Sunday, May 17 Field Trips

This page contains information from the 2025 convention. This will be updated soon.

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

On Sunday, Sept. 28, 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 Sunday Field Trip Locations

Sunday 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!

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.

Some field trips start in the morning and include a recommendation for lunch. These trips will likely 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 Sunday field trips should end between 11:00 – 11:30 am.

MORNING START TIMES

Greenfield Road
Time: 7:00 – 11:30 am
Guide: Gemma Radko

Greenfield Road runs alongside the Monocacy River for part of its length, through mixed forest, shrub, and field habitats. Good for migratory and resident birds. Participants should be able to do a two-mile hike.

  • Meeting Location: Urbana Park & Ride – South Lot GPS coordinates: 39.323206, -77.354986
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 12, we can bring four cars maximum
  • Difficulty: About a two-mile hike on a flat gravel road. 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.

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

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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary
Time: 7:30 – 10:30 am
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.

  • 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.

Birding the Battlefields: Monocacy
Time: 7:30 – 11:00 am
Guide: Russ Kovach & Kevin McPartland

On July 9th, 1864 a Confederate plan to attack Washington DC was stalled on the banks of the Monocacy River. The Monocacy Battlefield today has become one of Frederick County’s premier birding locations, and among the best locations in Maryland to soak in history and wildlife at the same time. The Gambill Mill trail features a raised wooden boardwalk and an observation platform – and is generally considered one of the best spots for fall warbler migration in the County. From there we will investigate fields and forests, identifying both birds and elements of the history of the Battle of Monocacy.

  • 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: 20
  • 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: Restrooms available in nearby Pinecliff Park or at the Monocacy Battlefield Visitor Center

Catoctin Mountain Park – Camp Round Meadow
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Guide: Jeff Smith & Kari McPartland

This is a loop hike about 3 miles in length, mostly along forest trails in Catoctin Mountain Park. We will start at Camp Round Meadow and walk Manahan Road, then trails down to Owens Creek Picnic Area and back up to Camp Round Meadow. We will hopefully see the resident red-headed woodpeckers, migrating warblers and thrushes, and whatever else the winds bring in. We also hear from the NPS about their forest restoration project along Manahan Road. Pack a lunch (it’s a picnic area!) or head back and find something in Frederick after the hike.

  • Meeting Location: Camp Round Meadow at Catoctin Mountain Park GPS coordinates: 39.644426, -77.487383
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 15
  • Difficulty: Moderate; about 3 miles on mostly natural surface trails, short section on paved road. Gradual hills with a few rocks to step around in places. 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.

Fort Frederick – Fields and Forest
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Guide: Michael and Cheryl Saylor

Fort Frederick State Park, with 722 acres, is also known among birders as Big Pool on account of one of its prominent features. The park’s diverse habitats include open mowed areas, the wooded shoreline of the Potomac River, deciduous forest and a couple of coniferous plantations, a small beaver pond, and Big Pool itself, a natural depression that was filled with water when the C&O Canal was created. We’ll be birding fields and forest edges around the Visitor Center and fort followed by birding the Beaver Pond Trail adjacent to the Potomac River. Long pants and bug spray are suggested. Bring water.

  • Meeting Location: the Fort Frederick State Park Visitor Center, located at 11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool, MD 21711 GPS coordinates: 39.61357, -78.00675
  • Cost: $3 per vehicle for Maryland residents and $5 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors
  • Maximum # participants: 12
  • Difficulty: 2-3 miles of slow walking on easy, flat ground and 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 available.

Lake Roland
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Guide: Brenda Miller

In this beginner-friendly bird walk, participants will get to explore a variety of habitats and wildlife around the beautiful Lake Roland Park! We will start at the Lake Roland Park Boardwalk and make our way through the park onto the Red Trail, hiking along the west side of the lake. No experience or equipment required, although closed toe shoes are recommended. Afterwards, participants are welcome to congregate for lunch and to recap the walk at R. House, about a 10-minute drive from the park.

  • Meeting Location: Falls Road Light Rail Parking: 29 Railroad Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209 GPS coordinates: 39.37652, -76.64913
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: About 2.5 miles walking. A mix of boardwalk, paved trail, and dirt trail. One hill and set of stairs while going through the main park, otherwise mostly flat. Will be crossing a set of train tracks. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention.
  • Facilities: Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center.

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.

Frederick City Watershed
Time: 8:00 – 11:30 am
Guide: Lois Kauffman

The Frederick City Watershed contains over 7,000 acres of forest land in western Frederick County. We’ll explore the deciduous woods and a few scattered pines, as well as laurel, rhododendron, spicebush, blueberry and other shrubbery. We’ll also visit two small  ponds as we search for warblers, vireos, tanagers, nuthatches and other forest-dwelling birds, with hopes to encounter Louisiana Waterthrush and Hooded Warbler. This field trip is sponsored by ProFish Seafood.

  • Meeting Location: meet at the parking lot for the Tea Room in Gambrill State Park, located at 8346 High Knob Road, Frederick, MD 21702. We will carpool from here. GPS coordinates: 39.46149, -77.49518
  • Cost: MD residents: $3/vehicle; out-of-state residents: $5/vehicle. Pay at honor box.
  • Maximum # participants: 10
  • Difficulty: We will explore two trails, time permitting, each about two miles long. Expect up to four miles of hiking. Both trails are uneven in several areas and moderately steep. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Please note that some trails may become muddy if it rains prior to or during the convention. Bring snacks and water.
  • Facilities: Restrooms are not available.

E. Eugene Myers Community Park
Time: 8:00 – 10:00 am
Guide: Evan Hull

E. Eugene Myers Community Park is a small park with woodland, field, and river habitat. Part of the trail is paved and travels through some woods and small ponds. The majority of the trail is along a Frisbee Golf course that is good habitat for birds. The trail in the course goes through wood and shrub habitat and along Tom’s Creek. Warblers (incl. Northern Waterthrush), Killdeer, and Eurasian Collard-Dove are possible!

  • Meeting Location: 201 W Lincoln Ave, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. GPS coordinates: 39.700650, -77.332471
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 15
  • Difficulty: Easy flat trails. Around 1.25 miles of hiking. Some parts of the trail could be muddy if it rains before or during the convention. Walking shoes that can get muddy are recommended. Part of the trail travels through a Frisbee Golf course. It is seldom used but be aware of frisbees!
  • Facilities: Restrooms will be available.

Baker Park
Time: 8:00 – 10:30 am
Guide: Jim Rapp

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.

Patterson Park
Time: 8:00 – 10:00 am
Guide: Neville Fernandes

This field trip will be accessible to participants using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and rollators. Paths are paved but some paths may be steeper than ADA recommendations. However alternative paths can be managed for the whole group if some participants require assistance. If you have questions, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Jim Rapp at jmrpp2@gmail.com.

In a heavily urbanized area, the 135 acres of Patterson Park serve as an oasis for migrating birds and summer residents. Around 220 species have been observed at the park over time. The park is a great place to experience birding in Baltimore city. Expect to catch our summer residents, including our fledgling Green Herons, before they leave and say hello to the first wave of migrating warblers and thrushes as they head south.

  • Meeting Location: the closest street address is 2601 Eastern Avenue, MD 21224; the GPS coordinates will deliver you to the meeting location at the south end of boat lake. GPS coordinates: 39.28708, -76.58056
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum # participants: 20
  • Difficulty: We can stay on paved paths and depart from it where necessary. Paths are mostly flat around the boat lake, some paved paths can rise several feet gradually as we get to the northwestern corner of the park which is the highest point. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Facilities: The park has limited port-a-potties. If they are in usable condition, they can be available for participants.