OF Magy vs DUR Reports . . . by Get Thevres Have you ever encountered a hunter in the woods while you were out birding? Have you ever gone to your favorite state park or national wildlife refuge to find out that the area has been opened to deer hunting or some other form of hunting? I have and you probably have too. Hunting, like fishing and birdwatching, is another form of outdoor recreation in which over 100,000 Maryland- ers participate each year. If youspend enough time outdoors in pursuit of birds, chances are good you will encounter hunters afield. lam not going to debate the pros and cons of hunting. Each one of us has our own opinions and views on this subject. Instead, I thought it might be of interest to present some tips on how to reduce encountering hunters in the woods or fields while birding. One way is to plan around hunting activi- ties. Hunting is generally a seasonal activity. Hunting seasons are established foreach game animal during which time hunters will be afield in pursuit of said game. Most of the hunting seasons in Maryland occur in the fall and winter months. Spring turkey season is the exception. The opening and closing dates for each season are published annually by DNR and made available to the public. You can obtain a free copy from any DNR office or sporting goods store that sells hunting equip- ment or licenses. Another source of informa- tion are the outdoor writers’ columns in your newspaper. The earliest hunting season is dove sea- son which begins on September 1. Dove hunting generally occurs in open fields, usu- ally in association with agriculture. The first dates that gun hunters are in the woods is October 5 with the opening of squirrel and grouse seasons. These seasons extend through January. Fall turkey hunting in western Maryland is a short 5 days in early Novem- ber. Waterfowl hunting generally occurs a few days in October, two weeks in late No- vember and then again from mid December to mid January. You can plan your birding trips by habitat types knowing which sea- sons are in or out. The spring turkey hunting season ex- tends from mid April through mid May. It is now open statewide. During this season, hunting must end by noon. Turkey hunters use turkey calls during this season to attract a male turkey to them. Calls of the hen are most often used, though some hunters do use gobbler calls. If you hear such calls during this period of time, I suggest you refrain from approaching. Regardless of which seasons are in, no hunting is allowed on Sundays in Maryland. So when in doubt, go birding on a Sunday and you won't encounter hunters. Caution: (continued on page 3, column 1) VOL. 17, NO. 1 In Memoriam: Roger Tory Peterson by Joseph M. Lewandowski It is said that everyone leaves behind something in their passing. Family and friends are what usually come to mind, but in the case of Roger Tory Peterson, it was a gift to educate people around the world about birds and how to identify birds. To many, Roger was a naturalist; to others, he was an artist. To birders, he was a person who was able to show, via his paintings, the field markings that make bird identification easy. His publications organized birds by their resemblance to each other; allowing birders to look at the similarities and differences in the bird pictures and thus quickly identify the birds in their field of view. It is said that Roger Tory Peterson brought the hobby of birdwatching to millions. He is considered to be the Father of the Field Guide. While I never knew Roger personally, I have watched documentaries about him and about his impact on birdwatching. All de- picted a man dedicated to nature and to birds. His identifications were true and ac- curate but he always had the time to show a fellow birder why he had identified a bird as that particular species, pointing out the field markings that guided his identification. While the publications of Roger Tory Peterson will be his legacy to future generations of birders worldwide, there is another legacy that I feel will outlive his published works. That legacy is a group of birders, standing around look- ing at a field guide, describing to each other what they saw and confirming a tricky iden- tification in the field. The familiar sounds of “It’s a small bird...greenish in color...it has wing-bars, an eye-ring, and a buffy breast” will be heard wherever and whenever birders see a bird and begin to tick off the field markings that have become second nature to all of us. For this, on behalf of all birders, | thank you, Roger. THE MARYLAND YELLOWTHROAT Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1997 Chapter Chatter by Martha Waugh Jug Bay Chapter Welcomes Fall Migrants— Joan and Wally Stephens, long-time MOS members and charter Jug Bay Chapter mem- bers, came back from their retirement home in Trenton, Florida to visit. The Stephens hosted the Chapter’s annual fall week-end at their cabin in Trail’s End, Chincoteague. Baltimore Chapter Member Carves a Win- ner—Leanne Pemburn is new to bird carv- ing, but she is already a winner. Leanne and Mark met Ed Itter while birding in Anne Arundel County. Ed is a carver and a retired artist for the Sun Papers. He modestly told Leanne, “I carve ducks.” Ed’s wonderfully carved ducks inspired Leanne to try this me- dium herself. She started with a piping plo- ver kit and worked her way up from there. Ed entered her gray catbird, which is painted as well as carved, in the New Jersey Wings and Water Festival on September 21, 1996. She won first in song birds and third best in show. Leanne says carving is improving her bird identification. “Once you look long and hard to see how long a primary is compared to a (continued on page 3, column 2) Contents BNE, ROVIORES a scsscdinceensscs eset coemcitengeotnoshies 1 Chapter Chatter Roger Tory Peterson--In Memoriam Sanctuary Committee Report .........c0 Fair Hill Golf Course Update ..............0 Birds On The Web The Conservation Connection... Maryland IBA Program September Board Meeting Minutes........ 7 PATINOUTOCMNEN US: pnocadsacancoernesnasdencncenriartnss 8 Shade-Grown Coffee MOS Calendar, January/ March Page 2 Chapter Chatter tinued from page 3, colamn 3) plans are available trom which to choose. They are: House Wren, Prothonotary Warbler, Nuthatch, Chickadee, Titmouse box for $8; Bluebird box for $9; Kestrel, Screech-Owl box tor $15; and Bat house for $12. Orders tor boxes must be Placed by Thurs- day, January 9. Toorder, call Randy Robertson at 273-9029. Included with your order, we ask that you make your check out to “Harford County MOS.” After all orders and checks are in, Hartord’s merry band of woodworkers will purchase the re- quired cedar and hardware and cut out each box to the proper dimensions. If you do plan to assemble the box at the Visitor’s Center, please bring your own hammer and Phillips screwdriver. 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 haveachange of address or areexperiencin 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 callin 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 March/April 1997issu are: March-May Calendar Activities: January 25, 1997 All Other Submissions: February 1, 1997 Sanctuary Committee Report by Dotty Mumford Another successtul workday took place at Irish Grove on October 26, 1996. We were blessed with one of the few weekends that had pleasant weather this fall. Twenty-four volunteers came to help with the work. The main project was working on the Rail Trail by putting a sand mixture in the low spots in an effort to make this a “dry” trail. The box- wood and other shrubbery around the house was pruned and weeded. Repair to the ceil- ing in the museum was started (to be finished on the Spring workday). A superb potluck dinner, provided by the Wicomico Chapter with two lovely roasted turkeys from Ruth Denit, was served around 1:30 p.m. After dinner we went ona bird walk down Rumbly Point Road. One unusual occurrence happened on Friday night when somehow George Gaffney locked himself in the latrine. It takes a great deal of talent (which George didn’t know he possessed) to get a hook and eye lock to lock itself! There were only four other people present at the time and we were busy talking in the living room—not even aware that George had gone outside. Finally, someone noticed that George had been gone for some time and we became curious about the faint hammering we heard from time to time. Upon investigation, there was George, locked in the latrine, hammering on the walls, and yelling. A big thank you to the following volun- teers who helped to make the workday suc- cessful: Anne Arundel: Kit Hasslehoff and ‘Dotty Mumford; Baltimore: Brent & Mary Byers, Mike Knott, Georgia McDonald, and Joy Wheeler; Carroll: Barbara & George Gaffney and Bob Ringler; Cecil: Linda & Paul Bystrak; Wicomico: Polly Batchelder, Ruth Denit, Kay Gibbons, Linda Hardman, Bill Jones, Margaret Laughlin, Griffin & Mabel Martin, Elizabeth Pitney, Susan Stevenson, and Peter & Lorraine Sutherland. Looking forward to the Spring, we have two workdays scheduled in April. The Irish Grove Spring Workday will be on April 5, 1997, and the Carey Run Workday is sched- uled for April 26, 1997. Please mark these dates on your calendar and plan to come out and help. An Update on the Fair Hill NRMA by Marcia Watson-Whitmyre As reported previously (see the Nov./ Dee. issue of the MD Yellowthroat), an Ad- visory Committee is meeting to formulate long-range plans for the management of the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, owned by the State of Maryland. The committee is considering over 40 specific proposals for use of the Cecil County prop- erty, among them a proposal from a local developer to lease 300 acres of state land for a golf course. The land in question consists of mature deciduous forest and grasslands bor- dering the Big Elk Creek. The Cecil Chapter of MOS submitted a proposal asking that the diversity of habitats in Fair Hill be main- tained, and suggesting that Fair Hill could be marketed asa destination for traveling birders. The Advisory Committee recently an- nounced that they expect to have a public information session in late January of 1997, followed by a period for written comments from the public. The committee will then meet to draft its final recommendations and report. Committee members have noted that they serve in an advisory capacity only, and that their recommendations are not binding. Committee members are urging members of the public to contact their delegates to the Maryland General Assembly to voice con- cerns about management plans for Fair Hill. Cecil County Delegate David Rudolph rec- ommends that letters to elected officials ad- dress the general philosophy for Fair Hill management, and not just the golf course issue. The Cecil Chapter of MOS asks MOS members throughout the state to consider writing their delegates to urge that this im- portant area continue to be managed ina way that will promote diversity of bird life. To learn more about the work of the Advisory Committee, including places and dates for public meetings, contact Manager Ed Walls or Ranger Mel Adam at the Fair Hill NRMA Office, 376 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, MD 21921; phone (410) 398-1246. Nase S ONK prideabe wes w aed Puwee pare 2 cde 1) thas IS WN trarve hor every state What about deer hunters? ln Marvland there are Chree different deer seasons, namely bow, mureleloader and firearms seasons. Row season ib the longest, starting an Sep- renvder Ld ar 15 and running through Janu- ary, Deer firearms seuson, also Known as gun season, always starts the Saturday atter Thanksgiving and runs for two w eeks. Of all the hunting seasoms, this is probably the one Vou are most concerned about. There are two muzzle loader saree Muz Bclonders are The first season is ae days in mid Geisha: and the second is in late December through eariv January. Deer hunting, like all other hunting, ts not allowed on Sundays. Satety is probably vour number one con- cern about biniws atching Wit th hunters afield. only a reported during the 1995 hunting season. The majonty of accidents occur dur- ing deer seasons. Of the 24 accidents, 38% were self-inflicted injuries. Bow hunting ac- cidents are nearly always self-inflicted. In most accidents that involve another person being shot, the other person is usually an- other hunter. Last vear two non-hunters were shot. One was walking along a trail on public hunting land and was struck by a stray shotgun pellet. Many DNR properties are opened to hunt- ing. All state forests, natural resources man- agement areas and wildlife management ar- eas (except Dierson WMA and Gwynnbrook WMA) allo w hunting. Many state parks also allow certain types of hunting. Those which allow hunting are listed in the annual DNR hunting guide. When in doubt, a simple phone call to the state park office of interest is suggested. The national wildlife refuges in Mans land allow deer hunting. Assateague Island National Seashore allows waterfowl and bow hunting. If you are birding on - ivate property, ask the landowner if he or she has granted permission to anyone to hunt on their property. When birding where hunters might be, I suggest you wear a blaze orange hat or some- thing else with blaze orange. This is the universal color to alert hunters to the pres- ence of another person. Avoid wearing cam- ouflage or brown colors. If you see someone up ahead wearing blaze orange, it might well be a hunter. Hunters, with iiss exception of waterfowl, bow and spring turkey hunters, are required to wear blaze orange while hunt- ing. These are a few tips to help you reduce encounters with hunters in the field. If it does happen, please remember that each of you is in pursuit of your own outdoor experience and mutual respect is in order, Birdwatching and hunting can be compatible recreational pursuits, Chapter Chatter (continued frome page 1, column 3) secondary, vou will always Know that bird.” She wants to do a series of Brown-headed Nuthatehes, although she has also been looking at the immature pewees in her yard. Leanne has promised to carve a bid for the raffle at this year’s MOS Convention = another good reason to save the first week-end of May on your calendar. Seads of Gadwalls in Anne Arundel—Ed Itter, the modest carver, is the chairperson of the Firehall Exhibits at the Easton Wild Fowl Festival. His carvings are in the collections of Robert Tory Peterson, Harrison Ford, and Robert Redford. Ed reports more Gadwalls this year around the Gibson Island area than he had ever seen before. Harford County Recruits a New Member—Mark and Denise Johnson added another son to the rolls on October 28. Mother and baby are doing well. Ryan Michael Johnson weighed in at 7 Ibs. 7 oz. and has a very identifiable call already. Speaking of Young Birders—Harford County used $120 from this year’s MOS education grant to purchase bird identification posters for each high school in the county including Harford Christian and John Carroll, as well as Harford Glen Environmental Center. This year “Birds of the Garden - Winter” was donated to an environmental science teacher at each school. They plan to purchase one more set, “Birds of Prey,” next year before moving on to another project. A Red-billed Pigeon with Great Timing—Alan Bromberg, recording secretary of the Baltimore Chapter, found his 500th North American bird in South Texas on a Field Guides trip in April 1995. In about 3 and a half years, he had recorded 465 species. He started the 9-day trip 35 birds short. By the dawn of Day 8, he was still four species short. That day, he found a Pygmy Owl, Brown Jay, and Mountain Plover. He and his group desperately tried to find a Red-billed Pigeon. The next, and last day, they tried again and suddenly found it-just before time to leave. The group raised a formal toast to the Red-billed Pigeon at the airport. Alan has not been resting on his laurels. He is now 2 species short of 600. Baltimore Chapter Thanks Its Long-time Voice—This past September saw the end of 377- 8462, the Baltimore Bird Club Information phone number. Shirley Geddes had answered the old number for about 15 years. She fielded questions from “How do I join the Baltimore Bird Club?” to “What is this bird with the white head and red throat that is coming to my feeder?” Shirley was the friendly voice with the answer, the phone number, or the name of the person who could answer the caller’s question. Her success as an ambassador to the public was greatly appreciated. The new “computerized” information number for the Baltimore Birdline is 410-467-0653. MOS Board Visits Bear Branch Nature Center in Carroll County—In November, the MOS Board met at Carroll County’s Bear Branch Nature Center on John Owings Road outside Westminster. The Bear Branch Center is adjacent to the Hashaway Environmental Center. It is a lovely area with some excellent trails. The Carroll Chapter used MOS educational grant money to provide the Center with binoculars and a software program, Thayer’s Birds of North America. The Center’s computer is available to the public to use this program that features pictures, text, and songs of North American birds. Board members tried their skill with the software’s quizzes on bird identification. Ross’ Gull Wows Wicomico—Bruce Peterjohn and Mary Gustafson of the Wicomico Chapter found an adult male Ross’ Gull at Indian River on November 16. Although he widened his feeding area, he was still near the original area at this writing. Many birders had a good look at him, thanks to the rare bird alerts. Sam Dyke reported that the gull was beautiful and well worth a trip to see him. The Wicomico Chapter is working on a map of good birding spots in the county that should be ready in time for the MOS Annual Conference in Ocean City. Harford Chapter Nest Box Workshop—The Harford Bird Club will team up with the Leight Estuary Center in Edgewood to hold the fifth annual nest box workshop on Saturday, February | from 10:00 a.m, to 1:00 pam, For a minimal cost to cover materials (wood and hardware), you can order a rougheeut cedar nest box, On the day of the workshop, pick up your prefabricated box at the Leigh Estuary Center for immediate assembly or assemble it at home, Then mount your nest box outside and wait for your new neighbors to tly in, Four ’ (continued on page 2, colon 1) Birds on the Web Surf's up! Last time we took a detailed look at the MOS state organization home page. This time around, we are going to visit the home pages for MOS individual chapters. To date, there are five chapters which have published their own home pages. They are Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Howard and Montgomery. You can reach each via the chapters section of the MOS page, or directly at the following World Wide Web addresses: Baltimore — http://204.255.212.10/~tross/baltbird.html Cecil — http://clab.cecil.cc.md.us/county/mos/main.htm Harford — http://204.255.212.10/~tross/harford/harfhome.html Howard — http://www.abs.net/~dariuse/birding.html Montgomery — http://www.wdn.com/mccbird/index.html Each page has an individual character of its own, although there is acommon thread running through most. As would be expected, the chapter pages contain more detailed information on local officers, activities and membership applications or procedures. We are sometimes treated to a little history about the local chapter and told something about their meetings and special activities. Chapter checklists are available on most of the pages and some are reproduc- ing newsletters online. There is also information about ordering MOS or local chapter publications. Links to other birding pages, both local and otherwise, are provided on nearly all the sites, with this material making up a good deal of the substance on some. Some MOS state information is also reproduced along with links to the MOS and chapter pages, and some chapters are providing material about their local areas, complete with maps. There are interesting links to weather information, parks, travel and other non-birding sites which provide material of direct interest to birders. Of importance to many of you who may not wish to access the birding hotlines directly, are links to those sites which provide the Rare Bird Alerts. Some chapters are also linking to Bird Chat and rec.arts.birds, two Internet discussion lists which provide an ongoing exchange of messages from birders worldwide. In addition to these items, each webmaster (writer/creator) has added some unique information or links. Baltimore has a section on “Bird Fun and Games,” where you can find the Patuxent Bird Quiz and two lists of fun-filled group names, such as “a rafter of turkeys.” Cecil’s page, which sports a background wallpaper of an embossed MOS Chapter Web Pages by Fran Saunders owl, has links to herp and wild flower home pages, as well as shorebird information and a link to another shorebird page. Here you can also find the seasonal reports from the Turkey Point hawk watch. If you have a Java-enabled browser you will enjoy the winking owl and other moving graphics provided. You can also send and then later receive messages directly from the Cecil Hotline. Harford has planned a section on local birding sites, which will be a valuable contribution when completed. In my opinion, this type of local information, along with the Turkey Point data mentioned previously, which is not available elsewhere and is unique to the chapters, is the most useful that can be provided to both veteran and novice birders alike. The Montgomery page offers a very professional look, with a section on “Birding by Ear.” Stop by and test your skills. In addition, the Montgomery Chapter gives an online explanation and applica- tion for its Birding Buddy Database. Montgomery members who are interested in teaming up with fellow chapter members who are looking for “birding buddies” will want to take an opportunity to join in the fun. The Howard County Bird Club is one chapter which concentrates heavily on local interests and has some of the most colorful and striking graphics. There are sections on Howard County insects and wildflowers to tempt any local naturalist and a new section on “Bird Photos,” to which members may contribute. A link to the chapter’s private Electronic Goldfinch BBS (message system) is also available. If you haven’t visited any of these sights, or haven’t taken a recent look, I strongly recommend that you take a few moments to explore each and discover the unique contributions the webmasters have made to the World Wide Web birding world. My congratulations to Terry Ross (Baltimore), Karl Bystrak (Cecil), Darius Ecker (Howard), Les Eastman (Harford) and Kathy Neugebauer (Montgomery) for their combined extraordinary efforts. Other chapters that are inter- ested in putting additional local information on the MOS home page sections or desire assistance in publishing their own home pages are encouraged to contact me for further information. I can be reached quickly via electronic mail at saunderf@ari.net. Next time we surf we will look at some of the non-MOS local pages that can be found on the World Wide Web. [Editor’s note: The MOS State Home Page has just been designated as a “best of the net” site by Bell Atlantic Net.] —— The American Bird Conservancy by Donald H. Messersmith The American Bird Conservancy is a new, yet old bird conserva- tion organization. About two years ago, they became the latest manifestation of America’s umbrella bird conservation group. The group was formerly called the International Council for Bird Preser- vation—U.S. (ICBP-US) The ICBP began its activities in 1922 and is now a partnership of organizations from more than 110 countries. It is now called Birdlife International. ABC is the United States’ partner to Birdlife International and thus benefits from the partnership's expertise and credibility while it promotes BirdLife programs in the Western Hemisphere. Presently more than 50 member organizations belong to the American Bird Conservancy. The Maryland Ornitho- logical Society joined recently. Its “Mission Statement” explains that the ABC is a United States based, not-for-profit membership organization dedicated solely to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC aims for sustainable natural populations of bird species in the Americas using three broad strategies: ¢* With partner organizations ABC is establishing priority species, sites, and ecosystems in need of protection. ¢ ABC is supporting and developing high priority conservation programs that will develop land and water management techniques to ensure both sustainable resource use and bird populations. ¢ ABC is building a new conservation constituency to influence both public and private decision makers and wants to accomplish the active engagement of birders and nature lovers as active conserva- tionists. ABC has two advisory councils, both long in tradition and ornithological expertise. The Policy Council, formed from the former ICBP-US Section, is composed of ornithologists and policy experts from more than 50 conservation and research organizations who provide guidance on science and policy issues relating to bird conser- vation, and access to local constituencies for appropriate grassroots action. The MOS is represented on the Policy Council by Mark The Conservation Connection Johnson of the Harford Chapter and by Dan Southworth, of the Howard Chapter. Other MOS members, Daphne Gemmill and Don Messersmith, both of the Montgomery Chapter, represent the Audubon Naturalist Society and the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, respectively, on the Policy Council. Meetings are three or four times a year in Washington and sometimes in other parts of the Country. The Projects Council is formed from the former ICBP-Pan Ameri- can Section, an association of scientists focusing on Latin American and Caribbean bird conservation. It provides scientific oversight on conservation projects, reviews ABC publications, and guides the grants program. It has already funded more than 1,400 projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. ABC is working with Partners in Flight, an international coalition of more than 130 organizations dedicated to bird conservation. The PIF National Coordinator and the Important Bird Areas Director are on the ABC staff. The grants program will support local science leaders in bird conservation research in Latin America and the Caribbean. ABC is working with PIF on a regional plan for the Mississippi Valley, the world’s largest and most important bottomland forest. ABC has retained a skilled environmental advocate, former Mary- land legislator Gerald Winegrad, as Director of Government Rela- tions. ABC will provide sound scientific information to advance policy decisions and solutions to conservation problems. They also publish books and other materials about birds and bird conservation. They emphasize translating English books into Span- ish. Gerald Winegrad and Don Messersmith have developed a new project that will introduce Maryland teachers to the problems facing neotropical migratory birds in our area. It is called “Birds and the Bay” and is designed to develop curricula that teachers can use to lead student activities that will help the birds and their Bay connected habitats. Page 6 Help Protect Maryland’s Important Bird Areas by Daphne Gemmill You can participate in an important effort to protect the birds of our region. Your knowledge of what birds are found where, when, and how many within Maryland and DC will lead to the designation of Important Bird Areas. We need your help! An Important Bird Area (IBA) is a site providing essential habitat for one or more species of breeding or non-breeding-birds. These sites contain vulnerable, threatened or endangered species, species representative of a biome, or concentrations of seabirds, waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, waders or migratory landbirds. (See box for State IBA criteria ) After sites are designated, local organizations working in partner- ship with government agencies and private land owners will then develop and implement plans to ensure that these areas are protected. This effort will dovetail with a Partners In Flight effort to develop a comprehensive bird conservation strategy. Allen’s Fresh Baltimore Canyon Belt Woods Black Walnut Point Catoctin Mountain Park Carey Run C&O Canal Cranesville Swamp Dan’s Mountain Deal Island Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Elliot Island/Fishing Bay WMA Fair Hill NRMA Garrett State Park Greenridge State Forest Gunpowder Falls State Park Hart-Miller Island Hooper Island Indian Springs WMA Irish Grove Irvine Natural Science Center Jennings Randolf Lake ¢ 5,000 waterfow] at one time during some part of the year. ¢ 500 or more loons, grebes, or cormorants at one time during migration or winter * 100 pelagic seabirds or more at one time during some part of the year ¢ waterbird colonies with an aggregate total of at least 500 birds; for wading birds alone, herons, egrets, and ibises, the site must support at least 1,000 birds; for terns, skimmers, pelicans, and cormorants alone, the site must support at least 500 birds; for gulls alone, the site must support at least 2,500 birds. Human related food sources for gulls (landfills, dumpsties, sewage outflows, etc,) will not be consid- ered as IBAs. ¢ 300 shorebirds at one time if an inland site, or 1000 shorebirds if coastal, during some part of the year. The Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS), which is dedicated to increasing environmental awareness and understanding and to en- couraging action at the local level, has agreed to coordinate the submission of IBA nominations for Maryland and DC working with the Maryland Ornithological Society, Partners in Flight, and National Audubon Chapters. Knowledgeable birders had developed the following preliminary list of IBAs in Maryland and DC. Several people have alreadyvolunteered to help but WE NEED YOUR HELP! Do you know of a site that might qualify and is not on the list, would your be willing to complete the form for a particular site that is in boldface, or know someone who could, and could you provide any data on these sites. If you want to help, please call or write to Daphne Gemmill, IBA Coordinator, at 215 10th Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 or telephone 202-546-3624 (H) up to 10:30 PM. Jug Bay Monocacy Valley ?atapsco River Valley/State Park Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and BARC Patuxent River Valley/State Park Point Lookout Potomac State Park Public Landing to Ironshue Marshes Remington Farms WMA Rocky Gap State Park Savage River State Forest Sideling Hill WMA Smithsonian Institute for Environmental Studies Susquehanna State Park Swallow Falls State Park The Glades The Wildlife Trust of North America Town Hill Truit’sLanding/E.Vaughn WMA/George I. Landing Turkey Point (Elk Neck State Park) Wolf Swamp Zekiah Swamp MARYLAND IMPORTANT BIRD AREA CRITERIA * Important bottleneck or migratory corridor for at least 2,000 raptors (seasonal total) during spring or fall migration * Exception diversity of bird species during migation. * Supports a signigican population of speiceis that is endangered, threatend, or species in need of conservation. * Site contains an assemblage of species characteristic of a habitat that is limited (bald cypress) or declining (grasslands) within the state or is an exceptional representative of a natural or near-natural habitat with its physiographic province. ¢ Site is used for long-term avian research or monitoring ¢ Site is used for long-term avian education and outreach Page 7 Official Minutes MOS Board of Directors Meeting 9 September 1996 The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. by President Bob Rineer, with 49 in attendance. The Allegany, Caroline, and Kent Chapters were not represented. President: Bob Rineer thanked the Patuxent Chapter for hosting the meeting, which was held at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor’s Center. The minutes were accepted as corrected. New people were introduced. The Baltimore conference went very well thanks to Mary Byers. Thanks to the Patuxent people. Vice-President: The MOS membership list has been completed and turned over to the Executive Secretary. The board should decide who will get a copy of the list and forward those requests to Will Tress. Treasurer: The Conference made $1948 and it will go to the C&O Canal restoration. The Lawrence Zelany bequest of $15,000 will go to the Gifts Committee. The Education Committee’s funds are being depleted, the board must decide how to deal with it. Executive Secretary: “Birds of Maryland” will be sold at the Board meetings. Chapters will pay $1.25 each and they can be resold. Will will send out books for $2 each (to cover postage). Retail price will be set by a committee. Past-President: EFM contributions are down, we will not get much money this year. Jay Jones is the Vice President. The money must go to preserve bird habitat. Teaming with Wildlife involves taxing bird supplies, please write your representatives (ed. note: in favor of the proposal). Chan Robbins needs people who will work on American Bird Life. Conference: Charlie and Gail Vaughn are the local leaders. Education: DNR supports Eco System Management, Citizen’s Com- mittee Management, Greenway, Forest management. Call the State property management for information. Delaware has joined the PIF. Eight grants were given out last year ($200 for ornithological educa- tion). The deadline for this year’s grants is April 1, 1997. The DNR supports the Envirothon for High School students. The grant money can be used to train students. Research: Two proposals have been presented for consideration. Sanctuary: Irish Grove will have work days October 26 and 27. The committee needs more and new people. People may, for $5, request yellow signs listing their property as a MOS sanctuary. Call Karen Morley (410) 235-4001. Scholarship: Support Audubon Camps by applying for scholar- ships. Information regarding the scholarship program should be posted in schools, requests for scholarships will not be received after January 31, 1997. Atlas: Publishing date November (January) list price $55. May Count: DC and Carroll County are missing. Publications: September issue of “Bird Life” will be out next week. The December issue needs material. Yellowthroat: Martha Waugh is the new writer of the Chapter Chatter column. Records: Sooty Terns have been documented in Maryland. New Business: Neil Fitzpatrick of ANS would like the support of MOS in protesting to the Governor the Intercounty Connector. The board voted to send a letter of support to Neil. Howard County is going to rehabilitate their flight cage. Fran Saunders requests infor- mation for her Web Page. Gary Griffith is reviewing the Speaker’s List. Some hazards in birding were noted: a car was broken into at Soldier’s Delight. Please be careful wherever you go—lock your car and hide all your stuff and take money, etc. with you. This last sentence is a message from your friendly, concerned secretary. Respectfully submitted, Sybil Williams Page 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL FOR PAPERS—MOS ANNUAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS The MOS Research Committee sponsors oral presentations at our annual conferences. The next conference is scheduled for 2-4 May 1997 in Ocean City. If you would like to share the results of any research on the natural history of Maryland birdlife, please contact Dave Brinker at (410) 744-3246, or by 1 April, send abstracts to: David F. Brinker, MOS Research Committee, 1200 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228. Neotropical Migratory Birds: The Coffee Connection by Bill Rice The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SGMBC) hosted a three- day conference recently entitled “The First Sustainable Coffee Con- gress.” Held in the National Zoological Park’s Education and Administration Building in Washington, DC on September 16-18 of 1996, the Congress attracted more than 250 participants from 19 different countries. One especially unique feature of the attendees was the varied mix of players from the entire coffee commodity chain. Producers, exporters/importers, brokers, roasters, and retailers participated along with academics, environmentalists, and development workers in panels, discussions, and working groups in an attempt to hash out some of the common issues now emerging around coffee. The general focus of the event centered around the ecological, social, and economic sustainability not only of coffee production, but of its processing and trade as well. Recent research in a number of countries shows that a diverse cover of shade maintained over coffee shrubs, an age-old practice in much of Latin America, serves as a refuge for biodiversity. Insects, birds, small mammals, reptiles, and a host of epiphytic plants are much more abundant and diverse in shade coffee plantations than in newer, modernized “sun coffee” plantations. And shade coffee, as one participant revealed, tastes better too. It is estimated that just over five percent of arable and permanent cropland (excluding permanent pastures) in Latin America and the Caribbean is devoted to coffee production. Because Latin America is the principal winter home for a couple of hundred species of migra- tory birds, the issue of coffee farming methods is critical to the conservation of these birds. By preferentially buying coffee produced in a bird-friendly manner, consumers can make an active contribu- tion to migratory bird conservation. Until the market responds with a coffee product that addresses this issue specifically, the closest thing to “bird-friendly” coffee at present is certified organic coffee. Any good specialty coffee retailer should have it. To learn more about the bird-coffee connection, write the SMBC for a free Fact Sheet entitled “Why Migratory Birds Are Crazy For Coffee.” A more in-depth analysis of the environmental, social, and economic implications of coffee production and trade, entitled “Cof- fee, Conservation, and Commerce in the Western Hemisphere,” is also available from the SMBC for $10.00. The address of the SMBC is: National Zoological park, Washington, DC 20008. Page 9 (continued from back page) Saturday, January 18 FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Lower Cecil County Farmlands. Join trip leader Gary Griffith for a late afternoon drive through Cecilton area farm- lands. Target birds are Short-eared Owls, harriers, Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, and Horned Larks. Telescopes useful. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the donut shop in the Big Elk Mall (intersection of Rts. 213 and 40) or at 2:00 p.m. at the UniMart in Cecilton (intersection of Rts. 213 and 282). For further information, contact Gary Griffith at 410- 392-4491. 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. Thousands 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 Shopping Center. 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. Saturday, February 1 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Eastern Neck NWR, Kent County. Many wintering 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 leaders, Bobbi Reichwein at 410-451- 2671 or Mary O'Leary at 410-798-6905. NEST BOX WORKSHOP. Harford. Pre-order from four different rough-cut cedar designs, then assemble your box at the Leight Estuary Center in Edgewood. Fee charged for materials. Call Randy Robertson at 410-273-9029 no later than Thursday, January 9 for information/orders. FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Ocean City To Broadkill Marsh. Winter- ing waterfowl, gulls, terns, shorebirds. Meet 8:30 a.m. at Ocean City Inlet parking lot. Bring scope. Reservations required. For further information, contact the leader, John Bjerke, at 301-963-8525. Tuesday, February 4 MEETING. Baltimore. Program TBA. 7:30 p.m. at Cylburn Mansion. Friday, February 7 MEETING. Anne Arundel. “Black Skimmers” by David Brinker. 8:00 p.m. at The Media Center, Annapolis Senior High School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD. Saturday, February 8 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. New Design Road and Lilypons. For Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs, sparrows and hawks. Telescopes useful. Some walking in exposed, cold, windy fields; wear warm clothing and boots. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Security Boulevard Park & Ride at the east end of I-70. For further information, contact the leader, Jim Wilkinson, at 410-381-9250. FIELD TRIP. Harford. Bradenbaugh Flats. Morning trip for pipits, larks, winter sparrows, and waterfowl. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Jarrettsville Elementary School on MD 23, 1/2 mile west of MD 165. If canceled, the makeup date will be Saturday, February 15. For further informa- tion, contact the leader, Dennis Kirkwood, at 410-692-5905. Wednesday, February 12 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, February 13 MEETING. Howard. “Birding Adventures of a Spice Buyer” by Hank Kaestner. 7:45 p.m. at Longfellow Elementary School in Columbia. For further information, contact Maud Banks at 410-381- 3240. MEETING. Montgomery. “Warbler Watching” (a just-completed video presentation) by Blue Earth Films wildlife filmmakers Judy Fieth and Mike Male. 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, February 14 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-Monday, February 15-17 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Winter Birding Trip. For further information, contact the leader, Peter Hanan at 410-721-2658. FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Belated New Years at the Beach! Waterfowl and other wintering birds will be abundant on the Eastern Shore over Presidents’ Day weekend. Limited accommodations available. For further information, contact Bob Ringler at 410-549-603]. FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Presidents’ Birthday Weekend (Joint trip with ANS), Delmarva Peninsula - Ocean City, MD, to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Reservations required. For further information, contact the leader, Paul DuMont, at 703-931-8994. Page 10 Saturday, February 15 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Cape Henlopen to Ocean City. Trip to Delaware coast and Ocean City in search of Scoters, Oldsquaw, Brant, Purple Sandpipers, Red-throated Loons, and Gannets. Eiders and Harlequin Ducks possible. Telescopes useful. Meals bought on the road. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Nursery Road - Hammonds Ferry Road Park & Ride at Beltway Exit 8. Optional meeting place: Cape May- Lewes Ferry parking lot at 9:30 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, Pete Webb, at 410-486-1217. FIELD TRIP. Kent. Adkins Arboretum, Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne’s County. 8:30 a.m. For further information, contact Clara Ann Simmons at 410-778-2483. Sunday, February 16 FIELD TRIP. Harford. Delaware Bay. Three-state tour of Delaware Bay and Atlantic Coast for sea ducks, loons, Purple Sandpiper and much more. All-day trip includes one-way ride on Cape May - Lewes ferry. Bring meals and beverages; scopes helpful. Meet at 6 a.m. at the MD 155 / I-95 commuter lot (Havre de Grace exit). For further information, contact the leader, Les Eastman, at 410-734-6969. Wednesday, February 19 MEETING. Allegany. “Natural History of Alaska” by Kevin Dodge of Garrett Community College. Come and enjoy beautiful slides of Alaska, and learn about its special habitats and animals. 7:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Building, 108 Washington St., Cumberland. For further information, contact Gwen Brewer at 301-689-1150. Friday, February 21 MEETING. Caroline. “The Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage And What It Does To Help Preserve The Environment For Birds And Other Wildlife” by Andy Lawrence. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Caroline County Public Library, Denton Meeting Room, 100 Market Street, Denton, MD. Saturday, February 22 FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Fair Hill Winter Bird Walk. Search the woods and fields of Fair Hill for winter and year-round residents (woodpeckers, creepers, nuthatches, kinglets, meadowlarks, sparrows, etc.). Half- day trip; waterproof shoes suggested. Meet at the Fair Hill Covered Bridge at 7:30 a.m. Call trip leader Paul Bystrak at 410-392-5621 for more information. Monday, February 24 MEETING. Wicomico. “Birding in Southeast Arizona” by Sam Dyke. Special Meeting at the Ward Museum Of Wildfowl Art. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at The Ward Museum of Wildfowl] Art in Salisbury. For further information, contact Kathleen Gibbons at 410-641-8593. Tuesday, February 25 MEETING. Patuxent. “Identification of Terns” by Claudia Wilds. Meet 7:45 p.m. at Bio Science Building, Beltsville Agricultural Re- search Center. TBA, March FIELD TRIP. Kent. Woodcock Watch. For further information, contact Clara Ann Simmons at 410-778-2483. Saturday, March 1 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Baltimore Harbor. Wintering waterfowl, gulls and ? Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Harbor Hospital Center south parking lot off Hanover Street just south of the bridge. For further informa- tion, contact the leader, Mark Pemburn, at 410-467-4737. FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Spring Waterfowl on Columbia Lakes! Dave Harvey will lead this easy walk around various lakes in Columbia to view the late wintering waterfowl and early spring migrants. Meet at the Park & Ride at Rt. 32 and I-70 at 8:00 a.m. For more information, contact Dave at 410-795-3117. FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Bombay Hook. Joint trip with Delmarva Ornithological Society. Beginners trip for local waterfowl. Tele- scopes useful. Half-day trip. Bring lunch just in case, or eat at the Leipsic Deli. Meet at the Donut Shop at Big Elk Mall (intersection of Rts. 213 and 40 in Elkton) at 6:15 a.m. or at the Visitor’s Center at Bombay Hook at 7:30 a.m. Call trip leader Ellen Short at 302-478-8300 or Cecil coordinator Marcia Whitmyre at 410-398-0125 for more information. FIELD TRIP. Harford. Muddy Run WMA. 3/4-day tour of Susquehanna valley in Pennsylvania for waterfowl, Bald Eagle, pipits, and loons. Meet at 7 a.m. at the MD 543 & MD 165 Park ‘n’ Ride. Bring lunch and beverage. For further information contact Dave Webb at 410-569-0107. FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Black Hill Regional Park. Waterfowl, land birds. Meet at the visitor center at 8:00 a.m. Bring scope and snacks. For further information, contact the leader, Rob Gibbs, at 301- 253-6903. Tuesday, March 4 ANNUAL MEETING. Baltimore. “South Africa” by Dave Harvey. 7:30 p.m. at Cylburn Mansion. Thursday, March 6 FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Mckee-Beshers WMA. Wintering landbirds, some waterfowl. Bring scope to scan the river. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Seneca parking lot. Part II: Bird from 3 p.m. until dark. Meet at Hughes Hollow parking lot. We'll bird the Hollow and Sycamore Landing Road looking for landbirds, Barred Ow] and possible wood- cock display at dusk. All levels welcome. Reservations required for full or half day. For further information, contact the leader, Jim Green, at 301-258-7344 Friday, March 7 MEETING. Anne Arundel. Annual business meeting and members slide show. 8:00 p.m. at The Media Center, Annapolis Senior High School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD. DINNER MEETING. Harford. Program TBA. Meet at 6:15 p.m. at Churchville Presbyterian Church, MD 22 & MD 136. For further information, call 410-692-5978. Sunday, March 9 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Loch Raven. Waterfowl] and land birds; Bald Eagle, Bluebirds, Fox Sparrow possible. Telescopes useful. Two-mile level walk. Meet 8:30 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, Kye Jenkins, at 410-628-7257. FIELD TRIP. Harford. Back River & Fort Howard. Morning trip for wintering waterfowl and gulls. Meet at 8 a.m. at the MD 152 / I-95 Park ‘n’ Ride joppatowne exit). For further information, contact the leader, David Larkin, at 410-569-8319. Tuesday-Thursday, March 11-13 FIELD TRIP. Harford. Timberdoodle Watch. Dusk outings for displaying American Woodcock. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Aberdeen Wal-Mart on US 40. For further information contact Harold Boling 410-803-1075. age 1 Tuesday, March 11 MEETING. Kent. “Managing for Grassland Nesting Birds” by Peter Jayne. 7:30 p.m. at the Kent County Library in Chestertown. For further information, contact Clara Ann Simmons at 410-778-2483. Wednesday, March 12 MEETING. Carroll. Bernice Culver, a birder and past president of the Carroll County Carvers Association will demonstrate the art of bird carving. . 7:30 p.m. at Carroll Community College. For details, contact Amy Hoffman at 410-549-3598. Thursday, March 13 MEETING. Howard. “Sights and Sounds of Early Migration” by David Holmes. 7:45 p.m. at Longfellow Elementary School in Columbia. For further information, contact Maud Banks at 410-381- 3240. Friday, March 14 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. Montgomery. Annual Social (Dinner). Time and place TBA. Saturday, March 15 FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Beverly Triton Beach, Anne Arundel County. Woodcocks & owls. Meet at 4:00 p.m. at the Parole Park & Ride lot located off Harry Truman Parkway. For further information, contact the leader, Larry Zoller at 410-647-9354. FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Bird Walk and Spring Waterfowl at Piney Run Park! Jerry Tarbell will lead this easy walk around the park and view the late wintering waterfowl and early spring migrants. Meet at the gate to Piney Run Park (Martz Rd.) at 8:00 a.m. For more information, contact Jerry at 410-857-1109. FIELD TRIP. Kent. The Natural World of the Delaware Shore, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE. 8:30 a.m. For further information, contact Clara Ann Simmons at 410-778-2483. FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Jug Bay. (Joint trip with ANS) Highlights may include Rusty Blackbird, migrating Common Snipe and court- ship display of Osprey. Meet at 8:00 a.m. Reservations required. For further information, contact the leader, John Bjerke, at 301-963-8525. Sunday, March 16 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Centennial Lake, Columbia. Half day trip for early waterfowl and other early migrants and lingering winter residents. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the tennis courts at Centennial Lake. For further information, contact the leader, Burton Alexander, at 410- 381-5574. FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Chesapeake City Region Wildlife Management Areas. Visit an assortment of wetland areas for late winter waterfow] and early migrant herons and shorebirds. Half-day trip; waterproof shoes suggested. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the donut shop in the Big Elk Mall (intersection of Rts. 213 and 40 in Elkton). Call trip leader Gary Griffith at 410-392-4491 for more information. Wednesday, March 19 MEETING. Allegany. “Travels in Ecuador” by Gwen Brewer. Got those winter blues? Let the diverse beauty of the land, people, and birds of this South American country cheer you up! 7:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Building, 108 Washington St., Cumberland. For further information, contact Gwen Brewer at 301-689-1150. Friday, March 21 MEETING. Caroline. “Butterflies” by Dana Limpbert. Meet at 7:30 p-m. at the Caroline County Public Library, Denton Meeting Room, 100 Market Street, Denton, MD. Saturday-Sunday, March 22-23 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Eastern Shore Weekend to see late winter waterfowl, raptors and early spring arrivals, especially herons and shorebirds. Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Ow! possible. Tele- scopes useful. Meal or meals to be purchased en route. Bring snacks. For further information, contact the leader, Steve Sanford, at 410-922- 5103. Saturday, March 22 FIELD TRIP. Allegany. Fossil Field Trip. We will be hunting for fossils at several sites near Cumberland. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Greene St., Route 220 south Park & Ride. The leader is R.W. Twigg. For further information, contact Gwen Brewer at 301-689-1150. FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Woodcock trip to Cordurus State Park, PA. Meet at 5:15 p.m. at the Macy’s end of Owings Mills Mall parking lot opposite the Exxon station on Red Run Road. Car pool from there to Pennsylvania park nature center to see “Sky Dancers,” the American Woodcock doing their courtship display flight. Dress warmly and bring lawn chair, blanket, and a warm drink. For further information, contact the leader, Gail Frantz, at 410-833-7135. Rain date: April 5. FIELD TRIP. Harford. Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground. Morning trip for Horned Grebe, Pine Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and bay ducks. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the post’s MD 24 gate. For further information, contact the leader, Les Eastman, at 410-734-6969. FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Southern Maryland - Charles County Loop. Waterfowl, woodpeckers, sparrows and early migrants. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Charlestown Center. Limited to 12 people. For further information and reservations, contact the leader, George Jett, 301- 843-3524. Sunday, March 23 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Cylburn Self-guided Walk. Meet 8:30 a.m. at the front porch of Cylburn Mansion. First of 11 casual self-guided spring walks at one of Baltimore’s birding hot spots. Monday, March 24 ANNUAL DINNER MEETING. Wicomico. “The North American Migration Count,” by Jim Stasz. 6:00 p.m. at the Wicomico Presbyte- rian Church. For further information, contact Kay Gibbons at 410- 641-8593. Tuesday, March 25 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Lake Roland. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the footbridge in Robert E. Lee Park. For further information, contact the leader, Adelaide Rackemann, at 410-823-4709. ANNUAL MEETING. Patuxent. “Update on Rail Research at Patuxent River Park Area” by Greg Kearns. Meet 7:45 p.m. at Bio Science Building, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Sunday, March 30 FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Cylburn Self-guided Walk. Meet 8:30 a.m. at the front porch of Cylburn Mansion. Page 12 al MOS Field Trips & Activities for Members January-March, 1997 Friday, January 3 MEETING. Anne Arundel. “The Farallon Islands” by David Holmes. 8:00 p.m. at The Media Center, Annapolis Senior High School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD. 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. Howard. “Butterflies for Birders” by Richard Smith. 7:45 p.m. at Longfellow Elementary School in Columbia. For further information, contact Maud Banks at 410-381-3240. 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. The copy deadline for the March/April is- sue of the Yellowthroat is January 25 for chapter activities and February 1 forall other submissions. SOCIETY, INC. c/o Helen Ford 408 Beach Drive Send calendar entries for March-May 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 e~ apron Olsovinc . MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL Annapolis, MD 21403 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 7:30 p.m. at Churchville Presbyterian Church, MD 22 & MD 136. For further information, call 410-692-5978. Saturday, January 11 FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Feeder Tour. Start off the new year with a leisurely feeder tour and covered dish brunch at three Rising Sun area homes. Reservations necessary. For reservations or information, call the coordinator Marcia Whitmyre at 410-398-0125. 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. (continued on page 9, column 1) Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Annapolis, MD Permit No. 230 pene a os east ee A Tae ee eM Pe Phil & Barbara Davis 2549 VALE COURT DAVIDSONVILLE MD 21085 POSTMASTER: TIME-DATED MATERIAL--PLEASE EXPEDITE!