Featured News

Winter Waterbird Survey, January 26

7:30-10:00 am: Weather: cloudy, mild.  40 degrees at 7:30 am.  No breeze.  High tide 6:33 am
Harry Columbe, leader  Karen Caruso, recorder Observers: Emma Boyer, Cynthia Bravo, Regan Christian, Kirsten Enzinger, Lee Fisher, Elaine Frieble, Danalee Henkart, Dave Mozurkewich, Dot Mumford, Chris Swarth

29 species

Great Blue Heron 3
Canada Goose 1355
Green-winged Teal 16
American Black Duck 34
Mallard 16
Northern Pintail 55
Common Merganser 26
Bald Eagle 2

Bundle up for winter programs!

Though nature seems to be hiding in winter, there are lots of opportunities to have fun outdoors.  Bundle up,  explore, and learn more about plants and animals, while enjoying one of our January programs! 

Course: Waterbirds of the Chesapeake

Learn about the lives of the waterbirds that make their home on the Chesapeake Bay and along our outer coast. This course will cover identification, natural history, migration, behavior, reproduction and conservation.

Red-headed Woodpeckers Return

Each November, visitors begin seeing Red-headed Woodpeckers foraging on snags near the Beaver Pond.  This woodpecker is unmistakable with bright red head and neck, white underside, and black back and wings, with prominent white secondary feathers visible at flight and at rest. Males and females have similar coloration. Several juvenile birds, with plain brown head and white secondary feather with white bars (see below), have also been spotted

Winter Waterbird Survey Results: Dec 29

 7:30 - 9:30 am Weather: clear, cold  Temp: 25-35 degrees  Tide: High tide 7:49 am
Leader: Harry Columbe  Recorder: Karen Caruso  Observers: Diane Embrey, Kirsten Enzinger, (and visiting daughter), Elle Fisher, Elaine Frieble, Ernie Goines, Gordon Reynolds
20 species

Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 6
Canada Goose 907
Green-winged Teal 25
American Black Duck 64
Mallard 92
Northern Pintail 70
Common Merganser 15
Ruddy Duck 2
Bald Eagle (adult) 3

Holiday Wreath Stewardship Project; Sunday, Nov 20; 1-3 pm

Have some fun while helping to keep invasive plants from taking over our habitats. Participants will remove pine trees and invasive vines, then have a chance to turn them into festive decorations for the holidays. Bring your favorite decorating materials, work gloves and hand pruners. Dress for the weather. All ages welcome. Free entrance. Call 410-741-9330 to register.

Meet at The Glendening Preserve's Plummer House: 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian MD 20711

Bald Eagle Field Trip; Saturday, Nov 12; 7 am - 4 pm

Join Sanctuary naturalists for a day of eagle ecology. We’ll travel to north central Maryland along the Susquehanna River to observe the bald eagles that concentrate there. We’ll discuss bald eagle natural history, their amazing recovery from the endangered species list, and what the future holds for our national bird.

We’ll carpool in a DNR passenger van from the Davidsonville Park & Ride at Routes 424 and 50. Pack a bagged lunch, wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. Bring a camera to capture these remarkable raptors in action!

Marbled Salamanders - a Tough Breed
Article and photographs by Mike Quinlan, Sanctuary Volunteer
 
Women's Nature Retreat; Saturday, Nov 5; 10 am - 2 pm
Practice relaxation techniques from a trained psychologist, take a hike with a naturalist, and learn about nature journaling, all along the banks of the scenic Patuxent River and surrounding forest. For adults only. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a bagged lunch and a water bottle. 
Advanced registration required. $10/person fee. Download a form at www.jugbay.org/education
 

 

Fall Marsh Notes Newsletter

View the latest Sanctuary news and program updates here.

The Fall 2011 issue includes:

Invasive Plants
Summer Interns
Public Programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Children's Alphabet Book
Turtle Education
Stream Blitz Summary
Prescribed Burn
Champion Pumpkin Ash