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Flag Ponds
Nature Park, |
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| One of my favorite local places to go birding is Flag Ponds Nature Park, a beautiful little (545 acres) county park in the southern part of Calvert County, Maryland. It begins along the forested Calvert Cliffs and ends at the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. There are several miles of woodland trails, freshwater ponds, an observation blind, boardwalk through the swamp, viewing platforms, and a mile long beach. Flag Ponds gets its name from the uncommon Blue Flag iris (left) that grows in the swampy areas. In April of 1995, I began a volunteer project at the park to begin a bird survey. The original bird list contained 134 species. Since then, the list has been increased by 72 species including 30 species of warblers. Needless to say, it has been a very rewarding project. An interim, updated list is now available at the Flag Ponds Visitor's Center. It has been a great thrill being at the park in all seasons (well, maybe the heat and insects of summer aren’t really all that thrilling!). Surprises abound. One day, walking the trails with some friends, we came across a newborn fawn. Another time I met face-to-face with a Pileated Woodpecker who was just on the other side of a large tree trunk and didn't hear my approach. I've witnessed Worm-eating Warblers and Louisiana Waterthrushes feeding young, Kentucky Warblers engrossed in catching insects for their fledglings hunting practically at my feet along the trail, an Acadian Flycatcher constructing a nest decorated with pendulous oak tassels and enjoyed the lovely walks along the beach where Osprey and Bald Eagles* are often seen. On several very lucky days, I have had the pleasure of seeing as many as three River Otters in the freshwater ponds. The flora is just as wonderful as the fauna--especially the spring ephemeral wildflowers and the sweet odor of the ripening paw-paws in the autumn. Flag Ponds has become a very special place for me. |
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View the most recent Flag Ponds checklist.
©1996-2007
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