Rice and Rails: The Delicate Ecology of Wild Rice Marshes

Join naturalist Greg Kearns in a remarkable opportunity to learn about our sora rail population and its tight link with wild rice in the Patuxent River marshlands. While out on a pontoon boat, we hope to see rail out on the mudflats during low tide, and possibly watch the banding of a few individuals. We will learn about the wild rice as it ends its seasonal bloom and the strong connection between it and the rail population. Greg began investigating this secretive small marsh waterbird in 1987, which led to ground-breaking research and understanding of the bird’s natural history, as well as an amazing restoration effort conducted there at Jug Bay under Greg’s direction.

Sighting sora rail is highly dependent on the weather, which initiates their migration, and will be reflected in the number of rails in our vicinity. Please note that all bird observation and handling techniques match or exceed the practices outlined in the Bird Banders Code of Ethics. All banding is conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Greg Kearns, a MNCPPC naturalist/biologist for over 37 years at Patuxent River Park, is an accomplished photographer, birder, and authority on the sora rail, osprey, and the wetland ecology at Jug Bay. He was named Conservationist of the Year by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 2006 for his work with the restoration of the wild rice marshes on the river, which has been recognized as one of the best wetland recoveries in Maryland.

Look at how the sora population is being tracked – https://sites.google.com/view/projectsora/home

• Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
• This is a boat trip and requires participants to step up from a dock and into the pontoon boat. Assistance is available.
• Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
• All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
• Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. The air will be cooler early morning on the water.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
• Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and your camera with accessories.
• Bring binoculars; some are available to borrow.
• No pets, please.

NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.