Spring is here at the ACLT!
The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the birds are singing. Are you looking for a fun spring activity to get some sun and enjoy nature at its finest? Well, look no further! Birdwatching is a great way to get some fresh air, exercise, witness the beauty of nature and maybe even learn a little more about the world around you.
You don’t have to be a master birder and travel to exotic places to get breathtaking views, here at the ACLT we have over 150 different species of birds so there are plenty to discover! With a unique combination of woodlands and fields, Parker’s Creek, and the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the ACLT is home to a large variety of bird species. From large birds of prey such as the majestic Bald Eagle, the Red-Shouldered Hawk, and the Barred Owl; to iconic symbols of the Chesapeake Bay like the Osprey and Great Blue Heron; to the colorful Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, and the Red-bellied Woodpecker; and many others, there are plenty of interesting and colorful creatures that are sure to catch your eye.
The ACLT doesn’t just provide visitors with the chance to make some new feathered friends, it is also designated as a Maryland Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society for protecting and preserving special habitats of at-risk species of birds, those who are seeing a decline in both their habitats and numbers. This provides birdwatchers with the opportunity to see rare and threatened species of birds, such as the at-risk Kentucky Warbler and Wood Thrush. Two other IBA target species, the Louisiana Waterthrush and the Worm-eating Warbler, can be spotted in the woodlands of the ACLT.
Not sure where to begin your adventure? Check out our Birds of ACLT Database where you can search for a particular bird, or see what you could discover on your trip based off of their habitat. Each profile features the bird species, where they can be spotted, pictures, and fun facts about them.
So grab your binoculars, a free printable ACLT Bird Checklist, along with your sense of adventure and see all there is to discover!
Want to learn more about the birds you find, or discover all of the best viewing points on the trails? Join as us on one of our Guided Hikes or Canoe Trips where our Master Naturalists will give you the inside scoop. Or, for the hardcore birders and true nature lovers, become a Master Naturalist through our Master Naturalist Classes!
For more information on birdwatching visit:
https://www.acltweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/summer_birds_Updated.pdf
http://md.audubon.org/sites/g/files/amh621/f/parkers_creek_iba-july_2016.pdf
https://www.acltweb.org/index.php/the-land/watershed-ecology/birds-of-aclt/
http://somdaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/SorzanoBrochure2010.pdf
