Birding Trails For the first 7 miles, agricultural fields, woods and regen- in winter for Common Loon and for diving ducks such as erating clear cuts dominate the landscape. In summer, look Canvasback and Ruddy Duck. SPECTACULAR for songbirds, such as Blue Grosbeak, Summer Tanager and Birding Opportunities Red-headed Woodpecker, in shrubby harvested areas with You will cross a small bridge into the Town of Cambridge Waterfront Trail Elliott. Pass the fire station and bear to the left to reach the BIRDING (5 miles round trip from Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park) standing dead trees. Once the Loblolly Pine forest becomes in the the primary habitat, Pine Warbler and Brown-headed Nut- harbor at McCready’s Creek. A close Osprey nest is on the Heart of Chesapeake Country orchester County is various sandpipers, are some- The Cambridge waterfront is one of the best spots in the hatch are common. The latter is most often heard giving pole at the end of the jetty. Look for waterfowl, Double- the home of world times found among muddy County to get close-up views of wintering waterfowl. its rubber-ducky squeaky call from the edge of the forest as crested Cormorant and grebes. On your return, you may renowned Black- pools after a rain. In summer, The waterfront west of US Route 50, which includes the it opens into marsh. From here until you reach Elliott, the take the Trail at Henry’s Crossroads, approxi- water National bare fields provide breeding Dorchester County Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park East, road shoulder in many areas is wet and soft, so be careful to mately 12 miles north of Elliott. WildlifeD Refuge, one of the larg- habitat for Horned Lark, while usually has a mixed flock of diving ducks like Canvasback pull off only in gravel parking areas. est Bald Eagle populations on the other fields harbor Grasshop- that local residents East Coast and expansive tidal per Sparrow and other species, feed. The Visitor Fishing Bay Rivers Trail marshes so vast they have been depending on the type of cover. Center has ample (32.5 miles round trip from Cambridge Route 50) called “the Everglades of Mary- Eastern Meadowlark and an parking and re- land.” These marshlands are the occasional American Kestrel stroom facilities. This trail allows exploration of the varied habitats in the hallmark of southern Dorchester rely on pastures and patches From here you can vicinity of the Transquaking and Chicamacomico Rivers. County’s unique birdwatching of grasslands known as “old access the old US These large rivers cut through much of central Dorchester experience and are vital to the fields.” Where fields and open Route 50 Fishing County, feeding freshwater swamps and marshes along the health of the areas meet forests are prime Pier by follow- way until they merge and finally empty into Fishing Bay. ecosystem. spots to watch for resident ing the waterfront Enjoying the beauty and birdlife of these rivers is best by Wild Turkey and Red-tailed boardwalk along canoe or kayak. However, the driving loop crosses the The Dorchester County Visitor Hawk. the Choptank rivers and other wetlands in several places, which are focal Center at Sailwinds Park East River. The pier is points of the trail. should be the first stop on your MARSHES – Perhaps the prime an excellent place journey to discover the incred- From Cambridge, take Route 50 east for two miles and reason that birders and nature to view birds such ible array of birds that reside or enthusiasts flock to Dorches- turn right onto Bucktown Road. The short grass fields Broderbund as Osprey spring migrate here. View swans, geese around the Cambridge Airport periphery provide habitat ter County is to marvel at the through fall. Great and other waterfowl that regu- Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) for Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow and other splendor of the vast marshlands Blue Heron, gulls larly frequent the waterfront and grounds at the center. Our open-country species. Continuing south, agricultural fields and the wildlife that live there. and waterfowl are friendly and courteous staff can provide detailed maps to and forest edges provide habitat for a number of species, as present fall through other must-see locations in the County. described in the Habitat section. Proceed for approximately Sometimes called “the Everglades of ,” the wet, spring. grass-like meadows known as salt marshes cover much of Dave Harp 6 miles and turn left onto Decoursey Bridge Road. Travel Bring your binoculars, bird field guide, insect repellent, the southern extent of the County. Marshes are home to yet Further west along one mile before stopping at the Transquaking River. Scan sunscreen, drinks, snacks and a full tank of gas. Then pre- Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) another suite of birds, many of which tend to hide in the the the river for waterfowl, the freshwater wetlands for herons, pare for an awesome day exploring your favorite-feathered grasses and are more likely heard than seen. Some are more shoreline, visitors can often see Tundra Swan, Common shorebirds and friends. A kayak or canoe provides an exceptional optional TRAIL GUIDE active at dawn and dusk or at night rather than during the Goldeneye and other waterfowl wintering along the marshbirds, and viewing opportunity. day. Breeding birds include, Black Duck, Northern Harrier, shoreline area between the Cambridge Yacht Club and the treeline for four rail species, Marsh Wren and Seaside Sparrow. Egrets Hambrooks Bay. From the Visitor Center, exit the lower perched raptors. Dorchester County and herons are seen spearing fishes along waterways. Most parking lot via Dorchester Avenue and turn right onto The next stretch Birds and Habitats common during migration, shorebirds are found feeding Maryland Avenue. Proceed across the Cambridge Creek of the road passes MARYLAND of Dorchester County among muddy openings within the marshes. These marshes Bridge and bear right onto Academy Street (which turns through some of are one of the into Spring Street). Turn right onto High Street and the best deciduous The diversity of habitats found within Dorchester County best places in follow it to the water. After scanning the Choptank River forest in southern account for the wide variety of birds that can be found the State to from Long Wharf Park circle, turn right onto Water Street, Dorchester. Spring there. About 300 bird species have been recorded in find winter- which parallels the shoreline. Turn right on Somerset and summer herald the songs For More Information Dorchester, Maryland’s largest county. Some of these birds ing North- Avenue and proceed to Great Marsh Park. Here you can have seasonal occurrences (i.e. they migrate south for the ern Harrier, search for waterfowl along the Choptank as well as of Wood Thrush, Dorchester County Tourism winter or north for the summer), while other birds are Rough-legged Hambrooks Bay to the west of the Point. Scarlet Tanager 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613 year-round residents. Regardless of the season, all birds Hawk and in and numerous phone: (410) 228-1000; (410) 221-6545 have their favorite habitats and knowing which habitat late afternoon, other forest birds. each prefers is the first step in finding them. The general Pause at the shrub e-mail: [email protected] Short-eared Hollingsworth / USFWS John and Karen habitats found along the driving routes are mixed Loblolly swamp and keep For copies of this brochure contact us at the address above. Owl. American Wigeon (Anas americana) Pine forests, shrubby areas, agricultural fields, marshes and Elliott Island Trail your eyes open for For more information on Dorchester visit the website: (42 miles round trip from Vienna) open water. flycatchers, Yel- www.tourdorchester.org OPEN WATER – Open water practically surrounds Dorchester County. The largest areas of open water, includ- Nowhere are the “Everglades of Maryland” more accessible low-billed Cuckoo FORESTS AND WOODLANDS - Much of the forests of Dave Harp and Prothonotary Maryland Department of Natural Resources ing Chesapeake Bay, Fishing Bay, and the than along Elliott Island Road. This route allows lower Dorchester County are a mixture of Loblolly Pine and lower reaches of the Nanticoke and Choptank Rivers, are exploration of the heart of the marshy peninsula bounded Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Warbler. Maryland Greenways and Water Trails Program deciduous trees. In this habitat, common forest birds like the best places to find wintering Common Loon, Horned by Fishing Bay and the , an area truly As the tree line along the right disappears, look for the Bald Turn right at the stop sign onto Drawbridge Road, continu- coordinates the creation of a statewide network of woodpeckers, wrens and Carolina Chickadee are augmented Grebe and diving ducks such as Bufflehead and Canvas- unique in Maryland. Eagle’s large stick nest, which frequently has adults or dark- ing for two miles to the Chicamacomico River. The habitats ecological corridors and recreational trails in Maryland. by migratory songbirds that return in the spring, such as back. Smaller creeks and ponds, are often frequented by From Route 50 east, take the Route 331 exit south to plumaged young nearby. Look for waterfowl on the left at presented here are very similar to those of the Transquaking 580 Taylor Ave., Suite E-2, Annapolis, MD 21401 tanagers, warblers and vireos. Brilliant Prothonotary dabbling ducks like Green-winged Teal and American Wi- Vienna. Continue straight crossing over Old Route 50 and Savanna Lake. The pond on the right with scattered mud River. The marshes extend along the route as it turns to the phone: 1-877-260- 8DNR Warblers nest along wooded freshwater streams. In aeas geon. Exclusively fish eaters, Ospreys are a common sight; turn left onto Race Street. Turn right on Market Street that clumps and muddy edges is the best location for Common right. After passing Henry’s Crossroads Road (where you www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways where the uplands meet the marshes, Brown-headed look for their large stick nests on channel markers and other becomes Elliott Island Road. Moorhen and may also contain waterfowl, Black-necked can join the Elliott Island Trail), continue for 6.5 miles to Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service Nuthatches, one of the signature birds of this County, can man-made structures close to water. Stilt and other shorebirds. Past the lake there is a primi- reach the marshes at Bestpitch. This is another excellent lo- is the lead state agency responsible for the identification, frequently be found. Look for Bald Eagle nests in large trees tive boat launch on the right. This launch provides entry to cation for viewing Short-eared Owl in winter and Northern ranking, protection, and management of nongame, rare on pine islands or “hummocks” interspersed in marshes. one of Fishing Bay’s water trails for an extraordinary view Harrier and Bald Eagle year-round. Shorebirds frequent the and endangered species and their habitats in Maryland. Leave No Trace and Wildlife Viewing Ethics of birds from mudflats south of the road and secretive, but vocal, marsh- 580 Taylor Ave., Suite E-1, Annapolis, MD 21401 SHRUBLANDS – Shrubby areas, dense forest edges and canoe or kayak. birds occur throughout. Cross the old wooden bridge and phone: (410) 260-8572 forests that are regenerating after harvest provide habitat When visiting Dorchester County keep in mind that much of the County is part of a sensitive ecosystem. to a number continue on Bestpitch Ferry Road for 4 miles to Greenbriar www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/nhpdo.asp Please practice the following stewardship principles of Leave No Trace and ethical wildlife viewing: Scan the hori- of birds that Road at Bucktown. From here you can turn left and join zon for egrets, thrive in the • Do not enter private property without the owner’s • Be considerate of other visitors and respect the the Blackwater Refuge Route or follow Bucktown Road for The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) herons, terns, thick cover. explicit permission. interests, rights and skills of fellow birders as well 7 miles to rejoin Route 50, where a left turn on Route 50 is a nonprofit, statewide organization of people who are waterfowl and Some of as people participating in other outdoor activities. East will take you back to Cambridge. interested in birds and nature. • Plan ahead! Be prepared for variable weather and Northern Har- these species www.mdbirds.org outdoor conditions. • Dispose of all waste properly. Pack out what you rier. From No- include Yel- bring with you. vember through low-breasted • Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the March, this Chat, Blue Jeff Nadler environment. • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects and Lee Karney / USFWS road is one of Grosbeak and Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor) areas as you find them. Black-necked Stilt the best places Prairie War- • Stay on roads, trails and paths where they exist and (Himantopus mexicanus) in Maryland bler. Red-headed Woodpecker can be found in harvested keep habitat disturbance to a minimum. • Do not disturb nests, nesting colonies, roosts, to find Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Owl. The areas if large enough scattered trees remain. Areas of dense display areas or important feeding sites. In such • Respect wildlife by viewing wild animals from secretive Black Rail and Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow Wax Myrtle shrubs on the edges of upland hummocks are sensitive areas, if there is a need for extended an appropriate distance. Never touch or feed wild nest in these tidal marshes, particularly those dominated by home to breeding Boat-tailed Grackle. observation, try to use a blind or take advantage of This publication was developed through a partnership between animals. Spartina patens, the low, dense, bright green grass formerly Dorchester County Tourism and the Maryland Department of natural cover. Natural Resources’s Greenways and Water Trails Program. harvested in some states as salt hay. FIELDS – Depending on the time of year, agricultural fields • Limit your stay to minimize stress on the animals Draft text developed by Lynn Davidson For more information on Mapping, layout, design and project coordination by Lisa A. Gutierrez provide habitat for many different birds. During the winter, Scattered within the marsh are pine islands or hummocks • Do not allow pets to interfere with wild animals Leave No Trace visit www.lnt.org Glen Smart / USFWS Cover photo by Dave Harp geese and swans feed on leftover corn. During spring and where breeding shrubland species and Boat-tailed Grackles Canvasback Hen (Aythya valisineria) 1st printing July 2005 fall migration, flocks of shorebirds, such as plovers and may be seen. Where the road parallels Fishing Bay, search Birding Trails in the north part of the Secretary islands are good for PLEASE NOTE: C TALBOT warblers, thrushes and hop Most of Dorchester County is private property. ta COUNTY other landbirds in fall, Please respect the landowners’ property rights and n Taylors / Hooper Island Trail k er especially after the pas- avoid walking across or stopping in areas without v (68 miles round trip from Cambridge Route 50) Great marsh Park choptank river sage of a cold front. On permission. Hunting is a major industry so fishing pier i visitors should try not to disturb wildlife and be autumn days of moder- cambridge yacht basin R This trail takes you to the far western portion of Dorchester mindful of the presence of hunters. Dorchester ate winds, this area may ? County. Although the marshes in this area are more limited sailwinds park visitor center County than along the other trails, they still contain many of the also have good flights When traveling any of the routes detailed on this more common marsh species, such as Marsh Wren, Com- of migrating hawks. map, if you are pulling off the road or stopping, CAMBRIDGE please be sure to allow adequate space for others er mon Yellowthroat Sharp-shinned and Red- ragged Riv Jeff Nadler to easily and safely pass you. point tailed Hawks are the k 50 and Red-winged n 16 REEK RD. ta C This map is meant to be used as a reference and is RCH most common. p U Blackbird. The o H C linkwood not intended to be used as a sole source for h

wildlife southern portion C management navigation. Visitors are strongly recommended to A large parking lot B area of the route is best use more detailed maps and reference materials e k U e . l re C at Fishing Creek is t C K it g T in fall and winter geared to their specific needs when planning or in O George Jett George 16 L Fish W popular with water- 50 undertaking extended excursions. N

when southbound

men whose boats can be R Pileated Woodpecker D transquaking migrating species . river Access D. seen here along with the (Dryocopus pileatus) R r chicone creek and waterfowl are K e EE iv more extensive areas that R R C most numerous. madison P harbor marshbirds. Along the causeway on both sides of H Church r

C e Woolford R Creek U v the Narrows Ferry Bridge are pull-offs that provide excel- H i g From Cambridge k C P n 50 R e i

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k r Common Yellowthroat lent panoramic views of the Honga River and the Chesa- C creek M a

(Route 50 east), r bridge A

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k for wintering loons, grebes and waterfowl. If you reach A a a

16 west. Continue on this road until you reach the town of l M

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the turn-around at the end of the road during the summer- taylors R e

D v D Church Creek. The park and ride lot at the corner of Route landing B i

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time, watch for Eastern Kingbird, Ruby-throated Hum- N 16 and Route 335 is a good stopping point and may offer e W

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mingbird (feeding at the red flowers of Trumpet Vine), and island K OUR E H i SE G some viewing opportunities. C Y BRID le compte V

U . I L L D RD. B wildlife L R bucktown R E IA Boat-tailed Grackle. Brown Pelican might be seen flying EEN BR D management R R K R G C D A area You’ll then pass through the small towns of Woolford and . W E

offshore. B N

R B STOP K ID E E Y G ' S Madison with local marinas along the way that offer views W RIVE S E E ALLACE D T L E P R E I D T Retrace your route to return to Cambridge, or stay on T . S of the water and waterfowl. During the spring and sum- C

? H P r Route 335 rather than turning left onto Smithville Road to blackwater

HE e mer, look for Purple Taylors Island visitor center C NR FER hica Y'S R v Y m C RD a R reach the Blackwater Refuge Trail. Wildlife c O i Martins in yards . o S 335 m S . R R Management Area beaver dam D i O R c A o D creek L S where residents L I . H D

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STOP R L Kristine Sowl / USFWS Hill U Refuge (NWR). Established in 1933 as a refuge for migra- S H I

C 335

Parson’s Creek tory birds, Blackwater NWR encompasess over 28,000 T Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) Fishing Bay T Ellis Bay wallace O Bridge offers expan- 335 STOP shorters I acres. The Refuge consists of tidal river and rich tidal LL creek wharf E Wildlife Wildlife Savanna sive water and forest views to either side. After the bridge, marsh, mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, freshwater H CRAPO Management Area O R Lake D. Management Area O P . turn left onto Smithville Road. This road winds through E D ponds and managed impoundments for waterfowl use. The R R M ' A S D picturesque woods and low marshy areas. There are no Refuge calendar lists bird walks and other activities. Expe- 336

I S L A E Island Creek shoulders for pulling off. On the right is Taylors Island rienced local birders conduct morning walks in spring and N L D P A Access

M Wildlife Management Area (WMA). A simple wooden sign R fall. Groups can operate from cars, stopping and starting D WICOMICO . H marks the parking area. There are no facilities of any kind along Wildlife Drive so disabled persons can fully partici- o C fishing n COUNTY creek A here, but you can walk around and observe forest species. pate. Views of herons, waterfowl, Bald Eagles, Canada g NDR RD. a EWS Fishing Additional marsh and water views can be enjoyed from the geese and many other species are typical. For more infor- h BARREN ISLAND small parking area and boat ramp at Beaver Dam Creek just LEGEND mation contact the Refuge office at (410) 228-2677. Bay er south of Tay- e iv Dave Menke / USFWS Private Land lors Island. From Cam- s R

Scan the tops bridge follow a P elliotts island e Water beach k of telephone Route 50 east o County Land p ferry point elliottts ic poles in sum- and turn onto R island Elliott t i n State Land mer for Willet Route 16 west. e v wingate e toddville a and the wires Continue for r Federal Land a narrows N for Eastern two miles ferry bridge US Route 50 Bluebird. then turn left k Fishing Bay P Dorchester Roads onto Maple Wildlife e Management Area At the end Dam Road. 335 Birding Trail Route House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) of Smithville Proceed for Connecting Route Road you will come to a stop sign. Turn right onto Hoop- N approximately Bishops ers Island Road (Route 335) through Golden Hill. Scan for muddy hook ? Visitor Center 7.5 miles. This Hoopersville cove Head raptors, herons and other marshbirds in this area. As the stretch of road B Birding Opportunity southbound route winds through pine woodlands, listen for has some of Public Water Access the telltale rubber-ducky squeak of Brown-headed Nut- the best agri- a cocheron

Dave Menke / USFWS Water Trail hatch. cultural fields Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) y P Parking Area Once across the Honga River Bridge there are no road in the County. MAP SCALE shoulders to accommodate pull-offs. The road continues In addition to the field birds mentioned in the habitat sec- Restroom (year-round) tion, Prothonotary Warbler can be found at forested creek 0 1 2 3 4 5 miles for over 12 miles to the south, to a string of islands that Restroom (seasonal only) crossings in spring and early summer. Scan the sky, treeline skirt the county’s southwestern shore. This area features Refreshment/Vending panoramas of open bays and creeks, Loblolly Pine forests and telephone wires for hunting raptors year-round. and tidal marsh. Signs for the Scenic Byway help to guide Turn right onto Key Wallace Drive. Continue for 2.5 miles you down the island chain. Mixed deciduous-pine forests to the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center and enjoy the dis- seen Snow Geese, look for them here especially on winter and swallows. Continue on Maple Dam plays and information offered. Turn left onto Key Wallace evenings. Other waterfowl and shorebirds can also be seen. Road through expansive salt marsh, which Drive and then left onto Route 335 to continue this birding Cross the bridge and continue south, pausing at fields, creek is excellent habitat for many marshbirds. trail. A recommended option from the Visitor Center is crossings, ponds or forest edges that look inviting for birds. Bald Eagles nest close to this road and to turn right onto Key Wallace and after one mile turn Use caution when pulling onto road shoulders and be mind- may be seen in any season. right onto the Refuge’s designated ‘Wildlife Drive’. Follow ful of tall grass harboring insects and soft spots. At the Wildlife Drive pausing to enjoy the sights and sounds from stop sign, turn left onto Route 336 east and continue for Continue north for 12.5 miles back to numerous pull-off areas. Several thousand Snow Geese win- 4.5 miles. A large marsh is on the right. Look and listen Route 16 and turn right to complete this ter in the Blackwater area and are often seen from this road here for various marshbirds, as well as forest edge birds like trail. As an alternative, after passing Key and Key Wallace Drive. Wildlife Drive ends at Route 335. Orchard Oriole, Indigo Bunting and White-eyed Vireo. Wallace Drive, turn right onto Greenbriar Turn left to continue this birding trail. Turn left onto Andrews Road and proceed for 4.5 miles to Road and pick up the Snow Geese the parking lot on the left, before the bridge crossing the Fishing Bay Trail at (Chen carulescens) Larry Master As you approach the Blackwater River, pull into the park- Broderbund Blackwater River. This is a good vantage point to scan for Bucktown. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Dave Menke / USFWS ing lot on your right to scan the area. If you have not yet Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) marshbirds, shorebirds, and in the summer feeding terns