Caterpillars, spiders, dragonflies, and butterflies. There’s our guest list for this hike with naturalist and photographer Bonnie Ott. We’ll be on the lookout for some of our smallest macro creatures that flit and skitter in the woods and fields of Howard County Conservancy. Our pace will be slow as we flip over tree leaves and check out twigs, while also keeping our eyes open for those butterflies, dragonflies, and birds that may come our way.
We are planning for a two- to three-hour walk on mowed grass trails. Bonnie is a long-time birder, and over the years has developed interests in all aspects of the natural world. Bonnie always appreciated odonates, or dragonflies and damselflies, and they have become her main focus in the last few years. Bonnie has assisted odonate researcher Richard Orr with his surveys and has been field trip chairman of the Howard Bird Club since 1990. She leads numerous bird walks for the local chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society and the Audubon Naturalist Society. Bonnie’s photostream is found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sparrowbon/page2.
Photography equipment is not necessary. You are welcome to join the hike with only your eyeballs or phone camera.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (low-intensity hiking)
Remember to
- 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 to protect your toes.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and your camera with accessories.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe. Both are available to borrow.
- Bring your guidebooks.
- No pets, please.
Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
NEW – 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 and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.