I Spy: Odonata and Birds

The morning begins at the Visitor Center’s pollinator garden, where we practice our I Spy skills on butterflies and other insects before heading out toward Goose Pond. From there, the group will hike the Cash Lake Loop, a 1.5 to 1.8-mile trail featuring dirt and gravel paths, gently rolling hills, and a floating boardwalk that crosses a portion of the lake.

Keep an eye out for feathered residents and migrants like scarlet and summer tanagers, Baltimore orioles, various flycatchers, wood ducks, early-fall warblers, and swallows. Aerial hunters will include migrant dragonflies such as black saddlebags, common green darners, and wandering gliders, along with skimmers like blue dashers, slaty skimmers, and widow skimmers, plus delicate damselflies like the fragile forktail.

• Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once 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.
• 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 any event is canceled 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.

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.