You could be so busy birding that you won’t notice it’s still a bit chilly out on this bird hike at Waredaca Brewing Company. Now is the best season for seeing woodpeckers. Pileated woodpecker, northern flicker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, and downy woodpecker are all possible at Waredaca. We could see some raptors, such as bald eagle, red-shouldered hawk, merlin, and Cooper’s hawk. The pond attracts hundreds of Canada geese and several species of dabbling ducks such as mallard, bufflehead, common merganser, and lesser scaup. Then there are the usual suspects: cardinal, blue jay, several sparrow species, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, bluebird, white-breasted nuthatch, house finch, goldfinch, Carolina wren, and red-winged blackbird. Possible early spring migrants include the tree swallow and Eastern phoebe. And with our hike ending in the taproom, those cold fingers will thaw while enjoying lunch with a tasty beverage. The total hike length will be two to three miles.
The Waredaca site was originally a boys camp named 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.
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 leader, Lisa Norwalk, has been a birder since before birding was cool. She started 20 years ago, toting a field guide and only dreaming of a tool like Merlin to identify birdsong. Lisa is the treasurer of the Montgomery Bird Club, which is part of the Maryland Ornithological Society, and also leads bird walks for the club. The grey catbird is her favorite.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
- 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.
- All children must meet age requirements and be registered as a guest of their 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 binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring your guidebooks, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive 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.
Registration
Levels:-
NHSM Member: $10
Guest names must be listed on your family membership to qualify for this discount. Extra adults with individual memberships should register independently. - Non Member: $15