Now Flying – Migratory Birds of Patterson Park

Despite the urban development surrounding it, Patterson Park’s natural history remains strong, acting as a migrant trap for birds with over 223 species recorded since 2009. We may see many neotropical migrants and some residents, including green heron, black-crowned night heron, green heron, Cooper’s hawk, ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, black-and-white warbler, common yellowthroat, American redstart, Northern parula, Northern yellow warbler, black-throated blue warbler, prairie warbler, rose-breasted grosbeak, and scarlet tanager. The park is ranked among the top 100 hotspots in Maryland, per species, according to eBird.org.

This vibrant bird community is sustained through the efforts of native tree plantings and existing tree maintenance managed by the Friends of Patterson Park and City Forestry. The Audubon-Baltimore Program also maintains a flourishing native wetland garden through monthly volunteer events.

Our birding leader, Bud Poole, will share how planting native species of trees and plants in the park sustains and grows the park’s bird diversity. Bud is a nearby resident and frequent birder, with a total of 201 species documented on his park list. He is a dedicated volunteer with the Friends of Patterson Park, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks’ Forestry Division, Phoenix Wildlife Center, and Audubon. Bud’s mission is to help wildlife thrive among the urban landscape while showcasing nature’s beauty and benefits to park goers of Patterson Park.

• 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.
• A donation of $5 from each ticket sold is designated to the Friends of Patterson Park non-profit group as a thank you for hosting our trip.
• 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.
• Children aged 12 and up are welcome.
• 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 water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray.
• Bring binoculars, 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.