Join naturalist Greg Kearns in a remarkable opportunity to learn about our Sora rail population and its tight link with wild rice in the Patuxent River marshlands. While out on the pontoon boat, we may have the opportunity to help band a few individuals, depending on the weather and the amount of rail in our vicinity. We will learn about wild rice as it will just be ending its seasonal bloom. In 1987, Greg began to investigate the secret life of Sora Rails, a small marsh waterbird found at Jug Bay, which led to ground-breaking research and understanding of the bird’s natural history as well as an amazing restoration effort. Greg’s annual banding of the birds showed a marked decline from their peak in 1998 of 1,300 rails to only 100 in 2000. He and USGS biologist Mike Haramis linked the decline of the rails to the vanishing stands of wild rice (95% decline) that they observed during the same period. The study revealed the culprit to be resident Canada geese. This launched a full-scale wild rice restoration combined with a Canada goose management plan.
Today wild rice has recovered at or beyond the acreage existing thirty years ago. Will Sora numbers increase as well? How have other waterfowl been affected? “It’s a very delicate balance,” Greg says “There’s nothing in these wetlands more productive and nutritious than stands of wild rice for seed-eating migrant birds.” Greg will share his stories on nature’s delicate balancing act.
Greg Kearns, a MNCPPC naturalist/biologist for over 37 years at Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro Maryland, is an accomplished photographer, birder, and an authority on the Sora Rail (Porzana carolina), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and wetland ecology at Jug Bay. He was named Conservationist of the Year by the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources in 2006 for this work and restoration of the Wild Rice marshes on the river, which has been recognized as one of the best wetland recoveries in Maryland.
Look at how the sora population is being tracked – https://sites.google.com/view/projectsora/home
Remember to
- This is a boat trip and requires participants to step up from a dock and into the pontoon boat. Assistance is available.
- 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.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and your camera with accessories.
- Bring binoculars, some are available to borrow.
- 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.