(Feb. 23, 2017) With the owners’ permission, two tours this weekend will explore a few areas normally closed to birders, and more than a couple that are open to the public all year.
On Saturday, preregistered guests are meeting at Urban Nectar on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin at 8 a.m. for a cup of coffee, and will then head out to Newport farm and its varied range of habitats to see what they can find along with guides Jim Rapp, Dave Wilson, Scott Housten and Russ Kovach.
“It’s about a 15 minute drive to the farm from Urban Nectar, and once there we’ll walk for a mile or a mile and a half to explore the 2,200 acre farm,” Wilson, event organizer, said. “We’ll see between 50-65 species.”
Because of the farm’s placement, and size, it offers a host of options to the bird watchers.
“When the shad come up Newport Bay, bald eagles amass there for easy food,” Wilson said.
White pelicans roost there too, but are just as likely to remain undetected, as they are to make an appearance. Several species of ducks are likely to be found in this area.
Wilson said field and marsh habitats would offer their own surprises.
In the afternoon, the trip will either convene or reconvene, depending on whether or not participants sign up for one or both sessions, at the Assateague Island Visitors’ Center at 11800 Marsh View Lane in Berlin.
“We’ll walk around the Sinepuxent Bay and we’ll see loons, maybe some brant. From there, we’ll make a stop at the ponds along Route 611 to look at the many species of ducks there on our way up to the inlet,” Wilson said. “The Ocean City Inlet is a super duper hotspot: Purple sandpipers, the Harlequin ducks are still there and maybe, for a break, we’ll look at some seals.”
Seal sightings are on the rise in the Ocean City area.
“We’ll leave the inlet for Berlin Falls Park where there are just tons and tons of ducks in winter, plus all the eagles and hawks hunting those ducks,” Wilson said. “We could be lucky and see otters.”
From there, Wilson said all are welcome to return with the group to Burley Oak Brewing Company, across the street from Urban Nectar, for a review of the day’s sightings.
“We’ll saunter right over to Burley Oak and finish with some of the best beer on the East Coast,” Wilson said. “If you couldn’t come or didn’t want to go on the afternoon trip, you can still come down and do a tally at the end of the day.”
The gathering will take place around 5 p.m.
“Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. If you have a scope, bring it — but we will have some. It could be windy, and you may want to pack a snack or some water,” Wilson said.
The trips can hold about 24 people each, and reservations are going well, Wilson said.
“You should sign up soon if you haven’t already — they should sell out soon if things keep going as they have been,” Wilson said.
Another outing is scheduled for next month, focusing on the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach areas.
Register for the Beans, Birds & Beers event at www.delmarvabirding.com.
On Saturday, preregistered guests are meeting at Urban Nectar on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin at 8 a.m. for a cup of coffee, and will then head out to Newport farm and its varied range of habitats to see what they can find along with guides Jim Rapp, Dave Wilson, Scott Housten and Russ Kovach.
“It’s about a 15 minute drive to the farm from Urban Nectar, and once there we’ll walk for a mile or a mile and a half to explore the 2,200 acre farm,” Wilson, event organizer, said. “We’ll see between 50-65 species.”
Because of the farm’s placement, and size, it offers a host of options to the bird watchers.
“When the shad come up Newport Bay, bald eagles amass there for easy food,” Wilson said.
White pelicans roost there too, but are just as likely to remain undetected, as they are to make an appearance. Several species of ducks are likely to be found in this area.
Wilson said field and marsh habitats would offer their own surprises.
In the afternoon, the trip will either convene or reconvene, depending on whether or not participants sign up for one or both sessions, at the Assateague Island Visitors’ Center at 11800 Marsh View Lane in Berlin.
“We’ll walk around the Sinepuxent Bay and we’ll see loons, maybe some brant. From there, we’ll make a stop at the ponds along Route 611 to look at the many species of ducks there on our way up to the inlet,” Wilson said. “The Ocean City Inlet is a super duper hotspot: Purple sandpipers, the Harlequin ducks are still there and maybe, for a break, we’ll look at some seals.”
Seal sightings are on the rise in the Ocean City area.
“We’ll leave the inlet for Berlin Falls Park where there are just tons and tons of ducks in winter, plus all the eagles and hawks hunting those ducks,” Wilson said. “We could be lucky and see otters.”
From there, Wilson said all are welcome to return with the group to Burley Oak Brewing Company, across the street from Urban Nectar, for a review of the day’s sightings.
“We’ll saunter right over to Burley Oak and finish with some of the best beer on the East Coast,” Wilson said. “If you couldn’t come or didn’t want to go on the afternoon trip, you can still come down and do a tally at the end of the day.”
The gathering will take place around 5 p.m.
“Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. If you have a scope, bring it — but we will have some. It could be windy, and you may want to pack a snack or some water,” Wilson said.
The trips can hold about 24 people each, and reservations are going well, Wilson said.
“You should sign up soon if you haven’t already — they should sell out soon if things keep going as they have been,” Wilson said.
Another outing is scheduled for next month, focusing on the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach areas.
Register for the Beans, Birds & Beers event at www.delmarvabirding.com.