May 2009

Dear Friend, 

International Migratory Bird Day was celebrated on May 9th to focus attention on something important and marvelous -- the journey nearly 350 species of migratory birds make between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

In Maryland, Audubon staff celebrated by participating in a friendly birdathon competition between staff from two Audubon Centers and Chesapeake Audubon Society. Tally total: Pickering Creek- 80 species, Patterson Park- 75 species, and Chesapeake Audubon Society- 80 s pecies.

Happy Birding!

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News from the Field 
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Important Bird Area at Assateague Island and Maryland Coastal Bays Dedicated
On Saturday April 25, 2009, Audubon Maryland-DC held a ceremony in Ocean City to dedicate Important Bird Areas at two of Maryland's finest birdwatching locations: Assateague Island and Maryland Coastal Bays. The event was co-hosted by Delmarva Low Impact Tourism Experiences (DLITE) in conjunction with one of the birders' social "Tally Rallies" of this year's Delmarva Birding Weekend. 
   

Land Protection in Important Bird Areas on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore

The greatest threat to birds and their habitats in Maryland is habitat loss and degradation due largely to the sprawling pattern of development that is all too familiar in our state.  Audubon is doing its part to rein in rampant development on Maryland's lower Eastern Shore, using its Important Bird Areas, or IBAs, as a planning tool.

Pickering Creek Audubon Center offering EcoCamp this Summer  

Summer in Maryland is the perfect time to put down the ipod or gameboy, pick up a fishing pole and canoe paddle, and hit the water with friends. Pickering Creek Audubon Center summer camp is for students in Kindergarten through ninth grade who want to explore the outdoors and get excited about all kinds of wildlife from reptiles to insects, the biodiversity at Pickering Creek, wildlife adaptations, wetland, forest, and pond habitats, natural cycles, and much more. For more information on EcoCamp contact Kelsey Frey at 410-822-4903, or see a full list of camps at www.pickeringcreek.org/ecocamp/.


Mean, Green and Growing Summer Camp offered at Patterson Park Audubon Center
At the Mean, Green and Growing summer camp takes place in Patterson Park, students will investigate plants' basic needs, what makes wetland plants different, and how animals use plants to meet their basic needs. For more information visit http://pattersonpark.audubon.org/centers_PPAC_Programs.html

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UPCOMING CHAPTER PROGRAMS & BIRD WALKS
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Chesapeake Audubon Society Bird Walks & Programs
Baltimore Metro Area and Eastern Shore

Prince George's Audubon Bird Walks & Programs
PG County and surrounding metro area

Audubon Society of DC Bird Walks, Lectures and more
District of Columbia and surrounding metro area

Central Maryland Audubon Society Bird Walks & Programs
Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Carroll Counties

Southern Maryland Audubon Society Bird Walks & Programs
St. Mary's, Charles, Calvert and PG Counties

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