit 10. 5/8 8-11 Western Regional Host: Howard County Bird Club. Leader David Sandler, detour65@gmail.com. Description: Moderate ee Yaa Park walking along field edges and woodland trails. Opportunity for warblers, sparrows, thrushes, and flyovers. Facilities available. Meet at Carr’s Mill Road parking lot. 5/8 8:15 - Cylburn Walk Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Mark Linardi, 443- 834-8413 or mlinardi@outlook.com. 11 AM Description: Easy birding in Cylburn's gardens and urban forest. Expect to find a variety of migrant and resident birds. Some paths are not paved and can be hilly. Beginning birders welcome. RSVP required, limit 10. 5/8 TBA Gambrill State Park Host: Frederick Bird Club Contact Lois Kauffman, 301-845-6690 or md.pa.birding@gmail.com for meeting time and location. Description: Warblers and spring arrivals. 5/10 | 8-10 Lake Roland Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Ron Davis, ronldavis1963@gmail.com, 410-821-1297. Description: Continuing series of weekly walks following the progress of spring migration. Meet at the Light Rail Parking Lot (Boardwalk entrance to the park). Check with leader if weather is extreme (rain, wind). RSVP required, limit 20. Warbler Walk at Host: AABC, Contact Gene Ricks, gricks1@verizon.net, 410-952-4382 Milford Mill Park Cromwell Valley Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: John Landers, dadolbw@aol.com, 410-292-9549. Description: We Park will be looking for warblers and other migrants, swallows, flycatchers, raptors, and more. All trails are mowed grass, packed gravel, or paved, and generally flat so walk is accessible to most. Beginners birders welcome! 5/12 | 7AM- Blue Mash and Oaks | Host: Montgomery Bird Club For reservations (required), contact leader Mark England at 12 PM Landfill englandmark@comcast.net or 240-308-4114. Description:Starting at the Blue Mash Nature Trail, where we will look for a variety of songbirds and other species. Then we will look for raptors and field birds at the adjacent Oaks Landfill. Limit: 12. Start at 20500 Zion Road, Laytonsville, Md. 5/13 | 8- Bird Walk, Snaggy Host: Allegany/Garrett Bird Club Contact Bill Blauvelt at bil.blauvelt@gmail.com. Description: Bird 10:30 Mt. Road Walk at Snaggy Rd in Garrett County. AM 5/13 Eden Mill Host: Harford Bird Club. Leader Matthew Addicks (maddicks@harfordcountymd.gov). Description: Expect to see warblers, breeders, and some of the raptors that breed in the surrounding area. Registration required ahead of time at http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parksrecregistration. 5/14 Contact: George Radcliffe, radclifg@gmail.com, 410-463-1669 Description: Student Competition Birding 5/15 | 7-11 Rickman/Woodstock | Host: Montgomery Bird Club For reservations (required) and more information, email leader Scott AM Equestrian Park Young at scott4aves@icloud.com. Dave Roberts will co-lead. Description: Join us as we explore this location for some spring early-morning birding on the west side of Route 28 (https://rb.gy/qpdqda). Limit: 10. 5/15 | 7:30AM | Susquehanna State Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Joe Corcoran, corcoran2921@gmail.com, or 667-231-6453. —1PM Park, Rock Run Description: Trip to the river in Harford County for resident Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers and Gristmill a collection of spring migrants. Meet at the lot at the end of Rock Run Rd., next to the old mill building. RSVP to leader required. AM Quiet Waters Park 5/15 | 8AM- **VYouth Birding** Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Daisy Sudano, dsudanotrainings@yahoo.com, 410-426-7627. 4pm Description: "Shore Birds and the Horseshoe Crab" will be this month's theme. Please contact the leader for more information. Meet at Dupont Nature Center. 5/16 | All Day Susquehanna State Host: Talbot Bird Club Description: Waterfowl, warblers, sparrows. Carpool from Easton, Acme Park parking lot. Meet at 5:15 AM. Check MDBIRDS.ORG/Calendar for updates 2 5/17 | 8-10 Lake Roland Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Mark Linardi, 443- 834-8413 or mlinardi@outlook.com. AM Description: Continuing series of weekly walks following the progress of spring migration. Meet at the Light Rail Parking Lot (Boardwalk entrance to the park). Check with leader if weather is extreme (rain, wind). RSVP required, limit 20. 5/19 | 6—8PM | Semi-Monthly Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Description: Two-mile walk around lake on paved path; wheelchair- afternoon walk at accessible. Families welcome. Meet at parking area at corner of Berwyn Rd. and Ballew Ave. in Lake Artemesia Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Leader varies. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. For more information, see PGAS Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Prince-Georges- Audubon-Society/ 22 Host: Talbot Bird Club Description: Owls, chuck-wills-widows, whip-poor-wills. Carpool from Easton, PM Acme parking lot. 5/21 | 7AM- Sweet Air Area of Host: Harford Bird Club Contact information (410-692-5978; marksjohnson2 @gmail.com). 12 PM GSP Description: Search for migrants and breeding birds. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Dalton- Bevard Road 5/21 | 7:30- Monthly walk at Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Bill Sefton (kiwisuits@msn.com). Description: Two-mile loop 10 AM Governor Bridge at natural area: fields, wet woods, brushy areas, wetlands, ponds. Natural surface trails may be wet; Natural Area waterproof footwear advised. Leaders may require mask for unvaccinated people. Meet at the Natural Area parking lot, S side of Governor Bridge Rd., 1 mile east of US Route 301 in Bowie. 5/21 | 8-9:30 | Druid Hill Park Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Patterson Park Audubon Center- www.patterson.audubon.org. AM Description: Join Audubon and the Maryland Zoo to explore this leafy city park. Participants must adhere to our COVID code of conduct and register in advance at our website, patterson.audubon.org. 5/21 | 8AM- Saturday Morning Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Wendy Alexander, 443-204-3754. Description: Continuing survey of 12 PM Monitoring Walk at bird activity at the Fort. Binoculars required. Telescope can be useful for distance viewing. Canceled Fort McHenry in bad weather and walk will be rescheduled to May 28. 5/21 | 8AM- Hashawha Host: Carroll County Bird Club. Contact Scott Hodgdon at 443-280-2480 or scotthodgdon@msn.com. 12 PM Environmental Description: Come and enjoy a pleasant walk in the woods and along the stream. Meet at the parking Center lot at the Bear Branch Nature Center building. 5/21 | 9AM- Red Knots and Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Mike Hudson, mike.p.hudson@gmail.com. Description: We will 3 PM Horseshoe Crabs on | explore the central Delaware Bay coast, looking for migrant shorebirds and horseshoe crabs as well as the Delaware Bay. some of the more localized breeding species. RSVP required, limit 15. Host: Frederick Bird Club Contact Lois Kauffman, 301-845-6690 or md.pa.birding@gmail.com for & 4 Ponds Trail meeting time and location. Description: Spring migrants. —4PM 5/22 | All Day Delaware Bay Host: Kent County Bird Club Contact: Walter Ellison & Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568, Shorebirds & birdclub.kentcountymd@gmail.com Description: The annual May gathering of northbound Horseshoe Crabs shorebirds feeding on Horseshoe Crab eggs is a migration spectacle. We will visit the Bay shore from field trip Mispillion Light south to Prime Hook. Meet in the Dollar General parking lot, Chestertown at 8:00 AM. Bring lunch. Lake Roland Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Devi Abbot, abbottdevi@gmail.com Description: Continuing series of weekly walks following the progress of spring migration in Lake Roland’s varied habitats. Meet at the Light Rail Parking Lot (Boardwalk entrance to the park). Check with leader if weather is extreme (rain, wind). RSVP required, limit 20. Patterson Park Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Patterson Park Audubon Center- www.patterson.audubon.org. Description: Join Audubon to explore this urban oasis in southeast Baltimore. With more than 200 species on record, the park is full of surprises. Participants must adhere to our COVID code of conduct and register in advance at our website, patterson.audubon.org. Krimgold Park Host: Carroll County Bird Club. Contact Matthew Hodgdon at 301-703-0657 or mhodgdon@msn.com. oe | Description: Come and enjoy a pleasant walk while bird watching in the park. Meet at the last parking lot by the pavilion. Perryville Paddle Host: Harford Bird Club. Contact leaders Colleen Webster (410-459-4577; cwebster@harford.edu) or Sue Procell (443-417-4919; procellmd@gmail.com). Description: Bring your kayak, canoe or stand-up to ply the usually serene waters in the well-protected Mill Creek and historic Furnace Bal. Meet at the Stump Point launch at the far end of the Perrryville Community Park. 5/28 | All Day E. Vaughn WMA Host: Talbot Bird Club Description: Shorebirds, nesting warblers. Carpool from Easton, Acme parking Worcester County lot. Meet at 5:30 AM. TBA Patuxent NWR trip Host: Frederick Bird Club. Leader Lynn Kieffer, 301-943-5290 or lynnkieffer@yahoo.com. Meeting time and place TBD. Description: Late migrants Check MDBIRDS.ORG/Calendar for updates 3 an oasis for many species of migrating and resident birds. Easy walking, on mostly flat, paved paths. Habitats include open fields, edge habitat, wooded areas, and Herring Run itself. RSVP required. Reply to Matt Lince, 443-324-0907 or mdlince@comcast.net. 5/29 Field trip to Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Reservations required; email Fred Fallon at fwfallon@ymail.com. 5/29 Herring Run Park Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Kim Tomko. Description: This urban park in Northeast Baltimore is Delaware Bayshore Description: Fred and Jane Fallon Description: Fred and Jane Fallon will take us to several areas along the Bay to see migrating shorebirds that mass to feed on Horseshoe Crab eggs. Meet at Bombay Hook Visitor Center by 9 am. For directions, see https://www.friendsofbombayhook.org/visitorinfo.html. Hidden Valley Host: Harford Bird Club Leader is Dennis Kirkwood (410-692-5905 or newarkfarms@gmail.com). Description: Hidden Valley area with its sparkling stream and Bradenbaugh Flats, with stops along the way at any other sites with potential. Meet in the parking lot at the northern end of Madonna Road where it crosses Deer Creek. Parking space is limited. First Wednesday Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769 (alternate contact Wendy Alexander, Walks at Fort 443-204-3754). Description: Continuing survey of bird activity at the Fort. Binoculars required. McHenry Telescope can be useful for distance viewing. Canceled in bad weather and walk will be rescheduled to June 8. Semi-Monthly Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Description: Two-mile walk around lake on paved path; wheelchair- afternoon walk at accessible. Families welcome. Meet at parking area at corner of Berwyn Rd. and Ballew Ave. in Lake Artemesia Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Leader varies. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. For more information, see PGAS Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Prince-Georges- Audubon-Society/ 8- Bird Walk, Host: Allegany/Garrett Bird Club Contact Bill Blauvelt at bil.blauvelt@gmail.com. Description: Mud 10:30 Selbysville Access boots are recommended. Meet at the access road that starts at the Friendsville Park. Road 6/3-5 | All Day Western Maryland Host: Frederick Bird Club. Contact Lois Kauffman, 301-845-6690 or md.pa.birding@gmail.com for Trip details. Description: Breeding warblers and other exciting birds 6/4 Monthly walk at Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Bill Sefton (kiwisuits@msn.com). Description: Two-mile out- Fran Uhler Natural and-back walk at natural area on the Patuxent River; fields, wet woods, brushy areas. Trail is gravel Area and dirt and is mostly flat, no hills. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. Reservations not needed. Meet at 7:30 AM at east end of Lemon’s Bridge Road, off Route 197 just north of Bowie State University. Heartwood Nursery Host: Harford Bird Club Description: Heartwood Nursery specializes in native shrubs and trees. The property also features preserved forest and meadows planted to attract birds and butterflies. TBA Dorchester Atlasing Host: Talbot Bird Club. Contact George Radcliffe, 410-228-7670, radclifg@gmail.com. Description: Atlasing. 6/11 | 7:30AM | Bird Walk at home Host: Tri-county Bird Club. Contact Ellen Lawler at 410-982-8695 or emlawler534@comcast.net. —12PM | of club members Description: Barbara and Earl have created a wildlife sanctuary on their property and have invited us Barbara and Earl to enjoy a morning bird walk. Meet at Ward Museum parking lot at 7:30 a.m. or at the parking area Dolan near the Exxon station (across from McDonalds) in Princess Anne at 7:50. Bring drinks and snacks; wearing comfortable, waterproof shoes is suggested. 6/11 | 8-11 Leakin Park Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Paul Kreiss, 410-367-8194 or paullkreiss@verizon.net. Description: AM Habitat Walk: Leakin Park Pollinator Meadow. In December 2020, BGE planted 3 acres of meadow in Leakin Park along a forest clearing created for a natural gas pipeline. Registration in advance required; limit 10. 8-11 Monkton, Md Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Lani Hyde, 410-812-2425. Description: Join Lani on a walk on AM private property in Monkton. It's about a 1.5-mile route through the meadow (mowed path) and woods, with some hills. Meet at 3403 Pocock Rd, Monkton. 8 AM building mud nests and explore wooded trails on WSSC property bordering the reservoir. Trip will be canceled in case of heavy rain or thunderstorms. Limit: 10. North Tract of Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leaders Sue and Alan Young. Description: Explore the North tract 12 PM 6/11 11 Patuxent River at Host: Montgomery Bird Club For reservations (required), time, and directions, email leader Cheryl Brown’s Bridge Hogue at cheryl.hogue@gmail.com. Description: On a morning walk, we’ll look for Cliff Swallows Patuxent Research for breeding birds such as Prairie Warbler, Northern Parula, Summer Tanager, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Refuge and Red-headed Woodpecker. Reservations required; email Alan at alanmyoung@gmail.com. 6/11 | TBA Atlas Block Buster Host: Harford Bird Club Check with Dennis Kirkwood (410-692-5905/newarkfarms@gmail.com ) and Matt Hafner (410-971-3203/hafner.Matt@gmail.com. Description: Help our volunteer scientists determine breeding bird populations in Harford County. 6/12 | 9-11 Marshy Point Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leaders: Brent and Mary Byers, baypuffin@ hotmail.com or 410-686-7294. A Nature Center Description: Easy half-day walk through varied habitats for feeder birds and other songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl. All are welcome, including families. Telescopes useful. RSVP required, limit 10. M 6/15 | 8-—9:30 | Patterson Park Host: Baltimore Bird Club and Patterson Park Audubon Center. Description: Join Audubon to explore AM this urban oasis in southeast Baltimore. Register in advance at our website, patterson.audubon.org. Check MDBIRDS.ORG/Calendar for updates 4 6/16 | 6—8PM | Semi-Monthly afternoon walk at Lake Artemesia 6/18 | 7:30- Monthly walk at 10 AM Governor Bridge Natural Area 6/18 | 8—9:30 Druid Hill Park AM 6/18 | TBA Breeding Bird Atlas Party 6/19 | 9-11 **Youth Birding** AM 6/25 | 7:30AM | Field trip to South —12PM | Tract of Patuxent Research Refuge. 6/25 | 8AM- Tydings Park Baby 12 PM Birds Paddle 7/2 7:30 - Monthly walk at 10 AM Fran Uhler Natural Area 7/2 8:30 AM Fair Hill —12 PM 6—8PM | Semi-Monthly afternoon walk at Lake Artemesia 7/10 | 9-11 Marshy Point A Nature Center 7/7 M 7/16 | 7:30- Monthly walk at 10 AM Governor Bridge Natural Area 7/17 M 7/17 9-11 **Youth Birding** A ia All Day Delaware Shore 7/21 | 6-8PM | Semi-Monthly afternoon walk at Lake Artemesia 7/23 | 8-—9:30 | Druid Hill Park AM Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Description: Two-mile walk around lake on paved path; wheelchair- accessible. Families welcome. Meet at parking area at corner of Berwyn Rd. and Ballew Ave. in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Leader varies. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. For more information, see PGAS Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Prince-Georges- Audubon-Society/ Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Bill Sefton (kiwisuits@msn.com). Description: Two-mile loop at natural area: fields, wet woods, brushy areas, wetlands, ponds. Natural surface trails may be wet; waterproof footwear advised. Leaders may require mask for unvaccinated people. Meet at the Natural Area parking lot, S side of Governor Bridge Rd., 1 mile east of US Route 301 in Bowie. Host: Baltimore Bird Club and Patterson Park Audubon Center. Description: Join Audubon and the Maryland Zoo to explore this leafy city park. From forest to lake, a variety of bird species await. Participants must adhere to our COVID code of conduct and register in advance at our website, patterson.audubon.org. Host: Washington County Bird Club Contact Mark or Heather for more information at 301-432-7696 Description: We will tackle sections that have not been covered - time and places TBA Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Daisy Sudano, dsudanotrainings@yahoo.com, 410-426-7627. Description: "Bird Friendly Back Yards" will be this month's theme. Please contact the leader for more information. Meet at Fairwood Forest. Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Ken Cohen (kvulture@aol.com). Description: Easy walk on trails around Cash Lake for breeding season songbirds. Host: Harford Bird Club Contact Colleen Webster (410-459-4577 or cwebster@harford.edu) and co- leader and naturalist, Sue Procell (443-417-4919 or procellmd@gmail.com). Description: Ply the interesting waters of Havre de Grace. Join us at 8:00AM at the boat launch ramp with your kayak, stand-up or canoe as we search for waterfowl, waders, peeps and songbirds. Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Bill Sefton (kiwisuits@msn.com). Description: Two-mile out- and-back walk at natural area on the Patuxent River; fields, wet woods, brushy areas. Trail is gravel and dirt and is mostly flat, no hills. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. Reservations not needed. Meet at 7:30 AM at east end of Lemon’s Bridge Road, off Route 197 just north of Bowie State University. Host: Harford Bird Club. Leader Dave Webb (410-939-3537; porzana@comcast.net). Description: We will explore diverse habitats for breeding species including Bobolink. Carpoolers meet at 5:55AM at Darlington Park (4549 Conowingo Rad.) or individual drivers at 6:30AM at Parking Lot #3 (2941 Appleton Rd.). Parking fee ($3/vehicle MD residents; $5 out-of-state). Bring water, snacks, repellent, sunscreen and boots if it has rained recently. Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Description: Two-mile walk around lake on paved path; wheelchair- accessible. Families welcome. Meet at parking area at corner of Berwyn Rd. and Ballew Ave. in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Leader varies. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. For more information, see PGAS Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Prince-Georges- Audubon-Society/ Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leaders: Brent and Mary Byers, baypuffin@ hotmail.com or 410-686-7294. Description: Easy half-day walk through varied habitats for feeder birds and other songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl. All are welcome, including families. Telescopes useful. RSVP required, limit 10. Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Bill Sefton (kiwisuits@msn.com). Description: Two-mile loop at natural area: fields, wet woods, brushy areas, wetlands, ponds. Natural surface trails may be wet; waterproof footwear advised. Leaders may require mask for unvaccinated people. Meet at the Natural Area parking lot, S side of Governor Bridge Rd., 1 mile east of US Route 301 in Bowie. Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Daisy Sudano, dsudanotrainings@yahoo.com, 410-426-7627. Description: "Waterfowl" will be this month's theme. Please contact the leader for more information. Meet at Patterson Park. Host: Harford Bird Club Contact Dr. Dave Larkin at (410-569-8319 or larkin3001@comcast.net). Description: Delaware’s diverse coastal wetland habitats offer a variety of shore birds, water birds, wading species, raptors and songbirds. Meet at the Havre de Grace commuter lot near Rt. 155/I-95 at 7:30AM. Bring lunch and sufficient drink for the day. Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Description: Two-mile walk around lake on paved path; wheelchair- accessible. Families welcome. Meet at parking area at corner of Berwyn Rd. and Ballew Ave. in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Leader varies. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. For more information, see PGAS Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Prince-Georges- Audubon-Society/ Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Patterson Park Audubon Center. Description: Join Audubon and the Maryland Zoo to explore this leafy city park. From forest to lake, a variety of bird species await. Participants must adhere to our COVID code of conduct and register in advance at our website, patterson.audubon.org. Check MDBIRDS.ORG/Calendar for updates 5 Patterson Park Semi-Monthly afternoon walk at Lake Artemesia Monthly walk at Fran Uhler Natural Area Field Trip to Bombay Hook and other Delaware Bayshore Hotspots Marshy Point Nature Center Semi-Monthly afternoon walk at Lake Artemesia Monthly walk at Governor Bridge Natural Area Druid Hill Park **Vouth Birding** Havre de Grace Shoreline Evening Paddle Cromwell Valley Park Patterson Park Shorebirds Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Patterson Park Audubon Center. Description: Join Audubon to explore this urban oasis in southeast Baltimore. Participants must adhere to our COVID code of conduct and register in advance at our website, patterson.audubon.org. Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Description: Two-mile walk around lake on paved path; wheelchair- accessible. Families welcome. Meet at parking area at corner of Berwyn Rd. and Ballew Ave. in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Leader varies. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. For more information, see PGAS Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Prince-Georges- Audubon-Society/ Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Bill Sefton (kiwisuits@msn.com). Description: Two-mile out- and-back walk at natural area on the Patuxent River; fields, wet woods, brushy areas. Trail is gravel and dirt and is mostly flat, no hills. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. Reservations not needed. Meet at 7:30 AM at east end of Lemon’s Bridge Road, off Route 197 just north of Bowie State University. Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leaders Gene Scarpulla and Marcia Watson. Reservations required; RSVP to Marcia Watson (marshwren50@comcast.net) by 8/1. Description: This trip is at the height of the fall shorebird migration; also a good time to pick up interesting rare waders such as Tricolored Heron or White Ibis. This will mostly be a drive-and-park type trip. Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leaders: Brent and Mary Byers, baypuffin@hotmail.com or 410-686-7294. Description: Easy half-day walk through varied habitats for feeder birds and other songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl. All are welcome, including families. Telescopes useful. RSVP required, limit 10. Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Description: Two-mile walk around lake on paved path; wheelchair- accessible. Families welcome. Meet at parking area at corner of Berwyn Rd. and Ballew Ave. in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Leader varies. Leader may require mask for unvaccinated people. For more information, see PGAS Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Prince-Georges- Audubon-Society/ Host: Patuxent Bird Club & PGAS. Leader Bill Sefton (kiwisuits@msn.com). Description: Two-mile loop at natural area: fields, wet woods, brushy areas, wetlands, ponds. Natural surface trails may be wet; waterproof footwear advised. Leaders may require mask for unvaccinated people. Meet at the Natural Area parking lot, S side of Governor Bridge Rd., 1 mile east of US Route 301 in Bowie. Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Patterson Park Audubon Center. Description: Join Audubon and the Maryland Zoo to explore this leafy city park. Participants must adhere to our COVID code of conduct and register in advance at our website, patterson.audubon.org. Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Daisy Sudano, dsudanotrainings@yahoo.com, 410-426-7627. Description: "Bird Banding" will be this month's theme. Please contact the leader for more information. Host: Harford Bird Club Contact leaders Colleen Webster (410-459-4577 or cwebster@haford.edu) or Sue Procell (443-417-4919; procellmd@gmail.com). Description: Bring your kayak, canoe, stand-up to the launch ramp at Tydings Park. The harbor areas are home to a great variety of water-related species. Host: Baltimore Bird Club Leader: Peter Lev, plev@comcast.net or 410-952-9426 Description: First in a series of weekly Tuesday morning walks to follow the progress of fall migration. This park has a variety of habitats including fields, stream-side woods and hillside forest. Expect a variety of migrant and resident birds. Beginning birders welcome. Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Patterson Park Audubon Center- www.patterson.audubon.org. Description: Join Audubon to explore this urban oasis in southeast Baltimore. With more than 200 species on record, the park is full of surprises. For directions, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center. Participants must adhere to our COVID code of conduct and register in advance at our website, patterson.audubon.org. Host: Baltimore Bird Club. Leader: Mike Hudson, mike.p.hudson@gmail.com. Description: Shorebird migration is peaking across our region. We will work to find and identify as many as possible. We will also look for a number of other bayshore species. Note this is an all-day trip; snacks, sunscreen, bug spray highly recommended! Meet at the Townsend P&R near Townsend, Delaware. RSVP required, limit 15. Check MDBIRDS.ORG/Calendar for updates 6 Meetings Meetings may be virtual or in-person (or both)! Additional details, including links, will be posted on chapter web sites and the MOS calendar, as available. 7-9 PM Baltimore Bird Club Gail Mackiernan will speak on a 2019 trip to Panama. Frederick Bird Club Erin Hewitt Ragheb will speak on her research with Florida Virtual Grasshopper Sparrows. Harford Bird Club MOTHerhood: An Introductory Guide for Birders, by Dave Churchville Webb. Free pizza and dessert. RSVP by May 4. Presbyterian Church 5/10 7-9PM BBC Board Meeting While only authorized board members have a vote, any club | Virtual member is welcome to attend and participate in discussions. 5/10 Paul Baicich speaking on Access Matters: Why Birders PGAS Should Care about access to lands for birding. 7:30 — 9:30 Montgomery Bird Club | Social at Woodend, to honor the Member of the Year, enjoy members’ presentation of their most beloved recent photographs, and have a delicious dinner. = Club DMV Club 5/19 7:30-9 PM Caroline Bird Club Andi Pupke, Education/Outreach Director of Chesapeake Caroline County Wildlife Heritage will discuss their nesting box program and_ | Public Library recommendations of some native plants for pollinators and pollinator gardens. 22 https://www.mosconvention.org/ Resort 5/23 6-—9PM Tri-county Bird Club “Can Floating Islands save endangered seabirds in MAC Education ce | Maryland’s Coastal Bays?” presented by David Curson, Center Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Mid-Atlantic. Bird Club Nature Center Club 6/14 7-9PM BBC Board Meeting While only authorized board members have a vote, any club | Virtual ere | member is welcome to attend and participate in —_ discussions. PM PGAS an email to Ken Cohen (kvulture@aol.com). Bird Club dish to share. State Park Club Social: Enjoy cold beverages and a variety of delicious appetizers along with some stimulating conversation. Estuary Center Bird Club dish to share. Park Check MDBIRDS.ORG/Calendar for updates 7 Spring Counts Information is current as of publication date, but subject to change if state pandemic guidance/restrictions change Contact David Smith, 443-995-4108, lacsmith12@comcast.net Contact Harry Armistead 215-913-4785 or harryarmistead@hotmail.com Contact Mark Eanes, mdeanes@atlanticbb.net Comtact Steve Sheffield, srsheffield@comcast.net Contact Libby Errickson, elizabeth.errickson@gmail.com Contact Sherman Suter, shermansuter@gmail.com Contact Debby Bennett, dabennett1996@gmail.com Contact Scott Hodgdon, scotthodgdon@msn.com or 443-280-248 Contact Lynne Wheeler, somdaudobon@yahoo.com Contact Harry Armistead 215-913-4785 or harryarmistead@hotmail.com Contact David Smith, 443-995-4108, lacsmith12@comcast.net Contact dbailey3 @earthlink.net Contact Greg Peterson, sig29@aol.com Contact Walter Ellison & Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568, birdclub.kentcountymd@gmail.com Contact Evelyn Ralston, evelynralston@icloud.com Coordinator TBA — check PBC website https://patuxentbirdclub.org/calendar-3/ Contact J. Tyler Bell jtylerbell@yahoo.com Contact Pat Valdata, pvaldata@charter.net Contact Mark Abdy 301-432-7696 Contact Marcia Balestri, mebalestri@gmail.com Contact: George Radcliffe, radclifg@gmail.com, 410-463-1669 Contact David Smith, 443-995-4108, lacsmith12@comcast.net Contact Ron Ketter 708-373-5532 or rgketter@gmail.com Contact Ellen Lawler, emlawler534@comcast.net Check MDBIRDS.ORG/Calendar for updates 8