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Links

Here are links to sites you might find interesting and useful.

Categories on this page:

Birds (General)

All About Birds

Search for birds by name, taxonomy, shape, and find information about habitat, food, nesting, behavior, and conservation. Explore topics from science to art, to history, to birding ID skills, and more. From The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Great Backyard Bird Count

An annual four-day event (usually in mid-February) that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts.

eBird – Global Tools for Birders, Critical Data for Science

A local and international, real-time, online checklist program for the birding community to report and access information about birds.

  • Keep track of your bird lists and compare with other eBirders.
  • Explore interactive range maps by species or subspecies – zoom in for details.
  • Find out what birds to expect throughout the year in a region or location. Monitor arrivals and departures for a country, state/province, county, or hotspot.
  • Explore different metrics of species occurrence in a region or location.
Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS)

The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) is a nonprofit, statewide organization of people who are interested in birds and nature. MOS promotes knowledge about our natural resources, and fosters its appreciation and conservation. The Society also maintains a system of sanctuaries to encourage the conservation of birds and bird habitat, and to help record and publish observations of bird life.

Birding activities, publications, and programs are available to members through the state organization or a local chapter, a few of which are listed below:

Chesapeake Audubon Society

The Chesapeake Audubon Society (CAS) is an independent, local chapter of the National Audubon Society that works in the Maryland region to promote the stewardship of natural ecosystems through conservation, restoration, education, and advocacy. CAS is a group of citizens involved in the appreciation and preservation of the natural world around us.

Maryland Birders (a Flickr group)

Members can post their photos of birds seen in Maryland.

Maryland & DC Birding

An open discussion group about birds and birding in Maryland and DC.

American Bird Conservancy

The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) mission is to conserve native birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts across the full spectrum of threats to birds to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, unifying and strengthening the bird conservation movement.

American Birding Association

The American Birding Association represents the North American birding community and supports birders through publications, conferences, workshops, tours, partnerships, and networks.

The ABA’s education programs promote birding skills, ornithological knowledge, and the development of a conservation ethic.

The ABA encourages birders to apply their skills to help conserve birds and their habitats, and we represent the interests of birders in planning and legislative arenas.

Audubon

Audubon’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.

  • Birding in Maryland
    Maryland Birding Hotspots – Notwithstanding its small size and dense human population, Maryland encompasses enough diversity to make it one of the most rewarding birding destinations on the Atlantic Coast.

 

Birds (Specific)

Bats

Bat Conservation International

BCI is dedicated to the enduring protection of the world’s 1300+ species of bats and their habitats and creating a world in which bats and humans successfully coexist.

Bluebirds

Maryland Bluebird Society

The mission of the Maryland Bluebird Society is to assist in monitoring and increasing the population of the Eastern Bluebird and other cavity nesting birds by educating and informing our members and the public about Bluebirds; support research on the Bluebird and its habitat; and cooperate with other organizations with similar conservation purposes.

Sialis

A resource for people interested in helping bluebirds and other native cavity-nesters survive and thrive.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds.net

A place to learn about attracting, watching, feeding, and studying the hummingbirds that breed in North America. Includes:

  • When to change nectar in your feeder.
  • Type of nectar to use – and those to avoid.
  • Hummingbird species listed by state and province.
  • Hummingbird events, such as field trips and hummingbird banding demonstrations.
  • An archive of previous migration maps (through 2018) is available for reference. The maps show dates and locations of first-bird sightings for Ruby-throated Hummingbords in the eastern half of the United States.

For current hummingbird migration maps, visit Journey North: Hummingbirds.

Purple Martins

Purple Martin Conservation Association

The Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA) is dedicated to the conservation of Purple Martins (Progne subis) through scientific research, state-of-the-art management techniques, and public education, with the end goal of increasing martin populations throughout North America. Includes:

  • Scout/sub-adult arrival migration maps.
  • Information to attract and manage purple martins.
  • Forums, research and conservation information.

 

Wildlife Rescue

In this section:

  1. Rescue Guidelines – “What should I do?”
    • “Think Twice Before Rescuing Young Wildlife” has information about baby birds, deer (fawns), foxes, rabbits, squirrels.
  2. Find Wildlife Rehabilitators for Orphaned or Injured Wildlife
    • Columbia, MD — All Creatures Great and Small
    • Woodstock, MD (near Ellicott City) — Frisky’s
    • Search by Maryland county for a rehabilitator
  3. Report Wildlife Problems: Nuisance, Injured or Sick Wildlife
    • Howard County Animal Control
    • Maryland Department of Natural Resources

 

* * *

1. Rescue Guidelines – “What should I do?”

Think Twice Before Rescuing Young Wildlife

Unless the animal appears injured or in distress, there is no need to rescue them. Signs that a wild animal needs help:

  • Evidence of bleeding
  • An apparent or obvious broken limb
  • A featherless or nearly featherless bird on the ground
  • A dead parent nearby
  • Audible distress calls (fawn crying, etc) given over a prolonged period of time.

Read about species-specific signs for baby birds, deer (fawns), foxes, rabbits, and squirrels.

 

* * *

2. Find Wildlife Rehabilitators for Orphaned or Injured Wildlife

Columbia, Maryland

All Creatures Great and Small Wildlife Center

  • By appointment only: 410-740-5096
    “Please do not drop off ​an animal until we have spoken to each other on the phone and arranged a time for you to arrive. To do otherwise could (and has in the past) place the animal in mortal danger.”
  • See their website for helpful rescue guidelines.

A home-based, all volunteer, non-profit organization founded by Judy Holzman, a state and federally licensed master wildlife rehabilitator, that cares for small mammals and birds that are ill, injured or orphaned.

Woodstock, Maryland (near Ellicott City)

Frisky’s Wildlife and Primate Sanctuary

  • 8am to 8pm only
  • 410-418-8899
  • See their website for helpful rescue guidelines.

A non-profit, state-licensed, wildlife rehabilitation center that takes in injured, orphaned, abandoned, or displaced wildlife.

Search by Maryland county for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator

In Maryland, there is a large network of volunteer Wildlife Rehabilitators who take care of orphaned, sick or injured wildlife until they can be released safely back to the wild.

If you should come across wild animals that appear to be sick or injured, you may search by County to locate a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators in your area who may be able to help, or you may call Wildlife Services toll-free to get this information at: 1-877-463-6497
Operators are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays.

 

* * *

3. Report Wildlife Problems: Nuisance, Injured or Sick Wildlife

Howard County Animal Control

Howard County Animal Control investigates animal cruelty cases, rescues endangered animals, accepts unwanted pets, administers a pet adoption program, conducts humane education programs and operates the county’s animal shelter.

Animal Control also responds for injured or deceased deer on county roadways and on private property, if the deer is within 250 feet of a dwelling.

Other information includes:

  • View adoptable pets online
  • Make a donation online
  • Animal licensing
  • Learn about Animal Control laws
  • Standards of care
  • Cat Adoption Guide / Dog Adoption Guide
  • Monthly rabies clinic
During business hours, residents should call:
410-313-2780
or for after hours animal-related emergencies:
410-313-2929
Wildlife Problems in Maryland: Report nuisance, injured or sick wildlife.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Wildlife Problems
including information on:

  • bats in houses
  • black bears
  • chimney swifts
  • deer damage
  • deer fawn FAQs
  • and more ...

Sometimes, it’s necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. It may even become necessary to remove Nuisance Wildlife from your property.

To find out about safe and legal ways to deal with these problem animals or to locate individuals or companies who are licensed by the Wildlife & Heritage Service to handle wildlife complaints, use the above link, or you may call Wildlife Services toll-free to get this information at: 1-877-463-6497
Operators are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays.

 

Nature

Howard County Conservancy

The mission of the Howard County Conservancy is to protect the open spaces, rural environment, and agricultural resources of Howard County; to promote the preservation and improvement of the natural environment and historic sites; and to engage in and promote education and the scientific study of our agricultural resources and the natural environment.


The Chandler S. Robbins Skywatch (Photo by Nancy McAllister)

Of specific interest to birders is the Chandler S. Robbins SkyWatch, a joint initiative of the Howard County Bird Club and the Howard County Conservancy. It’s at the conservancy’s Mount Pleasant Farm location along the grassland loop trail, a short distance north of the Montjoy Barn.

With a 360° view of the horizon, this is a great place to watch the migration of hawks, kestrels, osprey, eagles, and even non-raptor migrants like swallows, warblers, hummingbirds, and monarchs.

Read about Howard County ornithologist Chandler Robbins:

Robinson Nature Center

The Robinson Nature Center is a unique nature education facility situated on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. Geothermal heating/air-conditioning, porous paving, solar panels, innovative water conservation methods and a host of other features make our building environmentally-friendly and have earned it the LEED Certified Platinum designation.

Each year, the Center runs over 420 programs, including field trips, public programs, birthday parties, home school, and scout programs. This Center was made a reality through the foresight and generosity of James and Anne Robinson. The Center continues to be partially supported by the James & Anne Robinson Foundation and is owned and operated by the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks.

Journey North

“Tracking Migrations and Seasons”

Journey North is one of North America’s premiere citizen science programs for people of all ages and includes families, teachers, schools, nature centers, professional scientists, and novices. Journey North provides an easy entry point to citizen science, with simple protocols, strong online support, and immediate results.

Reported sightings of plants and animals (for example, first sightings of hummingbirds during spring migration) are mapped in real-time as waves of migrations and changing seasons move across the continent. People report sightings from the field, view maps, take pictures, and leave comments.

You can participate – and see the results!

Turf to Trees Program
- and -
Stream ReLeaf Program
Turf to Trees Program
The Turf to Trees program was created to help alleviate the damaging effects of stormwater runoff by increasing tree coverage throughout the County.

The program provides trees and planting services to Howard County property owners with lots of 1.5 to 10 acres in size, free of cost.

Stream ReLeaf Program
The mission of the Stream Releaf program is to create and enhance riparian forest buffers (protective strips of trees, shrubs and other vegetation’s along a stream) to improve water quality and wildlife habitat throughout Howard County.

Free, native trees and shrubs are provided by the county to homeowners who commit to planting the trees and shrubs on their property within 75 feet of a stream.

Howard County Beekeepers Association

Our purpose is to promote honey beekeeping in Howard County, Maryland, by providing a forum in which current honey beekeepers may become more knowledgeable of best practices, and the public can become more accurately informed on the benefits of honey bees.

Audubon Naturalist Society

The largest and oldest independent environmental organization in the Washington, DC, region, the Audubon Naturalist Society inspires residents of the greater Washington, DC, region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education, and advocacy. ANS also has two nature sanctuaries: Woodend Nature Sanctuary (Chevy Chase, Maryland) and Rust Sanctuary (Leesburg, Virginia, a partnership between the Audubon Naturalist Society and NOVA Parks).

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) produces innovative science to support natural resource management and meet our nation’s most pressing conservation challenges.

PWRC research topics include bird population dynamics, ecotoxicology, and the development of quantitative & decision analysis tools. We conduct several national programs, including the Bird Banding Lab and the Breeding Bird Survey.

Patuxent Research Refuge

With land surrounding the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Rivers between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, the Refuge has grown from the original 2,670 acres to its present size of 12,841 acres.

Patuxent Research Refuge is divided into three areas:

  1. North Tract, which offers hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, trails, and many interpretive programs
  2. Central Tract (not open for visitor activities), where the offices and study sites of the many research biologists are located at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
  3. South Tract, where the National Wildlife Visitor Center and its trails are located.
Friends of Patuxent

The Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Patuxent Research Refuge, Inc., is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization formed to support the mission and programs of the Patuxent Research Refuge and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland.

We raise funds for educational programs, exhibits, and research, the focus of which includes contaminants, migratory birds and studies of endangered species.

Your membership helps support our missions and programs, and members enjoy the following benefits:

  • A quarterly newsletter
  • A 10% discount on purchases from Wildlife Images bookstore
  • Members only programs/events
  • Participation in on-site environmental education programs
Maryland Native Plant Society

The Maryland Native Plant Society’s mission is to promote awareness, appreciation, and conservation of Maryland’s native plants and their habitats. We pursue our mission through education, research, advocacy, and service activities.

Whipps Garden Cemetery

At the Whipps Cemetery Park, Howard County Master Gardeners and community volunteers plant and maintain heritage and native species in a variety of different settings, interspersed by pathways, benches, and around the tombstones. The plants are typical of those grown in Maryland gardens of the 1800s.

The cemetery is maintained entirely by volunteers, primarily the University of Maryland Extension Howard County Master Gardeners. It’s supported by donations and fund-raisers, for example:

  • Annual Plant Sale – featuring many hard-to-find perennials, registered daylilies, and many other plants donated by the Howard County Master Gardeners.
  • Daffodil Day – featuring horticultural talks by Master Gardeners in Whipps’ Woodland Theatre, garden tours, and potted bulb sales.
University of Maryland Extension

University of Maryland Extension (UME) educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.

Topics include the following:

  • 4-H & Youth
  • Agriculture
  • Environment & Natural Resources
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home Gardening
  • Money
  • Water & Chesapeake Bay
  • Have a question? You can Ask an Expert
Natural History Society of Maryland

“Exploring & Preserving Maryland’s Natural Treasures”

We offer many programs – from social events to advanced courses.

We conserve our natural history collections, educate citizens, and inspire youth to study the natural sciences. We host collections of plants, animals, fossils, and minerals, dating back to the early 1800s; and are developing a new natural history museum.

Our goal? That every Marylander learns to observe, identify, and appreciate the natural world that exists in our state.

Are you a naturalist?  Do you:

  • Collect rocks and shells?
  • Notice the phases of the moon?
  • Compare the shapes and colors of autumn leaves?
  • Photograph nature on hikes?
  • Watch birds at a bird feeder?
  • Write observations in a nature journal?
  • Have a favorite tree in your backyard?
  • Read nature writing (Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Rachel Carson)?
  • Listen to frog calls at night?
  • Sketch wildlife and flowers?
  • Follow animal tracks in the snow?
  • Download apps to identify birds or plants?
  • Observe a ladybug as it lands on your finger?

These are just a handful of the characteristics of a naturalist. Chances are, if you answered “yes” to any of these, you have the makings of a naturalist!

We are an organization that shares these interests, too!

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s natural resources.

  • Birding in Maryland
    Maryland offers some great birding opportunities – if you know where to look!
Maryland Amphibian & Reptile Atlas (MARA) 2010-2014

MARA is a five-year, joint project of the Natural History Society of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The goal of the MARA project is to document the current distributions of Maryland’s amphibian and reptile species using a systematic and repeatable approach. The Atlas will establish a baseline for future efforts to determine changes in the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Maryland. The information gained through your volunteer effort will be used to promote the conservation and protection of Maryland’s 90+ species of frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards, and snakes. Understanding the current distribution patterns of amphibians and reptiles within the state is needed to create effective conservation strategies.

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