“It’s your chance to see hundreds of wintering waterfowl up close, and in areas not normally open to the public,” says Cindy Beemiller, manager of the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. “You’ll be guided way off the beaten track!”
Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc., announces at Eastern Neck NWR, one per month, starting November 7.
Conditions permitting, hundreds, if not thousands, of Canada geese, tundra swans, scaup, ruddy ducks, buffleheads, mallards, black ducks, canvasbacks, mergansers, and others can be spotted and identified as the winter progresses. Bald eagles are often observed at Eastern Neck, as well as other local wildlife.
The guided walks will start at 8:00 a.m. on five Saturdays: November 7, December 5, January 2, February 6, and March 5. The walks will include Hail Creek, Shipyard Creek, Cedar Point, and Panhandle Point, all sanctuary areas ordinarily off-limits to the public. Spotting scopes will be available. Bring a camera.
A local birding expert will accompany each walk. Event will cover approximately two miles and last about two hours, with cocoa and cookies served at the Refuge headquarters afterward. Wear boots and dress warmly! No rain dates.
Each month’s registration is limited to 20, first-come, first served, with children 12-and-up permitted, but no pets. Walks are free (with a donation to Friends of Eastern Neck to cover the program’s modest expenses appreciated). A group photograph will be included. (Note: You can reserve a spot in advance for more than one walk.)
NOTE: The Friday evening before each of these Saturday walks is a “First Friday” in Chestertown, Kent County’s seat, with special exhibits, public performances, including music, and general merriment, with most shops remaining open late.
Because the walks are early morning, participants traveling from a distance may consider obtaining Friday night accommodations in Rock Hall (5 miles from Refuge) or Chestertown (15 miles). Each person registered for a walk will be mailed an information packet with directions and detailing local motels and B&Bs, restaurants, shopping opportunities, and other points of interest in Kent County.
For more information and for reservations, contact: Gren Whitman (in Rock Hall)
Email: [email protected] or call 443-691-9370
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