Join us for the morning as we walk the circuit trail looking for overwintering birds, including especially sparrows and raptors. We will start at the Zion Road entrance at 8:30 a.m. Probable waterfowl in both ponds if not frozen over. Leader will have scope for distant views. Waterproof boots recommended. Limit: 12. LEADER: Mark England at [email protected].

All birders, but especially new birders, are welcome on this half-day trip, which will focus on the identification of ducks at these premier county spots for winter waterfowl. We will gather at 8 a.m. at the Visitors Center in Black Hill Regional Park. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. Limit:15. LEADER: Gerry Hawkins at [email protected] or 571-277-8406.

THIS TRIP IS FULL. Join us for a leisurely morning walk from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the C&O Canal towpath. We will start at Carderock at 8 a.m. and will walk upriver as we look for ducks, woodpeckers, kinglets, and sparrows. Brown Creeper and Winter Wren are possible. This walk is geared toward beginning birders, but all are welcome. Limit: 8. LEADERS: Gene Murray at [email protected] and Susan Higginbotham at [email protected].

Gabriel Foley will speak on the Maryland-DC Breeding Bird Atlas 3

THIS TRIP IS FULL.  WAITLIST ONLY.  Bundle up for a 2-hour LATE AFTERNOON search for wintering sparrows and raptors, including possible 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. Limit: 16. Meet at 3:30 p.m. on landfill entrance drive at 6001 Rt. 108, Laytonsville, Md. For reservations and more information, contact the LEADER: Mark England at 240-308-4114 (cell) or [email protected].

We will bird the Ocean City inlet in the morning, looking for sea ducks, gulls, wintering shorebirds, and anything else that might be around (hopefully Razorbill). After that we will check a few local areas around OC and then, depending on what is being seen in the area, head further north, possibly to Indian River Inlet or a little further inland. We will start at 8 a.m. in the Ocean City Inlet parking lot so plan to either get up early or stay overnight in the area. Scopes would be useful. Possible additional birding on the way down Friday afternoon, including a stop by Salisbury landfill, depending on the weather and the leader’s availability. Limit: 10. LEADER: Clive Harris at [email protected].

Join us for a morning of winter marsh and woodland birding. Targets are sparrows and possibly ducks. We will begin in the parking lot. Dress for the weather, and bring water and a snack if you like. Beginner and young birders are encouraged to join. Limit: 12. CO-LEADERS: Roy Howard at [email protected] and Anne Mytych at [email protected].