Summer Morning with the Birds

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Welcome summer with a morning hike through the diverse habitats of Downs Park. A variety of birds frequent the park’s fields, shoreline, and forests. We hope to spot gulls and terns, shorebirds, warblers, vireos and flycatchers, swallows, orioles, eagles, osprey, and possibly cuckoos or kites.
We’ll hike two to three miles on paved paths and trails through fields, forest, and beach, all on the east side of the park. We may wander for a bit to the west side, too, depending on which birds are active. Bring a lunch to enjoy the view of the Bay with a picnic after our hike.
Our trip leader is Sean McGuinn, a Maryland native who has been an avid birder and amateur nature photographer for 15 years. He currently works as an environmental educator with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, teaching environmental literacy to kindergarteners. Sean lives in Annapolis with three kids and a white lab, Clover. Pelicans are his favorite bird.

Sean, like most of the people who lead NHSM field trips, is a volunteer. Your money directly supports the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible. Donate or become a member of the Natural History Society of Maryland by visiting https://marylandnature.org/support-maryland-nature/.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate hiking, two to three miles at an easy pace

  • Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best.
  • Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking boots or sneakers with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
  • Bring water,  snacks, sunblock, tick and insect spray.
  • Bring a lunch if you want to picnic after the hike.
  • Bring your camera, an extra battery, a memory card, and a lens-cleaning cloth.
  • Bring binoculars and, if you own a scope, please bring that, too.
  • Bring your guidebooks.
  • No pets, please.

The exact meeting location will be listed in your confirmation email after payment has been received.

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 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.

Location

Downs Park, Pasadena