Spring Migration Birding & Biodiversity Hike

Springtime warmth means more birds overhead, on the move to their summer homes. Join ecologist John Canoles for a birding hike at Swan Harbor Farm, a popular bird spot with diverse habitats, including wetlands, forest, waterfront, and a dredge spoil area. We will hike through the various habitats, taking our time and enjoying the view of the bay. We’ll focus on birds but also check out native plants, insects, or mammal signs we may see along the way. The total mileage will be less than two miles. The trails may be muddy depending on the weather, and are fairly flat but can be uneven in places.

Swan Harbor Farm has a total species list of over 277 types of birds, with over 190 species reported in a typical April. Migrant and resident birds that can be found there include common sightings of bald eagles, osprey, and red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks. Common mergansers, canvasback, and lesser scaup can be seen plying the waters along the shoreline. Solitary sandpipers, lesser yellowlegs, and spotted sandpipers can be found in the fields and wetlands. A beaver pond hosts prothonotary warblers, common yellow-throat, black-throated green warblers, and scarlet tanagers. Baltimore and orchard orioles can be seen in the forests and hedgerows. Swan Harbor is listed as the #1 eBird hotspot in Harford County.

John Canoles is an ecologist focusing on the identification and assessment of natural resources and the creation of natural upland and wetland habitats. He is also involved in nature education, having helped design the nature walk and Butterfly House at Ladew Gardens and the Accessible Trail at Cromwell Valley Park, and has taught introduction to birdwatching classes for Johns Hopkins Odyssey Program, Community College of Baltimore County, and Cromwell Valley Park. John also writes a monthly Nature Notes column for the Baltimore County Country Chronicle newspaper. He is a member of the Harford Bird Club and the Harford County Land Trust and is on the board of Trustees for Ladew Topiary Gardens.

• 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.
• High school-aged children 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, 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 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.

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.