Saturday, Sept. 27 Field Trips

Field trip sign-ups are are closed. If you have any questions, please email Jim Rapp at jim.rapp@mdbirds.org.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, we are hosting the following field trips:



To view a spreadsheet with field trip titles, leaders, and start/finish times for each day, please click here or click in the image.

Google Map of Saturday Field Trip Locations

Saturday Field Trip Descriptions

Many thanks to the field trip site descriptions provided by the Birder’s Guide to Maryland & DC, a project of the Maryland Ornithological Society!

Saturday, Sept. 27 is National Public Lands Day, so admission will be free at national parks and wildlife refuges.

Field trips are listed below in order of start time. Please note the meeting location of each field trip to estimate the driving time from your lodging for the weekend.

Most field trips start on Saturday morning. All-day trips may include a recommendation for lunch (bring your own or eat together at a local restaurant). These trips will end in the early afternoon. Other trips start in the morning and end before lunch. We encourage you to support the many great restaurants in Frederick and the region during the MOS Convention!

All field trips should end between 2:00 – 3:00 pm so that participants can drive to Frederick for the 4:00 – 8:30 pm Saturday night social and dinner at the Arc at Market Street.

MORNING START TIMES

C&O Canal – Monocacy Aqueduct to Nolands Ferry
Time: 7:00 – 11:30 am
Guide: Kevin Graff & Jo Cox

This is a 2.4-mile portion of the C&O Canal. This walk starts at the the historic Monocacy Aqueduct near the confluence of the Potomac and Monocacy Rivers and ends at Nolands Ferry. The well-maintained flat path is level, and is comprised of packed dirt, mulch and fine stone. We will have some views of the Potomac River as we walk along woodlands and thickets. This field trip is sponsored by Celestron.

  • Meeting Location: We will park half of the vehicles at Nolands Ferry to avoid having to cover the walking distance twice and drive down the road to Monocacy Aquaduct. GPS coordinates: 39.249294, -77.482073
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: Estimated distance is 2.4 miles. Easy walking on a well-maintained surface. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: There are portable restrooms at the beginning and end of the walk.

Linganore Creek Farm
Time: 7:00 – 10:30 am
Guide: John McKitterick

Linganore Creek Farm is slated to become the 11th MOS sanctuary, and the only one of any size in Central Maryland. Its 125 acres have been managed to provide successional habitat and open fields, as well as riparian woods along Linganore Creek. Each trip will walk about half of the paths that wander through the farm. This trip is meeting at the Monrovia Park and Ride and carpooling from there because parking is limited at the farm. This field trip is sponsored by Hillstar Nature.

  • Meeting Location: Monrovia Park and Ride GPS coordinates: 39.376652, -77.262005
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 19
  • Difficulty: Expect 3-4 miles walking over mostly mowed paths with some ups and down. One minor stream crossing. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: A restroom will be available at the start/end of the walk

Three-state Sweep: West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland
Time: 6:55 am – 2:00 pm
Guide: Cheryl Hogue & Francesca Grifo

The Three-state Sweep: West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland will include biring in three states in three different habitats. After gathering at the 340 Park and Ride west of Frederick, we’ll carpool to Harpers Ferry, WV, to bird meadows and edges of woods. Next, we’ll head to Virginia’s newest state park, Sweet Run, to explore woods and ponds in the Blue Ridge, stopping to eat bring-your-own lunches at 11 or 11:30 a.m. Our third stop will be east of Brunswick along the C&O Canal and Potomac River in Frederick County before returning to the Park and Ride. Total driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes. This field trip is sponsored by Opticron.

  • Meeting Location: 340 Park and Ride off Elmer Derr Road GPS coordinates: 39.377989, -77.471475
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: Total length covered in three stops, about 3 miles. Some trails have moderate up and downhill hiking while others are flat. They include mowed paths through meadows and dirt paths with some gravel or exposed rock. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. After heavy rainfall, some trails are muddy so check the weather and choose footwear accordingly. Tick/insect repellent, hat and sunscreen are highly recommended.
  • Facilities: Yes, restrooms will be available at stops 2 (about 9:30 a.m.) and 3 (about noon).

Fred Archibald Audubon Sanctuary
Time: 7:30 – 10:30 am
Guide: David Smith

Habitats at the Fred Archibald Sanctuary range from upland warm season grassland meadows, to mature upland and riparian forest, and old field/shrubby areas. We will search these habitats and keep our eyes to the skies for any passing migrants. This field trip is sponsored by Bird Collective.

  • Meeting Location: 6011 Boyers Mill Road, New Market, MD 21754 GPS coordinates: 39.398939, -77.288060 
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: Mowed trails with some hills, distance walked no more than 3 miles. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: There is no restroom at the sanctuary.

Gambrill Mill Trail
Time: 7:30 – 10:30 am
Guide: Lynn Kieffer & Sarah Heald

The Gambrill Mill Trail is located at the Monocacy National Battlefield. Half of this loop trail consists of an accessible boardwalk with several benches. An overlook at the end of the boardwalk provides a view of the Monocacy River and bridges significant to the battle. The trail follows a wood line, native meadow, Bush Creek, and an old wagon road that Federal troops used to retreat from the battle. We will walk through a variety of forest, stream-side and field habitats. The trail is always a good place for migrating warblers and resident central MD birds.

  • Meeting Location: the parking lot for the Gambrill Mill Trail, located near 4801 Urbana Pike GPS coordinates: 39.367265, -77.387436
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 10
  • Difficulty: Approximately 2.5 miles on boardwalk, mown paths and dirt trails. Mostly flat with one significant hill to walk up then down. Some attendees may find a walking stick helpful. Please be aware of potential groundhog holes. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: There is no restroom along the trail. There is a Panera and Starbucks within a mile of the meeting location.

Rickman/Woodstock Equestrian Park
Time: 7:30 – 10:30 am
Guide: Dave Roberts

Rickman/Woodstock Equestrian Park is located in the heart of Montgomery County’s scenic Agricultural Reserve, just north of the historic town of Beallsville. The park consists of over 872 acres of rolling farmland and forest and includes 16 miles of equestrian and hiking trails. We’ll bird the broad fields and separating woods for warblers and sparrows, vireos, woodpeckers, and raptors. This field trip is sponsored by Michele’s Granola.

  • Meeting Location: the parking lot for the equestrian center on the west side of Route 28 GPS coordinates: 39.18675, -77.42124
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 12
  • Difficulty: Easy 1.5 to 2-mile hike. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: Portable toilets are available.

Birding the Battlefields: Antietam
Time: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
Guide: Russ Kovach & Kevin McPartland

Antietam Battlefield offers a variety of habitats from mature streamside forests to vast open meadows. Grasshopper Sparrows breed here plus fall migrants frequent the varied ecosystems. This field trip combines birding with history interpretation. The Battle of Antietam was a pivotal event in the American Civil War due its high casualties and its influence on President Lincoln’s decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. The group will eat together during this trip, so please bring a packed lunch. This field trip is sponsored by The Backyard Bird Feeder.

  • Meeting Location: Parking lot at Old Burnside Bridge Road. GPS coordinates: 39.449800, -77.732566
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: Moderate on paved and sometimes dirt trails. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: Restrooms will be available.

Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Guide: Evan Hull

Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just north of the Maryland border in Fairfield, PA. The trail goes through wetlands and forests as it makes its way along Swamp Creek and a sizeable pond. Part of the trail leads to a former quarry with a vernal pond which provides good views for migrating raptors. Along the way we expect to see warblers, raptors, kingfishers, and other woodland inhabitants.

  • Meeting Location: 1537 Mt Hope Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320. GPS coordinates: 39.803284, -77.415020
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 15
  • Difficulty: Around 2.5 miles of hiking over a variety of terrain, mostly flat with two moderately steep inclines towards the end. Part of the trail travels along a stream and the trail may be muddy if it rains before or during the convention. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
  • Facilities: No restrooms are available as the nature center building will be closed.

Birds, Bugs, and Beyond in the Frederick Watershed
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Guide: Kari McPartland & Jenny Willoughby

Join the City of Frederick Sustainability Manager, Jenny Willoughby, and Kari McPartland, Frederick Bird Club President, on a 3.3-mile hike in the Frederick Watershed (affectionately known as “the Shed”, a 7500-acre forest protecting the City’s water supply). The forest supports a diverse array of insects and plants, providing food and habitat to a number of year-round resident and migrating birds. We’ll head to RAK Brewing Co along Carroll Creek after the hike for those that would like to join. RAK has a decent menu and enough space to accommodate all of us. Parking is easy and there is immediate access to three other breweries (one with in-house food, two with food trucks). Park in the lot across from Attaboy or in the Attaboy lot. RAK is at the corner of Sagner and Wisner next to Attaboy. This field trip is sponsored by The Trail House.

  • Meeting Location: Hamburg Road parking area. GPS coordinates: 39.515883, -77.494101
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: Moderate. 3.3 miles on natural surface trails, with moderate ups and downs. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: No restrooms at the Frederick Watershed.

Gambrill State Park – Rock Run Campground
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Guide: Lois Kauffman

Gambrill State Park is a 1,209-acre park located in the Catoctin Mountains northwest of the city of Frederick. It is the southernmost  of four public properties that form an unbroken chain of protected land along the east side of Catoctin Mountain. We’ll explore the deciduous woods and pine/spruce groves of the Rock Run area searching for warblers, vireos, tanagers, nuthatches and other forest-dwelling birds.

  • Meeting Location: meet at the Rock Run Campground, located at 8002 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702. GPS coordinates: 39.45482, -77.49476
  • Cost: MD residents: $3/vehicle; out-of-state residents: $5/vehicle. Pay at honor box.
  • Maximum # participants: 10
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate, 1.0 – 1.5 miles of walking. Mostly paved, short uneven trail and path around pond. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: Restrooms available.

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Guide: Kurt Schwarz

The 1,021-acre Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is managed by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks in cooperation with the Middle Patuxent Environmental Foundation. This natural area is home to a diversity of wildlife, including an impressive list of over 180 species of birds. Enjoy a 2.5+ mile walk on natural surface trails through fields, forest, and along the Middle Patuxent River. Expect thrushes, warblers, migrants.

  • Meeting Location: 5795 Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD 21029. GPS coordinates: 39.212323, -76.917100
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 10
  • Difficulty: 2.5+ miles. Natural surface trails. Expect wet grass and possibly mud. Some inclines. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: Restrooms will be available.

Baker Park
Time: 8:00 – 10:30 am
Guide: Jim Rapp & María-Elena Montero

This field trip will be accessible to participants using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and rollators. If you have questions, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Jim Rapp at jmrpp2@gmail.com.

Baker Park is a 58-acre community park located in the heart of Historic Downtown Frederick. The park features 2.5 miles of paved trails along Carroll Creek. We’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park’s varied habitats as we search for songbirds, raptors, waders and waterfowl. With almost a century of history, Baker Park continues to serve as a popular venue for birding, hiking, concerts and festivals.

  • Meeting Location: meet at the Baker Park Bandshell, located behind the City of Frederick Parks & Recreation Office, located at 121 N Bentz St, Frederick, MD 21701 GPS coordinates: 39.416564, -77.415331
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: Expect an easy 2.5-mile stroll over mostly level, paved paths. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Facilities: Restrooms are available in the park.

Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center
Time: 8:30 – 10:30 am
Guide: Anir Bhat

Catoctin Creek Nature Center is a vibrant hub for environmental education and outdoor recreation. Nestled within Catoctin Creek Park, the center offers interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and hands-on activities that highlight the region’s natural habitats and wildlife. The surrounding 139-acre park features miles of scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and access to Catoctin Creek, making it an ideal destination for nature walks, birdwatching, and creek exploration. This field trip is sponsored by Archaeopteryx Birding & Nature Tours.

  • Meeting Location: meet in the Nature Center parking lot at 2929 Sumantown Road, Middletown, MD 21769 GPS coordinates: 39.392057, -77.564232
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 12
  • Difficulty: Moderate hiking over mostly level paths. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: Portable toilets before 10 am. Restrooms inside the Discovery Center can be accessed after 10 am.

Bird Friendly Frederick: Enhancing Bird Safety in Urban Environments
Time: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Guide: Mark Southerland & Barb Kemerer

This field trip will be mostly accessible to participants using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and rollators. Typical urban sidewalk hazards may be encountered. If you have questions, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Jim Rapp at jmrpp2@gmail.com.

Celebrate Frederick’s Bird City Maryland status by enjoying the city’s birds and learning how to protect them from urban hazards. Safe Skies Maryland’s Legislative Director, Mark Southerland, will show where modern and historic structures pose obstacles to birds’ safe passage, and point out ways that Frederick and other urban settings can enhance bird survival especially during migration. We’ll spend time in Carroll Creek Park as well as along city streets, getting to know bird oases and places that need improvement. Free parking at the Frederick Visitor Center on Saturday (ignore signs that say Board of Education parking only), allow 15 minutes for walking to meet at JoJo’s Restaurant at 11 am. Lunch is at JoJo’s Restaurant at the start of the event. We will walk through the city back to the Visitor Center parking and receive samples of bird window treatment.

  • Meeting Location: JoJo’s Restaurant, 16-18 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701 GPS coordinates: 39.413958, -77.410177
  • Cost: The field trip is free. Lunch at Jojo’s Restaurant is the responsibility of each participant.
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: Sidewalks in historic town, mostly flat. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Facilities: Restrooms will be available in the Visitor Center and at Jojo’s Restaurant at the beginning and at the end of the tour.

AFTERNOON START TIMES

Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary
Time: 12:30 – 3:00 pm
Guide: David Smith

Trails at the Audrey Carroll Sanctuary extend through warm season grassland meadows, old field/early successional shrub, and upland deciduous and pine forest. Marshy and riparian habitat lies adjacent to trails and can be accessed if wearing boots. This field trip is sponsored by AFI Silver Theatre & Cultural Center.

  • Meeting Location: 13030 Old Annapolis Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771 GPS coordinates: 39.415246, -77.208370
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: Mowed trails with some hills, distance no more than 3 miles. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: There is no restroom at the sanctuary.

Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Guide: Mary Zastrow & Kathy Brown

Catoctin Creek Nature Center is a vibrant hub for environmental education and outdoor recreation. Nestled within Catoctin Creek Park, the center offers interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and hands-on activities that highlight the region’s natural habitats and wildlife. The surrounding 139-acre park features miles of scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and access to Catoctin Creek, making it an ideal destination for nature walks, birdwatching, and creek exploration.

  • Meeting Location: meet in the Nature Center parking lot at 2929 Sumantown Road, Middletown, MD 21769 GPS coordinates: 39.392057, -77.564232
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 15
  • Difficulty: Moderate hiking over mostly level paths. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: Restrooms will be available at the Discovery Center.

Rivermist/Monocacy River Path
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Guides: Gary Ladner

This field trip will be accessible to participants using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and rollators. If you have questions, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Jim Rapp at jmrpp2@gmail.com.

The Monocacy River Path follows the Monocacy River in Frederick. It is a paved path with short side dirt paths available in several places. We can look for Barred Owls, Pileated Woodpeckers, Indigo Buntings, and more.

  • Meeting Location: meet at the Riverside Park Boat Ramp GPS coordinates: 39.443949, -77.382861
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 12
  • Difficulty: Estimated hiking distance is 2 to 3 miles on level paved paths. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Facilities: No restrooms are available on the trail.

Centennial Park and Lake
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Guides: Dave Curson

This field trip will be accessible to participants using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and rollators. If you have questions, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Jim Rapp at jmrpp2@gmail.com.

Centennial Park is one of the best known birding spots in Howard County. The lake can attract shorebirds in September and migrant warblers, vireos etc. can be found in the areas of woodland and shrubs. We will walk the southern shore of the lake and also bird in other habitats.

  • Meeting Location: meet at the main/south entrance, located at 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042; Meet at parking lot closest to the boat rental office (2nd right turn after you enter the park) GPS coordinates: 39.240090, -76.860056
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 16
  • Difficulty: Easy. We’ll stay on paved paths with gentle grades. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Facilities: Restrooms available.

Gambrill Mill Trail
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Guide: Sarah Kulis, Jo Cox & Evelyn Ralston

This field trip will be accessible to participants using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and rollators. If you have questions, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Jim Rapp at jmrpp2@gmail.com.

The Gambrill Mill Trail is located at the Monocacy National Battlefield. Half of this 1/2-mile loop trail consists of an accessible boardwalk with several benches. An overlook at the end of the boardwalk provides a view of the Monocacy River and bridges significant to the battle. The trail is always a good place for migrating warblers and resident central MD birds.

  • Meeting Location: the parking lot for the Gambrill Mill Trail, located near 4801 Urbana Pike GPS coordinates: 39.367265, -77.387436
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 10
  • Difficulty: Approximately 1/2-mile on a boardwalk trail. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Facilities: There is no restroom along the trail. There is a Panera and Starbucks within a mile of the meeting location.