Winter Birds of Loch Raven

Let’s bundle up and hit the trails to look for all the winter birds who call Loch Raven their winter home. Join NHSM’s naturalist Nick Spero on the search for a variety of birds, from the juncos flitting about in the forest to those soaring overhead, such as eagles, kestrels, and hawks, to those fancy ducks floating in the icy water, such as widgeon, lesser scaup, hooded mergansers, common mergansers, buffleheads, and redhead ducks. Many of these birds choose this local reservoir as their winter hangout spot

Our trip leader, Nick Spero, loves to hunt and fish, and primitive technology has piqued his interest since he was a child. You can view a video produced by NPR about Nick here.

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous with the combination of cold weather and trails

• 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.
• Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Please consider the cold weather in deciding if this is the right field trip for your child.
• Don’t underestimate the cold. Dress according to the weather. Layers with non-cotton clothing work best.
• Pocket hand or toe warmers may take the edge off the cold, too.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
• Bring water, snacks, and a camera with accessories.
• Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe, if you have them.
• Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
• No pets, please.

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.

NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-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.