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, September 9, 2010, The Birds of Cuba by Dr. William Suarez, field ornithologist and curator of paleontology, National Museum of Natural History (Cuba).
The speaker's research on fossil birds and current Cuban species has been supported by grants from several museums in North America. He is currently working on his second book, A Field Guide to the Endemic Birds of Cuba.

Thursday, October 14, 2010, How Bugs Help the World Go Round, by Dr. Michael Raupp, Prof. of Entomology, Univ. of Maryland, College Park.
Dr. Raupp will discuss the critical role of insects in providing ecological services, including pollination and biologic control. A goal of his research is to lessen reliance on synthetic pesticides, a real help for birds.

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 informal atmosphere. 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!

Sept. 4, Sat. 9:30 a.m. BUTTERFLIES THROUGH BINOCULARS – LAKE ELKHORN POWERLINE (2-3 hours)
Meet at Elkhorn Garden Plots, Oakland Mills Road opposite Dasher Ct. Enjoy searching for latesummer butterflies, and receive expert instruction on their identification. Dick will add information about caterpillar host and adult nectar plants as we encounter various species. Easy walking in the garden plot and on paved paths near the right-of-way alongside open, flowery wet meadows and brushy hillsides. Bring close-focus binoculars to view nectaring behavior; Dick will also use net and jars to provide brief close-up examinations. Cancelled if raining or overcast. No facilities. Leader - Dick Smith

Sept. 5, Sun. MIDDLE PATUXENT ENVIRONMENTAL AREA 7:30 a.m (half day)
Meet at the Clegg Meadow entrance off South Wind Circle. Moderate walking through wooded trails and along the river. Great area for migrants of all species. Field edges and thickets provide sparrow habitat. If time and birds warrant, we will also do the Trotter Rd. Loop Prepare for wet grass and mud on the trails. No facilities. Leader – Joe Hanfman auk1844 AT comcast DOT net

Sept. 11, Sat. ROCKBURN BRANCH PARK, 8:00 a.m. (half day).
From the Montgomery Road entrance, meet in the parking lot on the left just past the restored schoolhouse. Moderate walking through the woods and fields of our largest county park looking for migrants. Paths may be muddy. Facilities available. Leader - Bonnie Ott bonnieott AT verizon DOT net.

Sept. 15, HENRYTON ROAD, PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK Wed., 8:00 a.m. (half day)
Meet at bottom of Henryton Rd at the dead end. Walk along the Patapsco River looking for fall migrants. Mature woodlands provide excellent habitat for migrant thrushes. This is prime migration time and many species of forest birds expected. Plan for moderate walking and possible muddy trails. No facilities. Leader – Jeff Culler, cullersfuls AT hotmail DOT com

Sept 18, Fall Count

Also MOS Chapter Meetings & Field Trips.

Trip Report Results

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.