Photograph the big, boisterous birds that use Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge as their wintertime vacation getaway. We’ll caravan four miles along Wildlife Drive with short walks to photograph large numbers of snow geese and swans, nesting eagles, super-sized white pelicans, and maybe an owl, too. The 32,000-acre refuge offers varied ecosystems such as tidal marsh, mixed hardwood, loblolly pine forests, managed freshwater wetlands, and croplands. Serving as an important resting and feeding area for migrating and wintering waterfowl, the refuge is visited by tens of thousands of geese and ducks who use the Atlantic Flyway stop during their peak migration. Blackwater is also frequented by three once-endangered species: the Delmarva fox squirrel, the peregrine falcon, and the American bald eagle. The bald eagle population is a source of great pride at Blackwater NWR and is one of the largest populations on the Atlantic coast.
After touring the refuge, we’ll make an optional stop on the south shore of the Choptank River in Cambridge, MD. At the Oakley Street waterfront, we’ll be feet away from hundreds of wintering ducks typically only seen in the middle of a river. We’ll see canvasbacks with ruby-red eyes, squeaky-voiced American widgeons, ring-necked, and other northern ducks. The site is an eBird hotspot where 115 species of birds have been reported. You can find information on Oakley Street and see why so many birds congregate there at this link: https://birdersguidemddc.org/site/cambridge-oakley-street/.
All types of cameras are welcome, from cell phones to long lenses, but please make sure you can operate yours without assistance. No tripods, please. We will practice birding etiquette and stay behind the leader to not scare birds. Restrooms will not be available at our start time since the Visitor Center does not open until 10 am. We will drive by two porta-potties available for use.
This field experience is the second day of our Explore the Eastern Shore overnight trip. The first day, Friday, Jan 12, focues on Harriet Tubman and her skills as a naturalist, a tour of Cambridge, and a night sky program at Blackwater NWR. You may register for one or both days. Overnight accommodations will be available at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort for the discounted price of $119 plus tax (with resort fee waived). You will receive booking info after registering for the program. The reduced rate is available through Dec. 21. After that, the full rate charge will be $261 per night.
Barbara Saffir, our trip leader, is a certified master naturalist, seasoned hike leader, and award-winning photographer, as well as the author of Walking Washington, DC. See her blog here: https://www.barbarajoansaffir.com And see her photostream here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/olympusbjs/K8U8LL9K5K
The snow date for the Blackwater portion of this trip only is Jan 20.
Remember to
- Dress for 10 degrees colder than the coldest temperature forecast, since we will be standing around more than we are moving. Wear wool socks, warm shoes, a hat, scarf or gaiter, gloves, insulated pants, a heavyweight coat, and dress in non-cotton layers. Optional but highly recommended: toe and hand warmers.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe boots with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and for your camera, an extra battery, extra memory card, and lens-cleaning cloth.
- Bring binoculars, if you have them.
- Bring your guidebooks or have your bird apps ready to use.
Cancellation Policy: NHSM Field Experiences – Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the field experience will receive a refund (minus a 5% processing fee). Cancellations made within the week of the event will not receive a refund but can be transferred to a friend. For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org. Policies regarding the cancellation of the hotel room can be found in your room booking agreement. NHSM will not manage your hotel booking or cancellation.