Join us for the latest research and conservation efforts to help the Barn Owl—one of the most vulnerable species of birds in Maryland. The “ghost owl” has been disappearing in Maryland along with the old barns where they once nested and the farm fields where they hunted.
Our speakers have been at the forefront of major conservation efforts to protect Barn Owls and their habitat. They will share the latest research on Barn Owls in the Mid-Atlantic region and what the public and conservationists can do to support this amazing bird in the future.
Speakers are Andy Brown, Barn Owl Coordinator for the MD Bird Conservation Partnership Farmland Raptor Program and Alex Pellegrini, research technician for the group.
This program can qualify for Master Naturalist continuing education. The Zoom link will be emailed to our Osprey email list prior to the talk. If you aren’t already on our list, you can sign up at www.somdaudubon.org/get-involved/
Please support the proposed Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties to protect the habitats of birds, fish and other wildlife.
A public comment period is open until April 22, 2024. You can submit your comments here to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: FW5southernmarylandplan@fws.gov.
Dan Murphy, chief of the Division of Habitat Restoration for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Chesapeake Bay Field Office and Jennifer Greiner, Refuge Manager at Patuxent Research Refuge describe the proposed refuge plan and opportunities for land owners and wildlife in a presentation recorded here on this website: https://www.somdaudubon.org/our-work/program-archive/
You can also learn more here, including FAQs: https://www.fws.gov/project/evaluating-new-refuge-lands-southern-maryland
March 30 – SATURDAY – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Catch some of the earliest signs of migration at one of Maryland’s peak hotspots with trip leader Phil Rouland. Attendees will meet at the picnic area parking and together we’ll walk down to the Point. We’ll scan both the Chesapeake and Potomac waters for any remaining winter waterfowl as well as for spring arrivals including Osprey, Brown Pelican, and tern species. At the point we’ll target Northern Gannet which are in peak numbers passing by on migration. We’ll spend what time is left around the picnic area and on trails around Fort Lincoln. Highlights could include arriving swallow species, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-throated Warbler. Flat but unpaved, approximately 2 mile walk. Gate fee $3 per car. Restrooms available. Point Lookout State Park, St Mary’s County 10444 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687
Limit 12. RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844A8A923ABFFC70-47681455-early or to phin.rouland@gmail.com.
