Snow Hill, MD — Delmarva Birding Weekend and Lower Shore Land Trust are joining together to host a morning bird walk through the Maryland Ornithological Society’s Irish Grove Sanctuary from 8-11am on Friday, October 11th as part of the OktoBIRDFest x DogFish Head Weekend Festivities.
Thanks to a grant from the Rural Maryland Council, the Lower Shore Land Trust is partnering with Delmarva Birding to offer a bird walk through the Maryland Ornithological Society’s 2,326-acre Irish Grove Sanctuary. Jim Rapp of Delmarva Birding Weekends, and Jared Parks and Beth Sheppard of Lower Shore Land Trust will guide bird enthusiasts around the Rumbly Point peninsula in southern Somerset County where they’ll encounter a variety of over 235 reported species of birds, including Saltmarsh Sparrows, Seaside Sparrows, and Virginia Rails.
In addition to spotting critical lower shore bird species, participants will also get firsthand experience with marsh migration, where their old trail maps might not match the current route that guides will take them on due to shifting vegetation zones, ghost forests, and sea level rises. Most of the property is less than five feet above sea level, with a majority the sanctuary being tidal marsh and some pine forest.
Bird watchers are encouraged to dress and prepare for hiking on trails that may be wet and muddy by wearing waterproof boots and other rain gear, wearing and bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and preparing for ticks. Arriving early to ensure an on-time departure is also considered courteous, as is speaking quietly and turning off cell phones during trips. There are restrooms on site at Irish Grove.
Other events happening during the OktoBIRDfest x Dogfish Head weekend include a Friday evening sunset cruise behind Assateague Island and Ocean City, a biking birding tour Saturday morning at Cape Henlopen State Park, a sunset cruise in Lewes Saturday evening, and a birding tour at the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro on Sunday morning.
Registration is currently open, and early registrants get a 50% discount until September 27th. There are no cancellations and trips will go on rain or shine. More information can be found online at https://delmarvabirding.com/friday-oct-11-irish-grove-mos-sanctuary/.
About Lower Shore Land Trust: Lower Shore Land Trust is a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serving Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester Counties. Formed in 1990. LSLT works with individual landowners who wish to protect the natural heritage of their properties, so that the character of the land and the quality of life it nourishes remains intact for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
If you would like to know more information about this topic, please call Jim Rapp at (443) 614-0261 or email dmvbirds@gmail.com.
