Birds and Brews, Fall Migrants Edition

Our beautiful fall days can be fleeting – use them wisely- BIRD! October is peak migration time, so expect broad-winged hawks in the sky, and palm warblers, blackpoll warblers, and yellow-rumped warblers in the trees. We’ll also look for indigo buntings and blue grosbeaks throughout the Waredaca fields, with a chance of meadowlarks and horned larks. Nothing is guaranteed, but with a wide variety of habitat at Waredaca, we should see over 30 species of bird, and that is being conservative.

The Waredaca site was originally a boys’ camp called the WAshington REcreational DAy CAmp, or Waredaca. The site grew into a premier equestrian center and is now the first farm brewery in Montgomery County. The property is certified by the Maryland Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program, one of 20 horse farms in the state to receive the designation.

Our birding leader, Charisma Burrows, joined the Baltimore Bird Club in 2020 and has been birding every weekend since. She currently serves as a State Director for the Maryland Ornithological Society, representing Baltimore City and County, a role she has held since 2022. She also organizes the Baltimore Bird Club’s partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore City and the Baltimore County Library System to offer bird-watching walks to library patrons in spring and fall. Her favorite bird is the red-winged blackbird because it was the first bird she ever identified by herself.

Here is a link to Waredaca’s menu: www.waredacabrewing.com. Each beer made on-site is named after the family, the stories, and the horses of Camp Waredaca and Waredaca Farm.

• Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email when payment is received.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
• All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
• High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
• No more than two children per adult.
• Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
• Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
• Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
• Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
• No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event are not eligible for a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.