Eastern Shore BIrding
Last week, I discussed my dinner in Annapolis. After a quick sleep in a budget hotel, I continued my Eastern Shore getaway. First on the agenda for today, an early birding trip to Pickering Creek Audubon Center.
I had heard a lot about Pickering Creek, but had never made the trip to experience it myself. That seems like a mistake now. All I can say is - WOW.
Directly from their website - “Pickering Creek Audubon Center is a 450-acre working farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland situated next to the tidal Pickering Creek in Talbot County, Maryland. The Center’s property features a variety of habitats including mature hardwood forest, fresh and brackish marsh, meadow, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, over a mile of shoreline on a tidal creek, and cropland.”
Translation - they have LOTS of variety, LOTS of habitat, and LOTS of birds!!
Unfortunately, they also had lots of deer flies and ticks. Nothing a little prevention, and post-trip inspection, couldn’t resolve, but be aware. Bring bug spray. Check for ticks often.
But the birding is why I was there, and it did not disappoint. I’m not sure how many miles of trails there are, but it’s a lot. There was an organized birding group heading off just as I pulled into the parking lot, so I decided to head in a different direction so as to not feel like I was pushing them forward, and a bit selfishly, so they wouldn’t scare birds away. I needn’t worry - the birds here were abundant with lots of habitat to hide in, so they didn’t always fly off, they just ducked into a bush.
I first walked the Wetlands Overlook Loop, which had some amazing views of the marshes, interspersed with woodland and field areas. And boy were there a lot of birds! It was a fantastic walk.
I then started down the Farm to Bay Loop, and got about half way to the bay, but had to turn around - the bugs got to be too aggressive, and I was running out of time for my planned day. But I was not disappointed. It had been a terrific day of birding, exploring a new site, and soaking in the fresh air.
One thing of note that is different from other Audubon Centers I have visited is the amount of raised viewing platforms. I’ve seen some of these at other places, but the quantity and definitely the quality of those at Pickering Creek was AH-MAZE-ZING. Some even had clubhouse style seating! (see pics) There were also large “blinds” at the edge of the marsh areas, allowing many people to stand behind these built walls and view the marsh through cutout openings, which minimizes the noise and movement which often scares birds away.
My bird list, straight from eBird - 59 species seen over 2.25 miles:
If you are ever on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and have any interest in birds, nature, and walking in the woods, I highly recommend Pickering Creek. I know I will be returning. But first, on to the remainder of my Eastern Shore trip…
Remember to always Spin the Compass.
