Programs and Field Trips

PROGRAMS

Programs are held at Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, on the east side of Columbia. Need a map to find Rec & Parks HQ?

Hospitality session at 7:30 p.m.Club bookstore opens at 7:30 p.m. Meeting/program begins at 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 8, 2008 Why Not Carry a Camera...?, by Michael Oberman.
With a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, Michael Oberman was a music columnist and critic for the Washington Star. He later worked in the music industry for a major record company. His latent interest in photography emerged in 2003 with a trip to New Mexico where he discovered nature through his camera lens. His photos have appeared in books and newspapers nationally and abroad and he had a gallery show at Slayton House in March of 2008

FIELD TRIPS

Questions? Email Field Trip Chair.

Reservations required!

Great for beginning birders

Directions? Go to Howard Birding Spots

Registration is not required unless shown for specific trips. These trips are an ideal way for both the beginner and the more experiences observer to learn and to share knowledge in a informalatmosphere. Families are encouraged to participate; children with an adult are welcome. Binoculars and a field guide are recommended but are not necessary. Carpooling is encouraged. No pets!

Trip Report Results and Ask the Wizard

Field trip leaders send the trip report to the web, and we post the results. If you were on the trip you can see what you saw. If you missed the trip, you can see what you missed.

Our newest feature: Get answers to questions like There is a bird I want to see. Where (and when) has it been seen on field trips in the past? To get the answer, Ask the Wizard

April 17, Thursday (Lake Elkhorn Weekday Walk) 8:00a.m. (2–3 hours)
Meet at Broken Land Parking lot. Easy walking along the lake and to Forebay Pond. Migrants will be moving through. Warblers are generally in abundance. The lake can turn up interesting surprises. Hawks are also possible flying over. Great for beginners. No facilities. Leader - Joe Byrnes

April 19, Saturday (Birding by Ear —Earth Day at Mount Pleasant) 8:00a.m. (1–2 hours)
Meet at shed. Easy walking through the fields of Mt. Pleasant farm. Tree lines, hedgerows, and streams provide opportunity for non-meadow species. Great opportunity for flyovers. Learn the basics of binocular and field guide use. Facilities available. Great for beginners. Leader - Kurt Schwarz

April 26, Saturday (Daniels Road, Patapsco Valley State Park) 8:00a.m. (2–3 hours)
Meet at 1st parking lot on left at bottom (before the dam). Easy walking along the river. Path may be muddy. Wonderful spot for migrant and resident warblers (Worm-eating, Northern Parula, Louisiana Waterthrush). Tanagers, thrushes, and most woodland species may be found here. No facilities. Leader - Joe Byrnes

April 27 Sunday (Middle Patuxent Environmental Area) 8:00 a.m. (half day)
Meet at Trotter Rd. lot. Moderate walking through the wooded paths and along the river. This is a fabulous area for many species of passerines. A warm-season grass field may host sparrows. Warblers and vireos expected. Boots recommended, grass can be tall and paths may be muddy. No facilities. Leader - Stan Arnold

May 3, Saturday (Western Regional Park) 8:00 a.m. (half day)
Meet at lot near pond off Carr's Mill Rd. Explore this newly developed county park with a variety of habitats. Some paved roads will provide moderate walking but be prepared to head on to grassy paths or trail blaze into field edge areas. Facilities available. Leader - Ralph Cullison 410-442-2181.

May 4, Sunday (Birds and Wildflowers at Patuxent Branch Trail) 1:30 p.m. (half day)
Meet in the Wincopin Neck Trails parking lot. From MD 32, take Exit 14B (Broken Land Parkway South) for 0.2 m. to Guilford Rd.; left 0.2 m. to Murray Hill Rd.; right 0.4 m. to Vollmerhausen Rd., left 1.3 m. to parking lot on right. Trail is across the road along the river. Easy walking along a flat, crushed gravel trail. Leaders - Bob and Jo Solem 301-725-5037.

May 10, 2008 May Count
Get details here!

Also MOS Chapter Meetings & Field Trips.