Next Meeting Feb 17

Danny Poet will be presenting a short program about the Eastern Blue Bird.

We will also have a special, bonus program about the Maryland Herpetology Atlas project presented by Scott Smith.


Photo by George Jett http://www.georgejett.net/?q=gallery&g2_itemId=876

Here is some information from the Maryland Amphibian & Reptile Atlas December 2010 Newsletter to give you an idea of the importance of this atlas work:

Ranking America's Biodiversity, Maryland ranks 26th in the country for reptile diversity. There are 51 reptile species in Maryland with the
majority being snakes. Unfortunately, the percentage of Maryland’s reptile species that are at risk of extinction earns the state a ranking of 13th, relative to the rest of the country, for the
percentage of native species at risk. It is never good when a state’s ranking for the percentage of species at risk is higher than its ranking for diversity!

The benefits of the Atlas project to Maryland’s reptiles is the same as the benefits to native amphibian species. To make informed decisions regarding the protection of Maryland’s reptile
species, an accurate assessment of the current distribution of those species is required. This is invaluable when prioritizing land for conservation purchases and making land management
decisions. Furthermore, the results of the project will yield a baseline to which future changes in reptile distributions can be assessed.

Additionally, the Atlas project provides an excellent opportunity to raise public awareness of the plight of reptile species, both at home and globally. There are many horrible
misconceptions about reptiles. Anyone ever heard the saying “The only good snake is a dead snake”? Through the MARA project we have an opportunity to address and correct those
misconceptions. This is a chance to introduce people to these unique and amazing species and inform Maryland citizens about the ecological importance of reptiles.

I hope you all can come to hear more about this important work!

Blackwater Refuge Bald Eagle laid earliest in year egg ever

According to USFWS, a Blackwater Refuge Bald Eagle laid the earliest-in-year egg ever recorded there, 1/13. Same eagle just laid egg #3. Eagle Cam http://ow.ly/3Hs9n

Link to FoB website: http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camhtm2.html

Can you identify these woodpecker holes by their shape?

In loving memory of two long-time members of Caroline County Chapter of MOS

Mariana Nuttle passed away December 7, 2010

Mariana was past president of the Caroline Chapter of MOS and May Bird Count Coordinator for Caroline for many years. She was passionate about birding and teaching others of all ages about birds and birding. She was instrumental in having bluebird nesting boxes put up on the Caroline County Country Club golf course back in the early 1980s.

Inez Glime passed away December 11, 2010

Inez was a long-time, active member of the Caroline Chapter of MOS, and helped with its bird counts. She loved her bluebirds and did her part to save them from their decline in numbers in Caroline County. Inez maintained a bluebird trail of more than 100 nesting boxes near Federalsburg for over a decade. She talked friends, family and neighbors into placing bluebird nesting boxes on their properties in south Caroline County and monitored the boxes for them.

Caroline Bird Club Pelot Sanctuary Cleanup Note New Date

Pelot Sanctuary cleanup has a new date - November 20 -- 8:00 am. Dress appropriately including bringing work gloves and trash bags. Coordinator: Bill Scudder. Located on Drapers Mill Road outside of Greensboro.

From 313 Greensboro, turn on to Whitelysburg Rd.
Left on Wothers, then Right on Boyce Mill Rd.
Left on Drapers Mill Road - look for sanctuary sign on the right.

Local Boy Scout helping Caroline County's official Bird

DENTON A local Boy Scout is participating in a national campaign to bolster the bluebird population in an effort to earn his Eagle Scout ranking.

Trevor Reardon, 15, the son of Howard and Johann Reardon and a member of Denton-based Troop 77, built 18 bluebird nest boxes, which he placed around the grounds of the Caroline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Denton, and in a bird watching field in Camp Todd near Williston.

Trevor said he still plans to monitor the boxes regularly and clean them out annually.

For all the information, check out Abby Andrews' article in the August 18, 2010 Times Record.

Way to go, Trevor!

Young osprey sitting on a tree at Fil and Patrice Morrison's property