Feb. 8: Winter Waterfowl Special

MORNING

Middle Branch Park and Masonville Cove (DRIVING/HIKING)
8:00 – 10:30 am
Cost: $25/person ($30/person after Feb. 1)
Meeting Location: Middle Branch Park at 3301 Waterview Avenue

We will begin this trip at Middle Branch Park to scope for waterfowl on the Patapsco, and search the park for sparrows and other winter songbirds. Following our birding at Middle Branch, we will drive a short distance to Masonville Cove. This site features 70 acres of water and 54 acres of restored wetlands, nature trails, and a protected bird sanctuary on a formerly neglected parcel of land in the Middle Branch. More than 89 species have been recorded here during the month of February. Species may include Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser, and American Kestrel. This hike will feature up to one mile of hiking on mostly flat nature trails and dirt roads. Some areas are closed due to Bald Eagle nesting on the site.

Maryland Zoo (HIKING)
8:00 – 10:30 am
Cost: $25/person ($30/person after Feb. 1)
Meeting Location: Maryland Zoo entrance at 1 Safari Place

Begin this winter birding adventure in an area rarely accessed by Baltimore birders: the old waterfowl ponds in a quiet, closed-off area of the Maryland Zoo. We’ll search here for Hooded Mergansers on the water and songbirds along the pond edge. More than 60 species have been recorded at the Maryland Zoo in February. This trip will include short hikes on occassionally steep trails. Please note that although we will be provided with special access to the Maryland Zoo, we will not be touring the main pathways and animal exhibits.

AFTERNOON

Fort McHenry (HIKING)
12:30 – 3:00 pm
Cost: $25/person ($30/person after Feb. 1)
Meeting Location: Fort McHenry National Momument

THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT.

“O say can you see…the Dark-eyed Juncos feeding on the lawn under the flag?” Fort McHenry is one of Baltimore’s most notable landmarks, and one the best birding hotspots in all of Maryland. More than 107 species have been recorded here in February. Species seen during this trip may include Lesser Scaup and White-winged Scoter on the water, Great Blue Heron and Red-winged Blackbirds in the marsh, and several species of winter sparrows and woodpeckers in the trees. This hike will feature up to two miles of hiking on Fort McHenry’s pathways. We’ll end with plenty of time for those driving to Nick’s Fish House for the 4:00 pm boat trip on the Patapsco.

Swann Park to Ridgely’s Cove (DRIVING/HIKING)
12:30 – 3:00 pm
Cost: $25/person ($30/person after Feb. 1)
Meeting Location: Swann Park at 300 West McComas Street, near Downtown Dog Resort & Hospital

This adventure connects four of the best winter birding hotspots along the South Baltimore waterfront. We’ll begin at Swann Park, where we’ll scan the shallow water and exposed mudflats for gulls and waterfowl. We’ll then drive a short distance to Harbor Hospital, where we’ll enjoy open views of the Patapsco River and Masonville Cove. From here, we’ll migrate to Middle Branch Park to scope the water for ducks and the forested edges for songbirds. We’ll end in the shadows of M&T Bank Stadium for a short hike along the Gwynn’s Falls Trail South to add a few species hiding out in Ridgely’s Cove. With this many fantastic birding opportunities, this trip could easily tally 40 or more species. Transportation is not provided, but guides will provide detailed driving directions between sites. We’ll end with plenty of time for those driving to Nick’s Fish House for the 4:00 pm boat trip on the Patapsco.

BOAT TRIP

Birding by Boat on the Patapsco (BOAT TRIP)
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Cost: $35/person ($40/person after Feb. 1)
Meeting Location: Nick’s Fish House

THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT.

The diversity of winter waterfowl on the Patapsco River is truly amazing. More than 30 species of duck, goose and swan have been recorded on this section of the river in February. We’ve chartered with Baltimore Water Taxi for a guided birding tour to explore the Patapsco and Curtis Bay. The boat will serve as a floating oberservation blind, and will keep us comfortable while we search for rafts of colorful Bufflehead, Canvasback and Scaup on the water, and flocks of gulls and blackbirds along the shore. The sun setting over Baltimore will provide an added benefit to this aquatic urban adventure. Please note: if this section of the Patapsco is frozen, the meeting location will be moved to Canton Waterfront Park. We will notify you via email if the location is moved.

The boat trip is sponsored by:

TALLY RALLY

Tally Rally at Nick’s Fish House (SOCIAL)
5:00 – 6:30 pm
Cost: free (food & drink available for purchase)
Meeting Location: Nick’s Fish House

Audubon’s Winter Waterfowl Special is more than a great opportunity to bundle up and see unique local birds…it is also a time to meet unique local birders! Birders will enjoy great food and drink at the Nick’s Fish House at 2600 Insulator Drive. See what birds have been reported on the day’s field trips, and learn about local birding hotspots from our Audubon guides. Join us to swap birding stories and add to the Winter Waterfowl Special species checklist. There is no fee for attending the tally rally, but drinks and food will be available for purchase.