MARCH 2025

MARCH 20 (Thursday)
MARCH 2025 MEETING:  John Sojda presents “Recording Bird Vocalizations: Do Not Attempt, But If You Must I Can Help”

John will finally reveal why you see his name showing up so often involving those “zero dark thirty” pre-dawn eBird reports. Most of them involve the exciting endeavor of the custom recording of bird sounds. Almost everyone has heard of the Merlin phone app, and many use it routinely. If you enjoy using Merlin and ever wondered how to take the next step in creating your own bird recording setup (or why anyone would do this), John will introduce some basic recording concepts, entry-level tools that are available, and factors to consider, so you, too, can learn how to embark on this addictive birding hobby.

John became a birder as a kid when he was going stir crazy during the great Buffalo, New York “Blizzard of ’77.” The first time he used a parabolic mic to listen for birds was on a 1979 Christmas Bird Count owl prowl. Over 40 years later, he had saved enough allowance money to finally purchase his own audio recording equipment. And once again faced with homebound madness during the pandemic, John returned to birding.

MARCH 22 (Saturday)
BROOKSIDE GARDENS

THIS TRIP IS FULL.  WAITLIST ONLY.  If you’ve been wanting to explore this garden oasis in suburban Maryland, here is your chance. Easy walk with mostly local birds and a few winter visitors or early spring arrivals. Good for beginners and anyone wanting to begin their spring birding in a lovely setting. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit: 10. LEADER: Karen Cyr at [email protected].

APRIL 2025

April 6 (Sunday) – YMBC WALK
PENNYFIELD LOCK

7:30 to ~10am We will meet in the parking lot at the end of Pennyfield Lock Road off of River Road. When you get to the end of the road, turn left and follow it to the parking area. The walk will cover approximately 2 miles on the towpath and some grassy/natural trail areas. Mentors: Dave Powell and Andy Martin. Reservations are required via https://tinyurl.com/YMBCSpring25. Please note that guardians are responsible for their youth during the entirety of the trip and must stay with them during this time.

MAY 2025

May 26 (Monday)May 26 (Monday)MAY 26 (Monday)- YMBC WALK
WHITE’S FERRY

On Memorial Day we will be checking out White’s Ferry, a new location for the YMBC. We will meet at the parking lot on White’s Ferry Rd (39°09’18.5″N 77°31’05.5″W) and be birding in the vicinity on natural surface areas. Mentors: Carla Morris and Stella Tea. Reservations are required via https://tinyurl.com/YMBCSpring25. Please note that guardians are responsible for their youth during the entirety of the trip and must stay with them during this time.