I’ll never forget my first encounter with a birding group during a science trip to Wallops Island during my freshman year of college.  We were exploring the marshes and taking water samples when we happened upon a dozen ‘birders’ fully outfitted with scopes, binoculars, sunhats, and bird guides.  It was the iconic birder photo op as we rounded the corner and spotted the group binoculars up and focused on a distant bird.  We spent time chatting with them and learned a bit about some of the birds we ​​had been seeing and a bit about birding in general.  While somewhat intrigued by the activity my friends and I also found it to be quite humorous.  We found these seemingly old folks with their funny clothes and binoculars getting worked up over a few birds a bit odd.  Little did I know all these years later I would join the birding ranks and eventually start an eco-tourism business catering to birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all types.

While I have always loved the outdoors and nature I wasn’t particularly concerned with identifying the flora and fauna I encountered during my forays into the woods, fields, marshes, and streams.  However the more I explored and studied the more I understood the importance of each individual species.  I began to learn how each species interacted to support the entire ecosystem as well as the impact of invasive and exotic species.  As I learned these concepts I also became much more aware of individual species, including birds.  I began putting out feeders and doing some backyard bird watching.  I was pleased with my ability to identify a dozen or so common birds in our area.  

It wasn’t until I got to know Dave Wilson and Jim Rapp of Conservation Community Consultanting that I really started to appreciate birding.  After a few trips with Jim and Dave I learned a little more and fully caught the birding bug.  I’m still very much a novice, but I do enjoy both the common sightings as well as the opportunity to spot something a little unexpected.  So yes, I am now proudly a bird nerd and can only aspire to be as knowledgeable as the group of birders I encountered all those years ago.  I’m looking forward to the spring DelMarVa Birding Weekend and can’t wait to see what new birds I can add to my list.  There is still time to join in on some of the tours this coming weekend.  Visit DelMarVaBirding.com to sign up.  Be sure to include a stop at Ayers Creek Adventures when birding on DelMarVa, there is always plenty to see on the creek.

Happy Paddling

When people think of Ocean City, MD they often envision our beautiful beaches, lively boardwalk, and fantastic restaurants and entertainment.  However many visitors and locals alike are unaware of a magnificent resource just minutes from Ocean City, the serene creeks and pristine salt marshes of Maryland’s back bays.  It is sometimes hard to believe that this quiet world of natural beauty exists just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Ocean City.  These coastal waterways are abundant with wildlife such as bald eagles, herons, egrets, osprey, ducks, otters, and white tail deer.  When exploring these waterways, you will discover the coastal bays watershed exhibits the highest diversity of habitats and living creatures in Maryland.

One of the best ways to experience the creeks and marshes is by kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board (SUP).   Paddling allows you to experience these waterways in manner unlike any other.  The quiet approach of a paddle craft allows for close up views of wildlife and the ability to explore the nooks and crannies of the marsh that are not often accessible by motorized craft.  Paddle sports are also a great family activity appropriate for almost anyone regardless of age or experience level.  A recreational kayak is one of the easiest and most versatile paddle craft.  Individuals of all ages find kayaking a great low impact form of exercise that can be as easy or as strenuous as they choose.

Kayaking the calm waters of creeks and salt marshes is perfect for individuals, families, and groups of all sizes. The variety of wildlife enthralls adults and entertains the children as they gaze into the water in search of swimming blue crabs, minnows, eel, cormorant, ducks and muskrat.  You will truly feel as if you have entered another world as you wind through the calm waters and labyrinth of marshes with many small creeks and tributaries to explore.  Enjoy great vistas over looking the low growing marshes.  The creeks and tidal marshes also offer paddling through ancient forested wetlands.  While making your way into the headwaters, the creeks narrow and the forest canopy closes overhead creating a forest-like tunnel.  Paddle quietly along these slow moving waterway and contemplate the ecology, history, and wildlife of this unique eco-system.  In addition to providing a recreational activity that is both relaxing and physical at the same time, kayaking is a great way to connect with friends and family.  The solitude of the creeks and marshes provides a great backdrop for reflective conversation.

No matter how you look at it paddle sports are one of the most versatile forms of both exercise and entertainment.  From a peaceful paddle of introspective reflection to a rambunctious group paddle a day paddling the area’s local waterways restores mind, body, and soul.  To put it simply paddling is just plain fun!

With mild temperatures for much of the winter I had the opportunity to get many new paddlers out on the creek.  What is surprising is the number of people who say, “Wow, this is beautiful.  I can’t believe we have this resource in our own backyard.”  While not everyone may have a creek, bay, or forest in his or her backyard we all have the opportunity to enjoy nature right where we live.

How many of you walk or drive by a park, nature trail, or reserve everyday and barely give it a second glance?  How many of you drive over the route 90 bridge and have never stopped at the Isle of Wight Nature Reserve?  Here you will find a multitude of waterfowl and marsh birds including, blue heron, green heron, buffleheads, and oystercatchers.  Take a walk down the pier and see the baitfish swimming and maybe a blue crab or two scuttling by.  Next time you go over the bridge or pass a park allow yourself a few minutes tostop and look around.  Reconnect with nature and feel a renewed sense of energy as your explore your surroundings.

No matter if you live in the city, the country, or the beach you can take your own little eco tour without ever leaving home.  Open up the windows, step out on the balcony or, take a stroll around the backyard or nearby park.  Stop, close you eyes and listen.  After a few moments you will tune out the sounds of civilization and start to hear the sounds of nature, birds chirping, insects buzzing, squirrels chattering.  Now open your eyes and look around from a new perspective.  Do things look different?  Notice the colors of the plants, the movement of the insects, and the clouds in the sky.  Relax and enjoy the view.

You can take the best eco tour of all everyday, no matter where you are simply by watching the vibrant changing color of the sky at sunrise or sunset.  These are two of the most pea

ceful times of the day and also a time when the wildlife is extremely active.  It is a spectacular show and its absolutely free.  It is easy to find the sunrise and sunset times for your area.  One of my favorite web sites for this is http://www.calendar-updates.com/sun.asp This site even allows you to schedule the sunrise and sunset times directly to your outlook calendar.   So no excuses make an appointment to enjoy nature’s most beautiful show. 

Happy Paddling!

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