THIS TRIP IS FULL. WAITLIST ONLY. Bundle up for LATE AFTERNOON (4:00-6:15 p.m.) search for wintering sparrows and raptors, including probable Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Mostly open terrain with some ponds, which we will check if they are not frozen over. Reservations required at least a week ahead of the trip for names to be submitted to the county. Preference given to new birders, those who have never been to Oaks Landfill, and those who have not yet been this winter. Meet at 3:30 p.m. on the Landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. Limit: 16. LEADER: Mark England at 240-308-4114 or [email protected].

THIS TRIP IS FULL - WAITLIST ONLY. This little body of water has established a deserved reputation over the years for a nice variety of wintering waterfowl and rather close views of the birds. If the lake is frozen over at the time of the trip, we will switch to a nearby larger body of water. Walking will be along a level, paved path. Meet at 8 a.m. along the north side of Wisteria Drive, where there is ample parking. Specific maps giving directions will be sent to participants. Limit: 12. LEADER: Andy Martin at [email protected].

THIS TRIP IS FULL. WAITLIST ONLY. Bundle up for LATE AFTERNOON (4:00-6:15 p.m.) search for wintering sparrows and raptors, including probable Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Mostly open terrain with some ponds, which we will check if they are not frozen over. Reservations required at least a week ahead of the trip for names to be submitted to the county. Preference given to new birders, those who have never been to Oaks Landfill, and those who have not yet been this winter. Meet at 3:30 p.m. on the Landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. Limit: 16. LEADER: Mark England at 240-308-4114 or [email protected].

Join us for a late winter trip to Lake Artemesia. Half a dozen species of ducks or more are likely; early landbird migrants such as Tree Swallow and Eastern Phoebe are possible; winter birds are still present. Easy walking on a paved path. Trip will begin at 7:30 a.m. Limit: 8. LEADER: Rob Hilton at [email protected]. Lisa Shannon will co-lead.

YMBC WALK

THIS TRIP IS FULL - WAITLIST ONLY. Discover upper Rock Creek’s watershed with a variety of habitats. We’ll start along open fields and marshy areas next to Bowie Mill Park with the opportunity to see sparrows, hawks, and early migrants. Turkeys and a woodcock have been spotted in this area. For those wanting a longer foray, a 4-mile loop that includes the stream valley will be possible, and likely we’ll see woodpeckers and other resident woodland species. The path at this point along Rock Creek is meandering and narrow with some steep sections. Meet at 8 a.m. at Bowie Mill Park (montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/bowie-mill-local-park/) next to Sequoyah Elementary School with the option to do the shorter paved walk or the longer loop. Limit: 12 in two groups of six. CO-LEADERS: Josephine Cox at [email protected] and Anne Mytych at [email protected].

Oaks Landfill

THIS TRIP IS FULL - WAITLIST ONLY. A bit early for spring migration but who knows? Wheaton RP always surprises us. Ducks, woodpeckers, flycatchers, raptors (sometimes a Merlin!), bluebirds, and towhees are all possible, and if you don’t know WRP you will enjoy the variety of terrain and landscape. Limit: 12 in two groups of six. LEADER: Evelyn Ralston at [email protected]. Josephine Cox will co-lead.

Oaks Landfill

Brush up on your shorebird ID skills in time for the passage of these fascinating birds through our area in spring and their return in fall. Clive will cover the expected species—common, less common, and rare—taking a seasonal approach and focusing on some of the main approaches for ID, as well as covering possible pitfalls.  Clive Harris started birding as a young boy, going on walks with his father when the family lived in Hong Kong in the 1970s. His favorite groups of birds are gulls, shorebirds and waterfowl—all birds you can aim a scope at! He makes regular trips over the spring, summer, and fall to the Delaware Bay area to enjoy shorebird migration. One of his greatest pleasures in birding is sorting through a flock of late summer peeps. As well as being a past president of the Montgomery Bird Club he has served two terms on the MOS Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee.

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: 8. LEADER: Karen Cyr at [email protected].

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