DUR Reports... by Glex Therres

Fall migration is always a challenging time of year for birders. “Which immature warbler is that?”, we asked ourselves many times while looking into the trees at the birds moving south. If you are like me, the answer wasn’t always obvious or the question went unanswered. But it is that challenge that keeps us going out time and again. Our challenge is nothing compared to that of the migrating birds themselves. Think about it. A bird weighing less than a 4 pound travel- ing thousands of miles at night from its breed- ing grounds in eastern North America to the Caribbean islands orSouth or Central America for the winter. All this in less than a month. Amazing!

Fortunately for us, the birds do not mi- grate nonstop. In the early morning light they descend to the treetops, shrubs or ground to rest and refuel for the next leg of their journey. This is when we get an opportunity to witness this annual phenomenon. One of the best places in the state to observe this is on the Eastern Shore. The Delmarva Peninsula is among a number of locations in North America that has been traditionally viewed as an important stopover area for fall mi- grants and supports millions of birds moving south each fall.

A few years ago, we participated in a four-state study of fall migration along the mid Atlantic Coast. The study was con- ducted from Cape May, New Jersey to Cape Charles, Virginia and included Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The objectives of the study were to determine if migrant abundance was greater along the coast than further inland, to determine if migrants concentrate more near the tips of the peninsulas and to determine habitat types used by fall migrants. Surveys were conducted at 487 sites (133 in Mary- land) by volunteers every Saturday and Sun- day each weekend during August though October. A total of 11,583 surveys were conducted, during which 37,301 neotropical migrantsongbirds comprising 79 species were observed. In Maryland, over 3,200 surveys were run with 9,319 migrants of 72 species observed.

Several important findings were gleaned from this study. First, fall migrant abun- dance is greater along the immediate coastal shorelines as compared to further inland. Both Assateague Island and the mainland shorelines of the coastal bays in Worcester County had higher numbers of migrating songbirds then elsewhere in the Maryland

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THE MARYLAND YELLOWTHROAT

Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society

VOL. 16, NO. 5

MOS Wildlife Sanctuary Signs by Karen Morley

Over the years many Marylanders have taken the opportunity to post MOS Wildlife Sanctuary signs on their property. At the July 10, 1971 Sanctuary Committee meeting in Annapolis, the committee ratified the plan to register property as MOS Wildlife Sanctuar- ies and provide signs to post these sanctuar- ies. They sent out notices to all MOS chapters and prepared general news releases. The first signs (five of them) went to Inez Glime for 89 acres in Caroline County on July 17, 1971. The response was much greater than ex- pected and the December 1971 Birdlife re- ported that by that date 230 properties had been registered encompassing 13, 082 acres. While the signs have been generally used to protect private property (from large farms to

4 Protected by Law

No Shooting

WILDLIF BANCTUAR

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~The 6 Maryland Ornithological | ieee, Society ae

ag Reeeyarde) MOS signs also ne aie: divisions, schools, humane societies, histori- cal sites, environmental centers, cemeteries, scout camps, and the U.S. Naval Academy. They are used by the Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts for various projects, garden clubs, and the Maryland State Game & Fish Protection Association, the Chesapeake Bay Founda- tion, the Maryland State Highway Authority, and various Maryland counties.

(continued on page 2, column 3)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1996

by Martha Waugh

Editor’s Note: In the last issue of the MD Yellowthroat, Martha made her debut as the new Chapter Chatter columnist with a great rundown on current chapter events. Unfortunately, the folks who print the newsletter didn’t believe that Martha was really the new author and changed the by-line graphic back to the old one I had been using, giving credit for the column to Jane Hill, Martha’s predecessor. My apologies to Martha for the mix-up. Hopefully all is fixed now! Welcome aboard, Martha!!!

Allegany Chapter Honors Ken Hodgdon Allegany Chapter is honoring Ken Hodgdon with a banquet on October 26 at the Cumberland Holiday Inn. The guest speaker will be Chan Robbins. Ken and his wife, Evelyn, are long-time members of the Chap- ter and Ken has served as president several times. Ken has been a teacher and adminis- trator with the Allegany Board of Educator for 35 years. For the last 15 years, he has been supervisor of science for the outdoor school in which young people are introduced to nature and to birding. Many of his graduates have grown up to become members of MOS. Ken has combined his strong science back- ground with a journalism minor to write a

(continued on page 3, column 2)

Contents

DNR Reports

MOS Sanctuary Signs

Chapter Chatter

MD 1996-97 Christmas Counts Birding On The Web

The Conservation Connection

May Board Meeting Minutes..............04 6 MOS 1997 Scholarship Program

Fair Hill Goldf Course proposal Announcements

MOS Calendar, November/January.... 12 1996 MD List Reporting Form Insert

Page 2 _

THE MARYLAND YELLOWTHROAT Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc.

Norman C. Saunders 1261 Cavendish Drive Colesville, MD 20905 (301) 989-9035 (Home) (301) 989-9036 (BBS) (202) 606-5723 (Office) (202) 606-5745 (Fax) Osprey@ari.net

Editor-in-chief:

Frances C. Saunders SaunderF@ari.net

Assistant editor:

Les Eastman

4034 Wilkinson Rd.

Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 734-6969 (Home) (410) 671-3490 (Office) LREastma@cbdcom.apgea.army.mil

Calendar editor:

If you havea change of address or are experiencing difficulties with MOS mailings, contact the Mail ing List Coordinator, William Guion, 800

Martown Road, Laurel, MD 20723, (301) 490 0444.

All other questions regarding the Maryland Orni thological Society should be referred to the Execu tive Secretary, Will Tress, 203 Gittings Avenue Baltimore, MD 21212, (410) 433-1058 or at (800 823-0050 (410-244-0032 in the Baltimore calling area). Will's e-mail address is: WTress@ubmail.ubalt.edu.

For information on advertising rates and dead lines, contact the editor.

Copy deadlines for the January/February 1996 issue are:

January-March Calendar Activities: November 25, 1996

All Other Submissions: December 1, 1996

MARYLAND CHRISTMAS COUNTS AND ComPILERS, 1996-97

Saturday, December 21

Allegany County — Gwen Brewer (Frostburg), 301-689-1150.

Catoctin — Mike Welch (Frederick), 301-874- 5828.

Denton — Steve Westre (Denton), 410-479- 0338.

Elkton — Joel Citron (Wilmington, DE), 302- 475-8773.

Oakland — Connie Skipper (Oakland), 301- 387-5227.

Patuxent River Naval Air Sta. — Doug Lister, 301-994-2582 (H) or 301-342-3670 (O).

Triadelphia Reservoir —Rick Sussman (Ashton), 301-774-1185

Washington, DC — John Bjerke, compiler. To sign up, call Beth Cranmer at the Audubon Naturalist Society (Chevy Chase), 301-652- 5964, ext. 3006.

Sunday, December 22

Jug Bay — Sam Droege, 410-798-6759 (H) & 301-497-5840 (O)

Lower Kent County — Paul Toulson (Chestertown), 410-778-4123.

Port Tobacco — George Wilmot (Bryans Road), 301-375-8552.

St. Michaels — Frank Lawlor (Royal Oak), 410- 756-6039 or Bill Novak (Easton), 410-822- 2432.

Salisbury — Charles Vaughn (Salisbury), 410- 742-7221.

Seneca — Bill Kulp (Silver Spring), 301-593- 4617 and Steve Pretl (Potomac), 301-251-8648.

Thursday, December 26

Blackwater — Chan Robbins (Laurel), 301-725- 1176.

Friday, December 27

Crisfield — Charles Vaughn (Salisbury), 410- 742-7221.

Saturday, December 28

Ocean City — Chan Robbins (Laurel), 301-725- 1176.

Sunday, December 29

Bowie — Fred Fallon (Bowie), 301-249-1518.

Point Lookout — Anne Bishop, 301-872-5355.

Rock Run — Dave Ziolkowski, 410-679-6765.

Monday, December 30

Washington County — David Weesner (Boonsboro), 301-432-7718.

Saturday, January 4 Baltimore Harbor — Peter Webb (Baltimore),

410-486-1217.

Sugarloaf — Gary Nelson (Bethesda), 301-897- 8916, or Keith Van Ness (Walkersville), 301- 845-4450.

Sunday, January 5 Annapolis/Gibson Island—Sue Ricciardi (Arnold), 410-647-9513, or Hal Wierenga (Arnold), 410-647-7439.

MOS Sanctuary Signs (continued from page 1, column 2)

Many thousands of Maryland acres are now registered with MOS - and we want to help protect even more acres. So let’s get out the word about the signs....they are especially helpful at this time of year during hunting season. You do not need to bea MOS member toregister property, and registering your prop- erty does not give MOS any rights over the lands on which they are erected, nor does it place any liability upon the Society with re- spect to the use of such lands. In posting your property you are agreeing to maintain con- servation practices designed to protect the wild plant and animal life which the land contains and to do your best to see that the property is treated strictly as a wildlife sanc- tuary as long as the MOS signs are used to post it.

The signs cost $4.00 each plus $1.00 each for postage (they are heavy!) If you are interested in obtaining signs for your prop- erty, or just want more information about the signs, please contact Karen Morley at 2719 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21218 or phone me at (410) 235-4001 [home], (202) 564-5132 [work].

Fair Hill Golf Course Proposal

(continued from page 7, column 3)

would cross the Big Elk Creek on state land. Mr. Williams maintains that the proposed golf course would not interfere with any ex- isting uses of the Fair Hill property, would have no environmental impact, and would bring economic advantages to the area.

Those interested in learning more about the golf course proposal or the work of the Advi- sory Committee should call or visit the Fair Hill DNR office at 376 Fair Hill Drive, phone (410) 398-1246. Manager Ed Walls or Ranger Mel Adam can provide information on the proposal, the work of the committee, and the date and location of the next public meeting.

The Advisory Committee has asked current users of Fair Hill to submit letters detailing their current and future proposed use of the property. Individuals or MOS chapters may send such letters to the attention of committee member Ms. Patricia DuPont, 64 Blake Road, Elkton, MD, 21921. Letters commenting spe- cifically on the golf course proposal can be sent to the committee co-chairs Michael E. Jacobs and Grove Miller at the Fair Hill DNR Office, 376 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, MD 21921. Since the committee expects to complete its recommendations by December of this year, letters and comments should be made soon.

—

Page 3

DNR Reports...

(continued from page 1, column 1)

portion of the study. Assateague Island sup- ported the largest concentrations of migrants in Maryland. Secondly, fall migrants were as abundant along the coast of Maryland as on the tips of the Cape May or Delmarva penin- sulas. And finally, many species tend to use similar habitat types during migration that they use for nesting. Migrant Wood Thrushes, for example, are more likely to be found in deciduous woods than in other habitat types.

Several conservation recommendations were developed by the senior biologists of this project and published in their final re- port. The implications from this study may now have an added importance. This past June, the Governor signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency, Worcester County, Ocean City and the town of Berlin to develop a conservation manage- ment plan for our coastal bays. As part of this process, information on the status and health of the coastal bays and their living resources are currently being amassed. The findings from our study have already been provided.

Some of the recommendations being con- sidered for this plan are: maintain forested and shrub habitats as staging and resting areas for migrating songbirds; encourage the establishment of buffers planted with trees to serve as filters for water quality and to pro- vide habitat for migrants; where develop- ment must occur, minimize the removal of trees and shrubs; protect large tracts of habi- tat from alteration; incorporate migrant habi- tat requirements into public land manage- ment plans; and include habitat consider- ations for migrant songbirds in local govern- ment programs. The latter is important since the implementation of this conservation man- agement plan will be at the local level.

Keep your ears attuned to what is happening with the conservation of our coastal bays and provide your input where possible for the benefit of our fall migrants.

Chapter Chatter

| two species new to the fall count, Black-bellied Plover and Black-billed Cuckoo.

(continued from page 1, column 3)

weekly column, Nature Notes, in the Cumberland Times-News. His column generates from ten to thirty calls a day plus lots of mail, all of which he answers. Allegany Chapter is saluting a man who has touched the lives of so many young people and raised the conservation awareness of an entire community.

Quick Guide to Bird Songs for Beginning Birders Many of us find identifying birds by sound very difficult and we need all the help we can get. Some birds seem to identify themselves by “saying” their names as with the “chickadee-dee-dee” sound of the Carolina Chickadee. Others can be identified by distinct sounds such as the “drink-your-tea” of the Rufous-sided Towhee. Using these aids can help to identify the songs and calls of birds. Ben Poscover of the Baltimore Chapter has put together a list of the mnemonic sounds of 53 birds. This guide will be a great help next spring especially if you are a beginning birder or one who has trouble identifying that mystery songster in the canopy. Ben will be happy to share a copy of his Quick Guide with you if you will send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Benjamin F. Poscover, 302A Garden Rd., Towson, MD 21286.

Patuxent Chapter Birder Breaks the 500 Barrier In September, Wain Barnes took his first bird trip to the West Coast and found his 500th North American bird, an unexpected covey of Gray Partridge near Ellensburg, Washington. He continued birding in Washington and Monterey, California, ending with 520 species. Wain’s rarest sighting was 3 to 5 Eurasian Skylarks on a short grassy field overlooking South Beach on San Juan Island, Washington. Wain says, “On to 600!”

Kestrels Find a New Home in the Old Neighborhood Gail Frantz of the Baltimore Chapter missed some Kestrels who used to nest in a grove of trees in Baltimore County off Cliff Sullivan Road. The grove was cut down to become a pasture. Gail asked Steve Mays, the property owner, if he would puta Kestrel box ina tall Maple tree left standing in the center of the pasture. This would be difficult for some nature lovers, but Steve is a professional tree trimmer and he was able to install the box immediately. A pair of Kestrels spotted the new condo and moved almost as quickly. Several young were successfully fledged.

Montgomery Chapter Begins a Tradition The Montgomery Chapter started the Fall calendar with a President’s Day Opening Walk followed by a picnic on September 15 at Little Bennett Park. Members welcomed their current president, Lydia Schindler, and three former presidents, Dick Cleveland, Bill Kulp and Lou DeMouy. Although the birds did not cooperate and only 37 species were spotted, it was a lovely day.

Why Migratory Birds Are Crazy for Coffee Lisa Petit of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center spoke at a Howard Chapter meeting and introduced seven excellent Fact Sheets on issues critical to migratory bird conservation. To find out why migratory birds are crazy for coffee and other interesting facts, write for free copies from The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, c/o The National Zoo, Washington, DC 20008. The Bird Center also has a home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.si.edu/natzoo/zooview/smbc/smbchome.htm.

Birding Is A Risky Sport The Carroll Chapter reports that two birders, Bob Ringler and Bill Kulp, Jr., were victimized by criminals who broke into Bob’s vehicle in the parking lot at Soldier’s Delight. Scopes, May count records, and irreplaceable bird and wildflower books with personal notes were stolen.

Fall Counts Birders in Allegany, Caroline, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, and Howard Chapters accepted the challenge of the Fall count. All reported a beautiful day and were enthusiastic about their adventures. Individual birders in Frederick and Carroll spoke of the poetry in watching Broad-winged Hawks “kettle up.” Allegany birders spotted a Merlin and Least Flycatcher and Ruby-crowned Kinglet showed up for only the second time in the seven years Allegany has been counting in the Fall. For the first time, there were no Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The Caroline count was low on Bobwhite, Bluebird, Carolina Wren, and Meadowlark. This year’s weather has been hard on Bluebirds. Fifteen were found dead in one box along the Choptank. Birders are wondering if the Meadowlark may be down because more sorghum and soybeans are being grown and not as much wheat and barley. Frederick Chapter found Lincoln’s Sparrow, Philadelphia Vireo, Common Nighthawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and American Golden Plover. Mark Johnson of the Harford Chapter started his count with a Lincoln’s Sparrow in his back yard and went on to find a Nashville Warbler. Howard Chapter’s third-year tallies were short of many early migrant warblers, but new species were Black-billed Cuckoo, Horned Lark, Marsh Wren, American Pipit, Solitary Vireo, Golden-winged Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Brewster's Hybrid, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Dark-eyed Junco.

Chapter Chatterers Call me at 410-381-8841 or E-mail me at FletcherW@msn.com with news items.

Birds on the Web

For most of us, a web is something a spider weaves, and surfing conjures up an image of water sports. A net is something we put on our hair or an object used to catch things. To a growing number of people, including birders, surfing the world wide web on the ‘Net is a totally different adventure. Using a computer to link with countless numbers of other computers, one can visit web sites and home pages dedicated to a wide variety of topics. The resources available on the web are sometimes trivial, sometimes invaluable, but always fun- filled.

It should not be surprising that the birding world has embraced the web as a means of sharing information about birds and birding. According to one publisher’s web page, birders represent about 10% of those individuals who access the web. During the coming year, this column will share with you the highlights of birds and birding on the web.

For our first adventure we will visit MOS’s own web page. Located at http:/ /www2.ari.net/saunderf/mos/mos.html, the MOS page explores the nature of our organization, its officers, activities, and programs. Here you will find basic information about MOS: who we are and what we do. There are sections exploring the scholarship and grants program, the sanctuary program, and our publications.

Each chapter has been allocated a separate section or page which lists officers and membership information. Chapters have been given the opportunity to expand on the information offered. For instance, one or two have provided meeting schedules and other data to promote their activities. Individual chapter sections can include any information a chapter wishes to include, and it is never too late to return your web page survey package. Some of our chapters have their own web pages on separate Internet accounts. Baltimore, Cecil, Montgomery and Howard were recently joined by Harford, and there may be others under development. These chapter pages will be explored further in our next adventure on the web, but you can reach the chapter pages directly from the MOS chapter section.

In addition to MOS information, we are providing basic Maryland birding resources and overviews of some important bird conserva- tion programs. In the bird list section you will find a checklist of Maryland birds, a listing of the endangered bird species for Mary- land, and ASCII text or Microsoft Word files containing the AOU checklist. There is a full spread on the MD/DC Records Committee, including reporting forms. There is even an online form for sending sighting reports directly to Committee Secretary Phil Davis. Not too long ago, we received our very first online sighting report concerning a reported Marbled Godwit seen at Lilypons in late July. Most recently, we posted the entire Christmas Bird Count schedule for Maryland. By request, we also added the phone numbers for local and bordering states birding hotlines, and link to a site where you can find the very latest Rare Bird Alert transcripts as soon as they are posted to the Internet.

An area under development (web pages are ALWAYS evolving to make them bigger and, hopefully, better!) will outline and review some important bird conservation programs in which we, as an organization, have taken an interest. Thus far we cover Maryland

The MOS Home Page

by Fran Saunders

Partners In Flight and the new Important Bird Areas Program, in which many of our members are active participants. As we gather the information, this section will be expanded to include many other programs. Send us information about any you wish to see included.

Part of the glamour of surfing the web comes from ogling the many beautiful graphics presented. The MOS page keeps up this tradition. We have developed bird-related backgrounds, or wallpa- pers as we call them, and graphics to enhance our text presentations. We also make liberal use of MOS and chapter logos. A nest wallpaper was developed for a chapter section, and for another we composed a scene that included a rail. Over time, all the chapter sections will have unique graphics. Although best viewed with Netscape 2.0+ or equivalent web browsers, the MOS page has text-only alternatives so that everyone can enjoy it. If you don’t have your own computer, hike down to your local public library where you can reach the MOS page via Sailor.

Since it was “published” in April this year, the page has hosted over 850 individual visitors, representing over 17,000 separate re- quests for information and visits to the individual sections. Visitors from over a dozen countries in every region of the world have browsed our site, and we have just begun to publicize! We have received requests for information about Maryland birds and birding, successfully responding to each and spreading the good word about MOS. To our knowledge at least four new people have expressed an interest in joining MOS after visiting our site, reinforcing our view that the web site can be an important educational and publicity tool for MOS.

Where do we go from here? As already mentioned, home pages are never finished. There is always something to change or add, or sometimes you just get the urge to redecorate. That’s why it is important to check in every now and then to see what is newly on offer. For the future, we plan to add basic organizational materials for membership reference, such as the bylaws, and we are hoping to develop a colorful display of the MOS conference pins. Major State birding sites and information about our participation in birding and conservation organizations/programs will be added over time, and we would like to expand our education section. If there is something you would like to see included on the MOS home page, let us know. You can send a note from the home page, direct e-mail to saunderf@ari.net, or post a good old-fashioned snail mail letter.

It is our goal to publicize MOS and its good works, while encouraging the enjoyment of birds and conservation efforts, but a home page for a major organization is a team effort and dependent upon the cooperation of all to ensure that appropriate information is timely available for publication on the web. Our thanks to John Malcolm, Joy Aso, Phil Davis, Paula and Darius Ecker, Kathy Neugebauer, Terry Ross, Dotty Mumford, Will Tress, Erika Wilson, Mark Pemburn, Gary Griffith, Kathy Morley and Les Eastman for their support and help in getting this project off the ground. Pay a visit to our page and see how you can contribute to its development, and while you're there, don’t forget to go birding!

Ed. note: In the next issue this column will pay a visit to the Chapter web pages, and, in succeeding issues, to other birding resources on the Internet's World Wide Web.

National Conservation Issues Take Stage Before Elections by Rich Dolesh

As we lurch toward the November 1, 1996, election, both parties are spotlighting conservation priorities. While the focus is generally good, since a number of initiatives had been languishing, there is still cause for concern. Among the important legislation that birders should follow are the following:

Endangered Species Act -- The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is due for reauthorization. A large majority of Americans support this legislation, and one would think that its reauthorization would be a fairly simple and easy process, but it has been far from it. Conserva- tive Congressional critics, rightly or wrongly, have held this Act up as a symbol of burdensome, unnecessary government regulation that stifles economic growth and penalizes private property owners.

Clearly, this has not been the case. The ESA has put many species back on the road to recovery, including many bird species. The Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Aleutian Canada Goose, Brown Pelican, Whooping Crane, Piping Plover, Least Tern, and many more species, have been immeasurably helped by the provisions of the ESA. More often than not, the success has been achieved without major conflict. The Act allows for flexibility and is sensitive to economic concerns. Revisions are needed, but there are powerful forces allied to gut this legislation rather than improve it. All birders who are serious about conservation of declining species should contact their US Represen- tatives and Senators to express strong support for reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act.

Federal Budget Recissions -- More slippery is the task of attempting to follow the progress of the Federal budgetary process as it relates to protection and conservation of our Nation’s wildlife and natural resources. Severe budget cuts in recent years have accomplished much of what punitive legislation has not been able to do. Agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others have seen such significant budget cuts. While this is not a process that conservation supportive citizens can follow, we can speak out to our elected officials and tell them that we fully support adequate funding to those agencies which carry out this essential mission.

“Teaming With Wildlife” -- On the positive side, an exciting nation- wide grass-roots initiative is taking shape to raise an estimated $350 million annually for funding of education, conservation, and outdoor recreation priorities. “Teaming with Wildlife,” as the legislation is

The Conservation Connection

now being called, is an effort to apply a modest surcharge (actually an excise tax) on the purchase of certain kinds of outdoor equipment, including such things that birders use as binoculars, optical equip- ment, field guides, outdoor wear, and other categories of products.

The mere mention of a new Federally imposed “tax” for conservation makes even the staunchest conservationist blanch. However, the “Teaming with Wildlife” proposal has several vitally important aspects that make it logical and supportable.

First, this is a grass-roots initiative. It has come from the ground up, and the broad base of public support that is growing daily shows that people are willing to voluntarily pay a modest amount if it were to be dedicated exclusively to habitat protection, conservation education, and outdoor recreation. The amount is estimated to be about $5-10 per year (.25% to 5% of the manufacturer’s price). An example might be a $10 field guide, the price of which would increase to $10.30. The funds would be proportionally distributed to the states. Maryland is currently working ona list of what it would use these funds for if the law were to be enacted.

Second, corporations are buying into the “Teaming with Wildlife” initiative in a big way. This is proof positive that American business regards this proposal as having customer support and being good for business. Kowa Optics recently signed on, joining Swarovski, Swift, and Zeiss as supporters.

Third, a significant percentage of these funds could be dedicated to birding-related conservation priorities. Birders have a large stake in this legislation, and the excise tax amounts that would be generated from purchases by birders are substantial. The support of birders will be critical to the passage of this Act.

The “Teaming with Wildlife” initiative is the boldest conservation legislation of our lifetimes. It can, and will, pass Congress if there is overwhelming public support. It is time for birders to show this support. To find out more about the specifics of the legislation, and to find out what you can do individually to help, contact Edith Thompson, coordinator of Maryland’s “Team with Wildlife,” 410- 974-3195, e-mail at ethompson@dnr.state.md.us or Paul Baicich, American Birding Association, 301-839-wren, e-mail at baicich@aba.org.

Page 6

The meeting was called to order by President Al Haury at 10:10 a.m. Thirty-two Officers and Board Members were present. Seven Chapters were unrepresented, including Allegany, Caroline, Harford, Jug Bay, Kent, Talbot, and Wicomico.

President — The President thanked the Frederick Chapter for hosting the meeting. The minutes from the last meeting were ac- cepted as corrected. Especially note that Fran Saunders has volunteered to set up a MOS home page. Jay Jones is Vice-President of EFM. He will head up the access committee. When we spend EFM money we must present an annual report at the end of the year. The Assateague Coastal Trust needs our support, $100-$500 is needed for environmental pres- ervation, we are considering paying for it from the budget. The MPIF would like MOS members to join, it is the same day as the May Count. The Maryland Department of Natu- ral Resources is developing a policy for man- agement of mute swans in Maryland and would like input from MOS members. The membership committee needs representatives and feed back from the chapters.

Budget — The Budget statement for the 1996- 97 fiscal year has been prepared and a copy is available either from Treasurer Jeff Metter or Budget Committee Chair, Emily Joyce. Jerry Cotton is going to do an audit in mid-June. The budget was accepted and approved by the Board of Directors.

Conference — The 1997 conference will be held in Ocean City around the first of May.

Conservation — On the International/Na- tional front: The Maryland Ornithological Society was accepted for membership in the American Bird Conservancy by vote of the Policy Council on April 25, 1996. The Ameri- can Bird Conservancy is a non-profit, na- tional advocacy membership organization of about 50 organizations dedicated to the con- servation of wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas.

“Teaming With Wildlife,” the national effort to apply a user fee in the form of an excise tax to the sale of outdoor sporting and recreational equipment, has gained consid- erable momentum. Over 700 groups have now signed on as supporters (including the MOS), but a number of large corporations such as L.L. Bean and member co-ops, such as Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI), have not. The user fee is to be collected at the manufacturer level and then distrib- uted at the state level on a proportional basis.

Maryland Ornithological Society

Board Meeting, May 4, 1996

While this proposal has some problems and some detractors, it is a bold initiative to gain a national dedicated fund for conservation, similar to the Pittman/Robertson Fund cre- ated 50 years ago. It is worthy of support. For more information, contact the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies at 202-624-7890.

MOS will be involved in assisting in the designation of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in cooperation with the ABA, ABC, and ANS. Al Haury will provide info.

The North American Bluebird Trail Di- rectory is being updated by the Ellis Bird Farm. Trails of more than 50 boxes in exist- ence for more than three years should be included. Contact Ellis Bird Farm, Box 5090, Lacombe, AB Canada T4L 1W7, or call Myrna Pearman at 403-346-2211. Input is due by May 15.

At the State/ Regional level: The environ- mental record of the just concluded Mary- land State Legislature was a mixed bag. Suc- cesses included the designation of more than 22,000 acres of new Wildlands, significantly adding protection to critical natural areas on existing state-owned landsin Maryland. Also, Program Open Space (POS) largely held its own, but sustained some cuts. The revenues dedicate to POS were capped at 90% for one additional year, and $1 million in funding was diverted to a new Heritage Tourism Authority. Some important conservation initiatives went down to defeat such as the “standings” bill to grant a community and environmental groups legal standing in pol- lution suits, and the “brownfields” proposal to redevelop contaminated industrial sites.

Other statewide and regional issues in- clude updates on the Belt Woods preserva- tion efforts (going well), efforts for Black Marsh (no legal victory, but still a strong and organized coalition), the huge Chapman’s Landing development on the Potomac River in Charles County (Governor Glendenning refuses to call for environmental impact state- ment), and very good success on the Mason Dixon Greenway efforts. Local Chapters should keep up to date on these and are asked to bring other emerging issues to the atten- tion of the Conservation Committee.

The Partners in Flight Committee has made excellent progress ona number of fronts, particularly in education and awareness ac- tivities, and also in developing management guidelines. PIF Committee members may be able to provide more detailed info.

All Chapters should encourage members to participate in IMBD activities on May 11. In addition to May Count activities, MOS should give its strong and visible support to IMBD in Maryland. Please ask members to attend and participate in activities.

Education — We need to endorse the Mason Dixon Greenway, determine the feasibility of the project, and give money for easement land. In Wicomico County first graders are studying birds in the classroom. The school system has produced literature for the study. There will be a ceremony for Chan Robbins at Patuxent on June 9, 1996 at 2:30 to honor his 50 years with the Department of the Interior. Irish Grove has a new display of bird lists and bird banding and it needs new flora and fauna lists. They have an aerial view of the property and a fish list. April 1 is the cutoff for chapters applying for grants. Eight out of 16 chapters received grants last year. There is an Envirothon collection of bird skins. Freeze birds you have found and bring them to the next meeting. If a member knows of an employer who is willing to participate in EFM please let Jay Jones know.

Sanctuary - Irish Grove was broken into, nothing was taken and there was no damage. The phone bill was $50 and a block has been placed on international calls. Peter Southerland is a local person who can be used as a contact. Carey Run needs a new hot water tank.

Atlas — Galleys will be back in May then we get the final proofs.

County List — It has been published.

Publications — March and June Bird Life have been published. A larger and expanded version of the Yellowbook will be out May 18. The Web page needs contributors.

Records — the Committee will use AOU changes.

Speakers List — Please contact Gary Griffith.

New Business — MOS will put in an exhibit at the National Aquarium and at Cylburn. Cam and Norma Lewis have passed away, please give money to the Gifts Committee. MOS should give a plaque to people who take care of areas for wild birds.

Respectfully submitted, Sybil Williams, MOS Secretary

Norheaiiald,

see ee ee TE ee Pe ee TE le i

1996 MARYLAND/DC LOCALITY LIST COMPILATION

Each year, the MOS compiles and publishes totals from member’s state and local bird lists. Forms for submitting 1995 locality lists are provided in this issue of the Maryland Yellowthroat. You are invited to submit your totals for any of the following list categories:

STATE/COUNTY CUMULATIVE LISTS: This category is for your “lifetime” species totals identified anywhere in the state of Maryland, DC, or within any of the 23 Maryland counties. You may submit totals for any of these localities. Due to space limitations, please only submit totals which exceed 50% of the “maximum” number for each locality. The form contains the latest maximums and the 50% threshold for

each locality.

STATE/COUNTY 1996 ANNUAL LISTS: This category is for total species identified only in 1995 for the same localities as above. These totals may be reported at any threshold.

“YARD” LIST: This category is for cumulative yard list totals, and 1996 totals. You may count any species you have identified while in your “yard” (that is, the property contiguous to the site of your home). “Flyovers” and other birds identified from your yard (even if they were not in your yard) also count. Additional information is requested on your “yard”.

“ALL-COUNTY” LIST: This category is for counting the number of species you have identified in each of the 23 Maryland counties. For example, if you have identified a Northern Mockingbird, an American Crow, a Downy Woodpecker and a Red-tailed Hawk in each of the 23 Maryland counties, your list total would be bit’. Nal

“ALL-TIME HIGH” ANNUAL LISTS: This category is used to track all-time high annual lists from the current and previous years. Annual prior year totals for the various reporting localities may be submitted. For Maryland, submitted totals should equal or exceed 271 (70% of the “maximum pos- sible” number). For individual counties, totals submitted from previous years should exceed either 50% of the “maximum possible” or exceed one of the top totals previously published for that county. See the March/April 1995 issue of the Maryland Yellowthroat for previously published totals.

This year, the “maximum possible” numbers have been taken from the preliminary version of the new Field List of the Birds of Maryland (the “yellow book”) which is currently in preparation. In some counties, the numbers vary noticeably from those previously published.

We remind those who submitted prior year list totals that it is important to update their totals. Space may not permit publication of lists that are not reasonably current.

Questions ??? Call: Phil Davis (301) 261-0184.

Please return the form BEFORE January 20, 1997 to: — Phil Davis | 2549 Vale Court Davidsonville, MD 21035

We hope that all who have participated will do so again, and that others will join in, especially those from localities which are currently less than well represented. If you have any comments, thoughts or anecdotes, please include them. Specifics on your yard habitat and size will also be of interest if your yard list total is especially high. If you have any other categories of Maryland bird lists that are appropriate (for example, all-time or 1996 state/county “Big Day” totals), send them in. We'd like to hear from you.

MOS 1996 MD/DC LOCALITY LIST REPORTING FORM

l. PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: | Address: City: | County: State: — 7 Zip: Phones: (day): ( (evening): (

ll. STATE/COUNTY LIFE AND 1996 LISTS

Locality List -Max/50%) Life 1996 Locality List _Max/50% _ Life 1996

| | | Maryland State _ | 393/196 | |__| Districtof Columbia =| 309/154 | MD Yard List* | ! - | | DC Yard List” | ‘= iM Allegany County 280/140 Howard County 285/142

canned fa

Brief Description: (size, habitat, etc):

lll. ANNUAL ALL-TIME HIGH LISTS (for previous years)

Locality List ‘Year # Locality List | Year| #

(Attach Additional Sheets If Needed)

cette —_

ATLAS OF THE BREEDING BIRDS OF MARYLAND AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Chandler S. Robbins, Senior Editor Firik T. Blom, Project Coordinator

This atlas is the result of tens of thousands of hours of work in the field, in libraries, in file rooms, at computer terminals, and at kitchen tables. The culmination of five years (1983-1987) of intensive field work by professional wildlife biologists and 800 volunteers, it presents data on 199 species of birds that breed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Each species account contains information on habitat requirements, distribution, abundance, history, and nesting characteristics. The field observers achieved over 99 percent coverage of the study area and generated over 100, 000 records. In addition, the atlas includes historical distribution data collected since the mid- 1800s, nest records collected over the past 100 years, data from breeding bird surveys conducted since 1966, and relative abundance information from minaret data collected since 1983.

Highly accurate, compactly presented, the atlas establishes a baseline of breeding distribution on which all future studies can rely and will be a valuable tool to anyone--amateur and professional alike--concemed with our omithological heritage. Dr. Chandler S. Robbins, wildlife research biologist with the U.S. Department of the Interior since 1945, has devoted most of his life to the study of distribution, migration, and habitat requirements of Maryland birds. With Bertel Bruun and Herbert Zim, he wrote Birds of North America. He has been editor of ~__¥

Maryland Birdlife since 1947 and was technical editor of een Audubon Field Notes/American Birds, 1952-1989.

Eirik A. T. Blom is editorial consultant to Birdwatcher’s Digest and regional editor of American Birds.

ATLAS OF THE BREEDING BIRDS OF MARYLAND AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Chandler S. Robbins, Senior Editor, Eirik A.T. Blom, Project Coordinator cloth only 0-8229-3923-1 $55.00

MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY 30% SPECIAL DISCOUNT

MEMBERS PRICE $38.50

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH PRESS ORDER FORM

CUP Services, Box 6525, Ithaca, NY 14851 Date Name Institution Address City Day Phone Number of books ordered X 38.50 = Cost of Books NY res. add 8% tax

Shipping ($3.50 first book, .75 each additional book)

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VISA MASTERCARD ___ SCAMEX CARD NUMBER EXP. DATE SIGNATURE

Page / | 1997 MOS Scholarship Program

by Isa Sieracki

Ecology Scholarships: The Maryland Orni- thological Society is now accepting applications from Maryland teachers and youth leaders for six scholarships to summer ecology workshops which the National Audubon Society holds at its camps in Maine, Connecticut, and Wyoming. Each grant covers the cost of tuition, room, and board for an intensive six-day course of field study and instruc- tion in ecology, conservation, and natural history.

Ornithology Scholarship: The MOS is also accepting applications from Maryland teachers and youth leaders for one or two scholarship for a week of study in ornithology at the Audubon summer workshop in Maine.

Requirements: The MOS requires that its scholarship recipients work with young people. This includes teachers, camp counselors, park rangers, students, and others who intend to make nature education a part of their careers. Appli- cants need not be members of MOS, but must be endorsed by a chapter or a member of MOS. Each candidate must provide a written statement show-

ing how the Audubon experience will be used to |

develop in young people an appreciation of our wild heritage and a sense of responsibility for the care and quality of our natural resources and environment. Additionally, two or more letters from individuals who know of the candidate’s interests and activities are requested. Applicants must be eighteen or older.

The following people are helping the Scholar- ship Committee to recruit candidates in their respective areas:

Annette Drummond Baltimore (410) 252-7197 Eileen Clegg Howard Janet Cree Talbot

James Falcon Wicomico (410) 641-6668

Applications for the 1997 season are due by January 31, 1997 to Isa Sieracki, Chairperson of the MOS Scholarship Committee, 792 Everist Drive, Aberdeen, MD 21001, (410) 273-6201. We urge all MOS members to see that this infor- mation is disseminated as widely as possible to all educators in the state—we need a broader base of applicants to ensure good coverage over all of Maryland’s counties!

| Fair Hill.

Golf Course Proposed for Fair Hill

by Marcia Watson-Whitmyre

A local developer has proposed building a golf course on state-owned land at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA) in Cecil County. A Citizens Advi- sory Committee is seeking input on this pro- posal and on long-range management plans in general, from groups that use the Fair Hill NRMA.

Fair Hill is a 5,600 acre parcel that was pur- chased by the State of Maryland in 1974 from the estate of the late William DuPont. Mr. DuPont had used the land for agricultural purposes and for fox hunting. Today, under the management of the State Division of Natu- ral Resources, some of the old farmsteads in Fair Hill are leased by the state to resident tenants. Fair Hill also hosts a Thoroughbred race horse training facility and a steeplechase track. The property is the site of the annual Cecil County Fair, a Scottish games, and numerous equestrian competitions. Fair Hill Nature and Education Center, a private non- profit organization, is located in Mr. DuPont's old hunting lodge on the Big Elk Creek, near one of the five remaining covered bridges in the State of Maryland. The Nature Center specializes in nature education programs for children, with annual trips to Fair Hill for all children in Cecil’s public elementary schools.

The majority of the 5,600 acres in Fair Hill consist of prime rural landscape, including extensive native grass fields and deciduous woodlands. Fair Hill is poised in two major watersheds: the Big Elk Creek runs through Fair Hill to the Chesapeake Bay, and the East Branch of the Christina River flows through Fair Hill on its way to the Delaware Bay. The shores of the Big Elk Creek are marshy in spots, and a wetland area was created some years ago as a project of the Nature Center.

Fair Hill is one of the most important areas in northeastern Maryland for migrating and resident land birds. Woodland areas adja- cent to the streams offer nesting for tanagers, flycatchers, orioles, woodpeckers, and war- blers, including Cerulean Warbler and Pileated Woodpecker. Northern Goshawk, Upland Sandpiper, and Olive-Sided Fly- catcher, species considered endangered in Maryland by DNR, have all been sighted at A recent Breeding Bird Survey found Henslow’s Sparrow, threatened in Maryland, near the northern border of the property. Other grassland nesters include Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks.

An extensive trail system leads to all parts of the property. One gravel road through the northern section of the property provides motor vehicle access to the Nature Center

and race horse training center. Other trails and roads are strictly for non-motorized use.

When Fair Hill was first acquired by the State, access was restricted to groups holding organized events, to tenants, and to local residents who were permitted to ride horses on the property. In recent years, the state has opened Fair Hill to public use. Today, it is used extensively by equestrians, fishermen, hikers, mountain bikers, hunters, and of course birders. The Cecil and Harford Chap- ters of MOS regularly sponsor bird walks at Fair Hill, and a number of field trips to Fair Hill were featured at the Annual MOS Con- ference in Cecil County in 1994. There is no fee for casual use, but organized events (e.g., the County Fair, horse shows) do pay a user fee.

A number of challenges face DNR in its management of Fair Hill. The trail system was heavily damaged by the severe winter of 1995-96, and further damage occurred in the heavy rains in the summer of 1996. The bridges and other structures installed by Mr. DuPont are showing their age and some have been closed due to safety concerns. Most importantly, the management of the prop- erty is being affected by increasingly heavy demands for its use.

In order to provide a forum for public input into a management plan for Fair Hill, in the late spring of 1996, DNR established an 18- member Citizens Advisory Committee. The Committee is charged with recommending guidelines for a long-range management plan for Fair Hill. The committee has had three public meetings and a number of informal, non-public sessions since it was established. John Wilson, Chief in the Planning Section for the Central Region, Maryland DNR, is providing leadership to the Committee.

The committee is reviewing a proposal made by committee member Harlan Williams, a local real estate agent and developer, who owns a parcel adjacent to Fair Hill. He proposes to lease 300 acres of state land at Fair Hill to use in conjunction with his own property to build a golf course/conference center/polo arena/retirement community / shopping mall. Mr. Williams has already had plans drawn up for the center and the golf course. Six of the 18 holes of the golf course and all the buildings would be on Mr. Williams’ own land; the remaining 12 golf course holes would be on state land at Fair Hill. The portion of the property concerned is on the eastern side of Fair Hill, southwest of the Rt. 316 (Appleton Road)/Rt. 273 inter- section. Four fairways of the golf course

(continued on page 2, column 3)

ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MEMBERS

MD PIF Annual Meeting Announced Maryland Partners in Flight will hold their 1996 Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 9, 1996 at the National Wildlife Visitor Center at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel. The meeting starts at noon and ends at 4:30 pm. If anyone is interested in more information contact Glenn Therres at 410-974-3195.

Maryland Parks Trail Stewardship Program

Birders who visit the Maryland State Parks and Forests should be aware of a new program in the state which allows them to make contributions to support trail maintenance at their favorite sites. The number of trail users taking advantage of the almost 1,000 miles of trails within Maryland state forests and parks continues to rise. This increased trail use has put a strain on the condition of the trails and the State Forest and Park Service has been unable to fund the resulting increased maintenance needs. You can help support all types of trails in state forests and parks by participating in the Trail Stewardship Program. Your cash or check donation and volunteer time will help maintain and improve trails on public lands. You can participate in the program by making a tax deductible donation of $5 or more to the state forest or park of your choice. You will receive a sticker to display your support; the design of the sticker changes annually. You will also receive mailings detailing information on trail use, volunteer opportunities, upcoming work projects, etc. The program is sponsored by Footprints Only, Inc., a non-profit organization. All donations will be used for trail maintenance, operations, and education. You can make donations by contacting staff at your favorite state park or forest, by calling (410) 974-3771 or 1-800-830-3974, or by visiting the program’s Internet site at http:// www.gacc.com/DNR/.

Delmarva Birding Weekends Beginning and experienced birders, celebrate the migration of hundreds of warblers, shorebirds and waterfowl. Guided and self-guided opportunities abound at Assateague Island, Pocomoke River, Deal Island Wildlife Management Area and more. These weekends are held in conjunction with the World Wildfowl Carving Competition, sponsored by the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. Search for Bald Eagles, Black-necked Stilts, Ospreys, warblers, Peregrine Falcons, and more. Fees vary. For further information, contact Jim Rapp at the Salisbury Zoo (410) 548-3116, Lisa Challenger at Worcester County Tourism (800) 852-0335, or by e-mail at econ@mail.dmv.com.

Teaming With Wildlife Newsletter Teaming With Wildlife is the program of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies which is working to get our lawmakers to enact a user fee for outdoor recreation equipment similar to that already paid by hunters and fishers in this country. If you’re interested in this program and would like to keep in touch with its progress, you might want to get on the mailing list for The Update, the newsletter of the Teaming With Wildlife effort. Write to the editor, Molly Williams, at International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, 444 North Capitol Street, Suite 544, Washington, DC 20001 or call her at (202) 624-7890.

MD Partners In Flight Newsletter Interested in hearing more about what is going on with the Partners In Flight program in Maryland? Well, now they too have a newsletter, called, interestingly enough, Maryland Partners in Flight Newsletter. To get onto the mailing list, contact the editor, Wanda Cole, at MD Department of Natural Resources, Tawes State Office Building, E-4, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401-9974, or call her at (410) 974- 3654.

American Bird Conservancy Magazine Finally, for those of you interested in following the activities of the new non-profit organization American Bird Conservancy, a quarterly magazine, Bird Conservation, has begun publication with their 1996 Fall Migration issue. The premier issue includes articles on Partners in Flight at the National level, the story on shade-grown coffee, the impact of pesticide abuse on Swainson’s Hawks, and much, much more. For further information, contact American Bird Conservancy, 1250 24th Street, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20037, by phone at (202) 467-8348, or via e-mail at abc@mnsinc.com.

Money for Asian Birds A Japanese telecommunications company, NTT, has offered to donate $10 to Birdlife International for conservation work in Asia for every bird species seen and reported between October 29 and November 13 this year from around the world. Last year, 2,764 species were recorded and accordingly $27,640 was donated. Please provide as much of the following information as possible: date, locations, your name, number of participants, your contact details, any comments, and list of species including scientific names. You are encouraged to send your bird sightings to American Bird Conservancy at 1250 24th Street, NW; Washington, D.C. 20037 or email to ABC@mnsinc.com. For more information call Mike Parr at (202) 467-8348. Asian birds will thank you.

Page 9

MOS Calendar, November-January (cont.)

(continued from page 12)

Saturday, November 9 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Piney Run Park. Walk the hilly trails around the lake edges for waterfowl and winter land birds. Telescopes recommended. Meet 8:00 a.m. at entrance gate. For further informa- tion, contact the leader, Burton Alexander, at 410-381-5574.

FIELD TRIP. Harford. Blackwater NWR. All-day trip for possible Horned Grebe, Snow Goose, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Bald Eagle. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at I-95 & MD 152 Joppatowne exit) commuter lot. For further information, contact the leaders, Larry and Jean Fry, at 410-452-8539.

Sunday, November 10 FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Belmont Conference Center, Howard County, MD. Early wintering sparrows, possible raptors. 1/2 day. Meet at 8:00 a.m. Limited to 12 people. For further information and reservations, contact the leader, Mike Bowen, at 301-530-5764.

Tuesday, November 12 MEETING. Kent. “Assateague: Jewel of the East Coast” by Judy Johnson. 7:30 p.m. at the Kent County Library in Chestertown. For further information, contact Clara Ann Simmons at 410-778-2483.

Wednesday, November 13 MEETING. Carroll. “Sora Rail Research” by Greg Kearns of the Jug Bay Natural Area. 7:30 p.m. at Carroll Community College. For details, contact Amy Hoffman at 410-549-3598.

Thursday, November 14 MEETING. Howard. “Maryland Breeding Bird Atlas” by Kathy Klimkiewicz. 8:00 p.m. at Longfellow Elementary School in Colum- bia. For further information, contact Maud Banks at 410-381-3240.

MEETING. Montgomery. “Birding Madagascar, Reunion & Mauritius” by Daphne Gemmill. 7:30 p.m. at the Potomac Presbyte- rian Church, 10301 River Road, Potomac, MD. For further informa- tion, contact Lydia Schindler at 301-977-5252.

Friday, November 15 MEETING. Caroline. Subject TBA by Nick Carter. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Caroline County Public Library, Denton Meeting Room, 100 Market Street, Denton, MD.

Saturday-Sunday, November 16-17 FIELD TRIP. Jug Bay. Annual Chincoteague Weekend with Joan & Wally Stephens. For further information, contact Renee Burns at 301- 423-8853.

Saturday, November 16 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel County. Traditional “Wasn’t that a Snow Bunting?” trip. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot in back of Busch’s Chesapeake Inn restaurant located on Rt. 50. For further information, contact the leader, Hal Wierenga at 410-647-7439.

FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Bird walk - Sparrows at Hashawha! Bill Kulp will lead this walk around Camp Hashawha (moderate terrain). Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Bear Branch Nature Center parking lot off John Owings Rd. For more information, contact Bill Kulp at 410-775-2264.

FIELD TRIP. Harford. Waterfowl Tour. Morning trip along Harford’s bay shore in search of waterfowl, including scaup, Redhead, and possible scoters. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the MD 24 gate to the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground. For further information, contact the leader, Dave Webb, at 410-569-0107.

FIELD TRIP. Kent. Horn Point Environmental Center, Cambridge, Dorchester County, MD. 8:30 a.m. For further information, contact Clara Ann Simmons at 410-778-2483.

Tuesday, November 19 MEETING. Jug Bay. “Where Have The Warblers Gone” by Chan Robbins - a warbler expert for 50 years!. 7:00 p.m. at the two story house at Patuxent River Park. For further information, call 301-627- 6074.

Thursday, November 21 MEETING. Jug Bay. “Birding In New Zealand” by retired University of MD professor and tour leader Don Messersmith. 7:00 p.m. at the two story house at Patuxent River Park. For further information, call 301-627-6074.

Saturday, November 23 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Blackwater NWR. All-day trip to see ducks, thousands of Canada and Snow Geese, and possible Bald Eagle or Brown-headed Nuthatch. Meet at the refuge Visitors Center. Birding mostly from cars, one short level walk. Telescopes useful. Bring Lunch. Meet 9:30 a.m. at visitor center. For further information, contact the leader, Taylor McLean, at 410-377-7622.

FIELD TRIP. Harford. Owl Prowl. Meet at 4:15 p.m. at the Klein’s market in Forest Hill, intersection of MD 23 & MD 24. For further information, contact the leader, Harold Boling, at 410-638-5315.

Sunday, November 24 FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Conowingo Eagle Watch. Last year at this time a total of 36 eagles were visible in and around the river. Ducks should also be present. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Fisherman’s Park. Bring a scope if you can; dress warmly. Call 410-398-0125 for directions and further information.

FIELD TRIP. Jug Bay. Cuckold Creek & Cobb Island for swans, eagles and winter waterfowl. Lunch at a local restaurant. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Betz Folly. For further information, contact Jean Tierney at 301-627-6074.

Monday, November 25 MEETING. Wicomico. “Changing Habitat in the Cypress Swamp” by Kathy Fisher. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury. For further information, contact Kathleen Gibbons at 410-641-8593.

Tuesday, November 26 MEETING. Patuxent. “Raptor Field Identification: State of the Art and Recent Advances” by William S. Clark. Meet 7:45 p.m. at Bio Science Building, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.

Saturday, November 30 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Blackwater NWR, Dorchester County. Waterfowl & sunset view. Meet at 12:30 p.m. at the parking lot in back of Busch’s Chesapeake Inn restaurant located on Rt. 50. For further information, contact the leaders, Barbara Ricciardi at 301-464-1962 or Marilyn Taylor at 410-923-0069.

BSeerO,

MOS Calendar, November-January (cont.)

(continued from previous page)

FIELD TRIP. Harford. Conowingo Dam. Morning trip for Bald Eagle, rare gulls, and possible Golden Eagle. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at

Fisherman’s Park, at the base of Conowingo Dam. For further information, contact the leader, John Wortman, at 410-939-3146.

Sunday, December 1 FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Lilypons/Oland Road. Winter field birds, including Snow Buntings and wintering sparrows; Logger- head Shrike and Lapland Longspurs possible. Post-trip stop at Black Hill Reservoir, if interest and weather warrant. Reservations neces- sary. For reservations and further information, contact the leader, Gail MacKiernan, at 301-989-1828.

Thursday, December 5 FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Forgotten Backroads. Explore little- known back roads of Montgomery County in search of wintering hedge and field birds. A two-car caravan will stay in touch with state of the art CB radios. Bring plenty of snacks. Limit to 8 people. For details and reservations, contact the leader, Willem Maane, at 301- 229-1628.

Friday, December 6 MEETING. Anne Arundel. “Uncommon Birds in Maryland” by Mark Hoffman. 8:00 p.m. at The Media Center, Annapolis Senior High School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD.

Saturday, December 7 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. National Zoo, Washington, DC. Caged exotics and uncaged natives. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Parole Park & Ride lot located off Harry Truman Parkway. For further information, contact the leader, Kathie Lambert at 410-867-4056.

FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Southern Maryland. All-day trip to Point Lookout and other locations. Scoters, Oldsquaw, Great Cormorants, Bald Eagles, Brown-headed Nuthatches, and Gannets possible. Birding near cars with minimal walking. Telescopes useful. Bring Lunch. Trip may not go if weather judged unfavorable. For further informa- tion, contact the leader, Steve Sanford, at 410-922-5103.

FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Eagles and Gulls at Conowingo Dam! See Bald Eagles and wintering gulls at Conowingo Dam. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Owings Mills Metro Lot off I-795 (south lot near Painters Mill Rd). Bring a lunch. For more information, contact Mark Hoffman at 410- 549-3598.

FIELD TRIP. Harford. Broad Creek. For additional information, contact the leader, Dave Webb, at 410-569-0107 by December 5.

FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Piney Run Park And Lake, Carroll County. Meet at 8:00 a.m. Bring scope. Hot lunch will be available at a reasonable cost at the Nature Center. For reservations and details, contact the leader, Bill Kulp, at 301-593-4617.

Sunday, December 8 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Loch Raven. Two-mile level walk for sparrows, ducks, and other winter residents. Telescopes useful. Meet 8:30 a.m. . If weather is questionable, trip may not go. For further information, contact the leader, Kye Jenkins, at 410-628-7257.

Tuesday, December 10 MEETING. Baltimore. “Show & Tell.” Mini-slide shows and a Birds T-shirt contest by members and friends of the Baltimore Bird Club. 7:30 p.m. at Cylburn Mansion.

MEETING. Kent. “Tanagers - The Nationwide Cornell Study” by Reese Corey. 7:30 p.m. at the Kent County Library in Chestertown. For further information, contact Clara Ann Simmons at 410-778-2483.

Wednesday, December 11 MEETING. Carroll. Hank Kaestner will present “Birding - The Spice of Life” where he will relate birding experiences as a spice buyer around the world. 7:30 p.m. at Carroll Community College. For details, contact Amy Hoffman at 410-549-3598.

Thursday, December 12 MEETING. Howard. “Bald Eagle Status in Maryland” by Glen Therres of Maryland DNR. 8:00 p.m. at Longfellow Elementary School in Columbia. For further information, contact Maud Banks at 410-381-3240.

MEETING. Montgomery. “Please Don’t Step on the Boobies or Iguanas.” Nature Study in the Galapagos Islands by Mark Garland. 7:30 p.m. at the Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Road, Potomac, MD. For further information, contact Lydia Schindler at 301-9775252

Friday, December 13 MEETING. Cecil. Program TBA. 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary Anne’s Parish Church, North East, MD. For further information, contact Gary Griffith at 410-392-4491.

Saturday, December 14

FIELD TRIP. Cecil. (Joint trip with Harford) Susquehanna River crawl. Join trip leader Marcia Whitmyre for a north to south sweep of the east bank of the Susquehanna, looking for waterfowl. This is also a good time for Pileated Woodpeckers and Yellow-bellied Sap- suckers. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Landhope Farms store in Conowingo, intersection of Rt. 222 and Rt. 1. Carpooling from there will be necessary due to limited parking at the river. Bring a scope if you can; dress warmly. Call 410-398-0125 for directions and further informa- tion.

FIELD TRIP. Harford (Joint trip with Cecil). Susquehanna River Crawl. North-to-south sweep of the east bank of the Susquehanna River, led by Marcia Whitmyre. Persons living west of the Susquehanna River should meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Conowingo Visitors Center, just west of Conowingo Dam on US 1. For additional information, contact Joe Vangrin at 410-838-5264.

Thursday, December 19 CHRISTMAS PARTY. Jug Bay. Bring a dish to share and prepare to do some owling after dinner. 6:30 p.m. at the two story house at Patuxent River Park. For further information, call 301-627-6074.

Saturday, December 21 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Greenbury Point, Anne Arundel County. Bay waterfowl & quail. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Parole Park & Ride lot located off Harry Truman Parkway. For further information, contact the leader, Al Haury at 410-923-0881.

Friday, January 3 MEETING. Anne Arundel. Program TBA. 8:00 p.m. at The Media Center, Annapolis Senior High School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD.

Page 11

MOS Calendar, November-January (cont.)

(continued from previous page)

Saturday, January 4 FIELD TRIP. Harford. Rocks State Park. Morning hike at scenic location; good for woodpeckers and winter passerines. Meet at 7:15 a.m. at Forest Hill Elementary School, on MD 24 just north of Jarrettsville Road. For additional information, contact the leader, Joanna Rawlings, at 410-679-1272.

Sunday, January 5 MEETING. Baltimore. Covered Dish Supper. 5:30 p.m. at Cylburn Mansion. Lecture follows - “From the Puna to the Chaco in North- west Argentina” by Hank Kaestner. Register by Thursday, Jan 2 with Mary Byers at 410-686-7294.

FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Waterfowl Quest. Search of local reser- voirs and rivers for wintering ducks, geese and gulls. Final locations will depend on weather. For further information, time and meeting place, contact the leader, Paul Pisano, at 703-685-3790.

Thursday, January 9 MEETING. Montgomery. “Ecology of Saw-Whet Owls in the Middle Atlantic” by David Brinker. 7:30 p.m. at the Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Road, Potomac, MD. For further information, contact Lydia Schindler at 301-977-5252.

Friday, January 10 MEETING. Cecil. Program TBA. 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary Anne’s Parish Church, North East, MD. For further information, contact Gary Griffith at 410-392-4491.

MEETING. Harford. Amateur Slide Night. Meet at 6:15 p.m. at Churchville Presbyterian Church, MD 22 & MD 136. For further information, call 410-692-5978.

Saturday, January 11 FIELD TRIP. Harford. Feeder tour. Morning tour of three homes in Harford County for feeder watching and socializing. Space limited. For further information and reservations, call Harold Boling at 410- 638-5315 by Wednesday, January 8. Make-up date is Saturday, January 18.

Friday- Monday, January 17-20 FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. North Carolina Outer Banks. Loons, gannets, wintering ducks and shorebirds; alcids and less common gulls possible. Reservations required. Limited to 10 people. For reservations, trip and motel information, contact the leader, Frank Witebsky, at 301-871-7990.

Friday, January 17 MEETING. Caroline. “Deserts of Southern California” by Dr. Robert Trever. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Caroline County Public Library, Denton Meeting Room, 100 Market Street, Denton, MD.

Saturday, January 18 FIELD TRIP. Kent. Eastern Neck NWR. 8:30 a.m. For further information, contact Clara Ann Simmons at 410-778-2483.

Sunday, January 19 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Winter Gull Trip. The leader will take us to where the gulls are. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Parole Park & Ride lot located off Harry Truman Parkway. For further information, contact the leader, Sue Ricciardi at 410-647-9513.

FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Conowingo Dam and Cecil County. Thou- sands of gulls, possibly some rarities, as well as waterfowl, raptors and eagles. Wear warm clothing and boots. Telescopes useful. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the White Marsh Mall at light pole 16 on NE side of Sears. For further information, contact the leader, Gene Scarpulla, at 410-821-0575.

FIELD TRIP. Harford. Conowingo Gull Watch. Thousands of gulls, possibly Lesser Black-backed, Iceland, and Glaucous. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Fisherman’s Park, located at the bottom (east end) of Shures Landing Road. Dress warmly; scopes useful. For further informa- tion, contact the leader, John Wortman, at 410-939-3146.

Sunday, January 26 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Annapolis Neck & Thomas Point, A. A. County. Coveys of waterfowl & hot soup supper. Meet at 12:00 noon at the Bay Ridge Shop. For further information, contact the leaders, John & Helen Ford at 410-267-8417.

FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Capital Birding. Selected sites from Georgetown to Leesylvania State Park . Wintering waterfowl, gulls and raptors. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Georgetown Reservoir where cross dikes intersect. Bring scope and lunch. Trip ends about 3:00 p.m. For further information, contact the leader, Howard Elitzak, at 703-528- 3848.

Monday, January 27 MEETING. Wicomico. “Habitat Benefits of Piping Plover Manage- ment” by Karene Motivans. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury. For further information, contact Kathleen Gibbons at 410-641-8593.

Tuesday, January 28 MEETING. Patuxent. “Appleton Island” by David Holmes. Meet 7:45 p.m. at Bio Science Building, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.

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MOS Calendar November 1996 - January 1997

Friday, November 1 MEETING. Anne Arundel. “Biodiversity in Maryland” by Glenn Therres. 8:00 p.m. at The Media Center, Annapolis Senior High School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD.

DINNER MEETING. Harford. “The Birds Of Australia” by Dr. Don Messersmith. Meet at 6:15 p.m. at Churchville Presbyterian Church, MD 22 & MD 136. For further information, call 410-692-5978.

Saturday, November 2 FIELD TRIP. Allegany. Shawnee State Park for waterfowl. Both the birds and the meal are highlights of this trip ! We are likely to see a good variety of waterfowl and other water birds. Please bring a scope if you have one. We will have lunch at Jean Bonnet’s Restaurant following the field trip. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Parkside School in LaVale. For further information, contact Gwen Brewer at 301-689-1150.

FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Horsehead Sanctuary, Queen Anne’s County. Eastern shore waterfowl. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot in back of Busch’s Chesapeake Inn restaurant located on Rt. 50. For further information, contact the leader, Sue Ricciardi at 410-647-9513.

FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Hawk Watching at Town Hill, MD! Bring a lunch and enjoy the migration of Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier and Goshawks in Allegany County. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Mt. Airy Park & Ride at Rt. 27 and I-70. For details, contact Bill Kulp at 410-775-2264.

FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Havre de Grace ducks. Scan the waters of the head of the bay from the Havre de Grace Promenade for early ducks and other waterbirds; tour the exhibits in the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum (admission charge). Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Millard Tydings park yacht basin parking lot, off Commerce Street in Havre de Grace. Bring a scope if you can. Call 410-398-0125 for directions and further information.

The copy deadline for the January /Febru- ary issue of the Yellowthroat is November 25 for chapter activities and December 1 for all other submissions.

SOCIETY, INC. c/o Helen Ford

408 Beach Drive

Send calendar entries for January-March to: Les Eastman 4034 Wilkinson Rd. Havre de Grace, MD 21078 W: 410-671-3490 H: 410-734-6969

Please send all other submissions to the editor:

Norman C. Saunders 1261 Cavendish Drive Colesville, MD 20905 H: 301-989-9035

W: 202-606-5723

Li> f- aw, printed on recycled paper & Si OV IN K

MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL

Annapolis, MD 21403

BENEFIT. Jug Bay. Jug Bay 10K - Run For Wildlife. 9:00 a.m. Both a 3K walk and a 10K race will be held on the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Drive at Patuxent River Park to benefit wildlife conservation projects. T shirts, prizes and fun are planned for all who pre-register. For further information, call 301-627-7755.

FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Waggoner’s Gap. Joint ANS trip. For further information and reservations, contact the leader, Kerrie Kirkpatrick, at 703-560-4950.

Sunday, November 3 FIELD TRIP. Harford. Susquehanna State Park. Woodpeckers, migrant waterfowl, and winter passerines likely. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Rock Run Mill, junction of Rock Run and Stafford Roads. For further information, contact the leader, Les Eastman, at 410-734-6969.

Tuesday, November 5 MEETING. Baltimore. “Maryland’s Owls” by Eirik Blom. 7:30 p.m. at Cylburn Mansion.

Thursday, November 7 FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Blackwater NWR. Geese, swans, eagles, Brown-headed Nuthatches. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the visitor center parking lot (US fee area). Bring lunch and scope. For further information and reservations, contact the leader, Willem Maane, at 301-229-1628.

Friday, November 8 MEETING. Cecil. Program TBA. 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary Anne’s Parish Church, North East, MD. For further information, contact Gary Griffith at 410-392-4491.

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