Springtime warmth means more birds overhead, on the move to their summer homes. Join ecologist John Canoles for a birding hike at Swan Harbor Farm, a popular bird spot with diverse habitats, including wetlands, forest, waterfront, and a dredge spoil area.
Swan Harbor Farm has a total species list of over 277 types of birds, with over 190 species reported in a typical April. Migrant and resident birds that can be found there include common sightings of bald eagles, osprey, and red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks. Common mergansers, canvasback, and lesser scaup can be seen plying the waters along the shoreline. Solitary sandpipers, lesser yellowlegs, and spotted sandpipers can be found in the fields and wetlands. A beaver pond hosts prothonotary warblers, common yellow-throat, black-throated green warblers, and scarlet tanagers. Baltimore and orchard orioles can be seen in the forests and hedgerows. Swan Harbor is listed as the #1 eBird hotspot in Harford County.
We will hike through the various habitats, taking our time and enjoying the view of the bay. The total mileage will be less than two miles. The trails may be muddy depending on the weather and are fairly flat but can be uneven in places.
During the field trip, we will be participating in the City Nature Challenge, logging all of our observed species using the iNaturalist platform. The Challenge is a collaborative effort involving cities all over the world to identify as many wildlife species as possible in their urban setting over a 4-day period. Last year, Baltimore made more than 10,000 observations of more than 1,600 species, and we are hoping to break that record this year.
John Canoles is an ecologist focusing on the identification and assessment of natural resources and the creation of natural upland and wetland habitats. He is also involved in nature education, having helped design the nature walk and Butterfly House at Ladew Gardens and the Accessible Trail at Cromwell Valley Park, and has taught “Introduction of Birdwatching” classes for Johns Hopkins Odyssey Program, Community College of Baltimore County, and Cromwell Valley Park. John also writes a monthly Nature Notes column for the Baltimore County Country Chronicle newspaper. He is a member of the Harford Bird Club and the Harford County Land Trust and is on the board of Trustees for Ladew Topiary Gardens.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Trails may be muddy and uneven. All trails are fairly flat.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Bring binoculars if you have them for viewing opportunities along the walk.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events with fees of $10 or less are not refundable unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Member: $20
- Non Member: $23