Cecil Bird Club
About the Club
The Cecil Bird Club is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding and enjoyment of birds, as well as the conservation of habitats. We are located in Cecil County, Maryland, in the northeast corner of the state. Our county offers prime birding habitat including the shorelines of the upper Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
Founded in 1994, the Club sponsors recreational and social events, educational programs, information exchange, research on bird populations, and cooperation on issues important to the future of birds.
The Club is a chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS). Members of the Cecil Bird Club are automatically enrolled as members of MOS, and receive all the publications and information from that organization, including a bimonthly newsletter, statewide field trips, an annual conference, a bimonthly newsletter (The Maryland Yellowthroat), a scientific journal (Maryland Birdlife), published twice a year, and an online guide to birding spots throughout Maryland Maryland Birding Guide
The Club sponsors a full schedule of field trips in Cecil County and nearby locations. Club members also participate in national events such as the Audubon Christmas Count and spring migration counts.
Anyone who enjoys watching birds should join the Cecil Bird Club. Beginners as well as experienced birders are invited and encouraged to become members.
If interested in joining us, please print and fill out the membership application and send it in along with your dues, so that you can begin to receive the publications and other benefits of membership in the Club.
Officers
OFFICERS
President – Maryanne Dolan
Vice President – Ken Drier
Treasurer – Paula Conoscenti
Secretary – Vacant
MOS Director – Ken Drier
Web Master – Maryanne Dolan
Christmas Count – Russell Kovach
Contact Us
Field Trips
FIELD TRIPS
2021-2022 Calendar of Events
The Cecil Bird Club will be holding limited field trips through early summer. All dates should be considered tentative and subject to current pandemic restrictions. It is highly recommended that you contact trip leaders a day or so before the scheduled trip. Email addresses are listed at the end of this page. New participants are welcome – membership is not required to participate in field trips. All are free and open to the public. Please read Trip and Meeting Participation Guidelines below.
JANUARY
Saturday, (1/22/2022)
Ocean City Area & Beyond
A classic trip to The prime Maryland winter birding hotspot. The Ocean City inlet hosts an unequaled variety of wintering ducks, possibly including all 3 scoters, Long-tailed, Harlequin Ducks, Mergansers, and maybe even an Eider or two. Add to that Red-throated and Common Loons, a grebe or two, Great Cormorant, Northern Gannet, Purple Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, and possibilities of rare gulls or a Razorbill. Over at Skimmer Island, there could be some shorebirds, and some Brant should be about. The ponds in the vicinity should hold an assortment of Canvasback, Redhead, Wigeon, Gadwall, Bufflehead, Ruddy, Teal, Shoveler – a great chance for good views to study the plumages at the time of year when their colors are brightest.
Meet at the Oceanic Motel located at the inlet just before the entrance to Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot at 9:00 A.M. Bring breakfast, lunch and snack, or money to buy take-out food on the way.
Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. Easy walking on level ground.
Trip Leader: Sean McCandless
FEBRUARY
Saturday, (2/19/22)
Northeast Community Park
Whether you think gulls are gorgeous or hopelessly confusing, do we have a location for you! Join local gull expert Sean McCandless for a session of gull watching and identification. With numbers ranging from the hundreds to a couple of thousand, you might spot a rare Iceland, Glaucous or Lesser Black-backed Gull among the crowd. You never know what will show up!
Meet in the Northeast Community Park parking lot at 10 a.m. for this two-hour trip.
Trip Leader: Sean McCandless
MARCH
Saturday, 3/5/2022)
Perryville Community Park
One of Cecil County’s prime duck viewing locations. A half-day of seeking out winter waterfowl at Perryville Community Park, and along the Susquehanna River. Dress for extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. A mix of driving and some walking.
Meet at Perryville Community Park….the parking area in front of the baseball fields on the right hand side. Meet at 9:00 a.m. for a half day trip.
Trip Leader: Sean McCandless
Saturday, (3/19/2022)
Blackwater & Beyond
This trip is designed to see good numbers of waterfowl during the height of spring staging season, at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County. Bald Eagles are a common feature there as well. Ospreys, Tree Swallows, Pine Warblers may be newly arrived and a good tic for someone’s year list. Also, it’s a good possibility to see early shorebirds like Yellowlegs, White Pelicans as well as the pine woodland specialty and one of my favorite birds, the Brown-headed Nuthatch.
After Blackwater, we will likely make a stop in Cambridge at Oakley Street to get an up close and personal look at Canvasbacks, Redheads, American Widgeon and more.
Meet at the parking lot of Blackwater Headquarters at 9:00 a.m. for a long half-day trip and bring a few dollars for the entrance fee. See the Backwater NWR website for directions. Bring breakfast, lunch and snacks; there are few opportunities to purchase food in the vicinity. Dress for possible extreme cold and wind. Bring scope if you have one. Some easy walking on level ground.
Trip Leader: Sean McCandless
APRIL
Saturday, April 2
Fair Hill, 8:00
Saturday, April 16
Woodlawn
Woodlawn is a restored landfill that is a model for transforming an eyesore into a sight for sore eyes. Join us for a leisurely stroll around the fields and woods of this re-awakening natural area.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Woodlawn Parking Area for a ½ day nature walk. Carpooling is encouraged Directions:
From I-95, take the Perryville, Rtes 275/222 exit north. Follow 275/222 north a few miles to Rte 276. Turn right, follow about 1 mile, turn left on Firetower Rd. Preserve (with parking lot) is on the left, just after the intersection with Waibel Rd.
From Port Deposit, take MD-276 (Tome Highway) towards Rising Sun. Take a left onto Firetower Road (past the Mobil station and across from the Land Hope Farms store). Less than a mile later, you will pass the entrance to the county transfer/recycling center. Immediately after the center’s entrance, The Woodlawn Wildlife Area gate is on the left.
From Rising Sun, take Rt 276 (Tome Highway) south to Rt 269, Barnes Corner Road. Turn right (west) onto Barnes Corner and then right at the first intersection onto Harrisville Rd, which becomes Firetower Rd at the West Nottingham Academy gate. Continue south on Firetower Rd to the entrance to the Wildlife Area, just past the intersection of Colora Rd on the right.
Trip leader: Ken Drier
MAY
May (date to be determined)
Bird Count DOS Bird-a-thon
The Delaware Ornithological Society holds an annual Bird-a-thon to raise awareness (and funding!) for shorebirds, especially the Red Knot, whose numbers have declined precipitously in just a few years. Our club has participated many times, and it is always fun. We have counted as many as 82 species! No trip leader on this one and no formal trip. Everyone is on his/her own. Enjoy yourself in Delaware. If you want to count species and/or donate to DOS, contact Paula or Maryanne.
Saturday, May 7
Fair Hill NWMA – 7:30 am North Appleton Parking Lot
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (Fair Hill NRMA) has designated approximately 100 acres of grassland as preserved habitat for ground-nesting birds. This unique program will benefit Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Northern Bobwhite, bird species whose numbers are in decline. Fair Hill NRMA and its contracted hay farmer have collaborated on a strategic mowing schedule that leaves the prime nesting area uncut through mid-July.
meeting place is at the North Appleton Parking lot. Parking Lot #3 (2895 Appleton Road) – Also known as the North Appleton Parking Lot. From the Rt. 273/Rt. 213 intersection: Drive East on Rt. 273 until the intersection with Appleton Road. Turn left on Appleton Road, drive approximately one mile to the intersection of Appleton Road and Black Bridge Road. Parking lot is located on your left.
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
Saturday, May 14
Fair Hill – 7:30 am – North Appleton Road Lot
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (Fair Hill NRMA) has designated approximately 100 acres of grassland as preserved habitat for ground-nesting birds. This unique program will benefit Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Northern Bobwhite, bird species whose numbers are in decline. Fair Hill NRMA and its contracted hay farmer have collaborated on a strategic mowing schedule that leaves the prime nesting area uncut through mid-July.
meeting place is at the North Appleton Parking lot. Parking Lot #3 (2895 Appleton Road) – Also known as the North Appleton Parking Lot. From the Rt. 273/Rt. 213 intersection: Drive East on Rt. 273 until the intersection with Appleton Road. Turn left on Appleton Road, drive approximately one mile to the intersection of Appleton Road and Black Bridge Road. Parking lot is located on your left.
Trip Leader: Ken Drier
June
July
August
September
Saturday, (9/24/2022)
Turkey Point
Join us for the traditional walk through the woods and fields for migrant songbirds, including warblers, vireos, flycatchers and more. Be prepared for a round-trip hike to the Point, a distance of about two miles. The pace will be leisurely. Most of the walking is on a gravel road with good footing, but there are a few hilly sections. Wear long pants, comfortable shoes/boots for walking. Bring drinks and/or snacks. Sunscreen and bug spray are strongly recommended.
Meet at the Turkey Point Parking Lot at 7:30 a.m. for a half-day trip. From the town of North East, go south on Rt. 272 about 11 miles. The road ends at the parking lot.
Trip leader: Sean McCandless
October
November
December
Contacts:
Ken Drier (kdrier@zoominternet.net)
Sean McCandless (seanmccandless1@gmail.com)
Paula Conescenti (paulagc@comcast.net)
June Mundis (jmundis@zoominternet.net)
Maryanne Dolan (maryanne.dolan@gmail.com)
Trip and Meeting Participation Guidelines
• All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise indicated (some destinations have an admission fee or will require payment of road/bridge toll).
• Due to limited parking, reservations may be necessary for some field trips, and carpooling is always encouraged.
• It is a courtesy to contact the trip leader (shown in the last column) if you are planning to attend a field trip.
• Please try to arrive at the field trip meeting place ten to fifteen minutes before the stated time to ensure you are not left behind.
• Trips designated as half-day are usually over by noon.
• It is a good idea to pack a lunch and drink for any trips designated full day.
• In inclement weather:
o Field trips may be canceled due to heavy rain or snow. The trip leader will call you if you have indicated you will attend.
o Bird counts may be canceled because of weather—if in doubt, contact the trip leader.
o Meetings may be canceled because of severe weather and dangerous driving conditions; such cancellations (meetings only, not field trips) will be announced via e-mail.
• For general trip information, to suggest a destination, or to volunteer as a trip leader, contact Ken Drier
• For more events, check the statewide MOS calendar.
• Most importantly, have fun!
Get Involved
The Club sponsors a full schedule of field trips in Cecil County and nearby locations. Club members also participate in national events such as the Audubon Christmas Count and spring migration counts.
Membership
Anyone who enjoys watching birds should join the Cecil Bird Club. Beginners as well as experienced birders are invited and encouraged to become members.
If interested in joining us, please join on-line below. If preferred, you may print and fill out the membership application and send it in along with your dues, so that you can begin to receive the publications and other benefits of membership in the Club.
*** Renewing members please login first to pay your dues. ***
*** New members joining online after March 1 will be extended to August of next year after processing. ***
Birding in Cecil County
We are located in the northeast corner of the state. Our county offers prime birding habitat including the shorelines of the upper Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
Local Hot Spots
LOCAL HOT SPOTS
- Elk Neck State Park – Turkey Point
- Elk Neck State Forest
- Fair Hill Natural Resources Area
- Meadow Park, Elkton
- North East Community Park
- Octoraro Creek Trail
- Perryville Community Park
- Woodlawn Wildlife Area
- Elk Marsh/Elk River Park
- C&D Canal
- Courthouse Point Road (restricted)
- Bethel (restricted)
Bylaws
BYLAWS
Bylaws of the
Cecil Bird Club
Amended March, 2002
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of the organization shall be the “Cecil Bird Club” (hereinafter in this document referred to as “the Club”).
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Club is to further recreational, educational, scientific and charitable pursuits relating to birdlife in Maryland. In particular, the activities of the Club shall be to promote the above activities in Cecil County, Maryland, in a fashion that is consistent with the objectives of the Maryland Ornithological Society (hereinafter in this document referred to as “MOS”).
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership shall be open to any person who supports the purpose of the Club and MOS upon payment of dues applicable to class of membership selected.
Section 2. The classes of membership shall be as follows: Individual, Household, Sustaining, Life, Junior, Affiliate and Honorary. Definitions of the classes of membership shall be as is consistent with the Manual of Operations of MOS.
Section 3. Dues for any class of membership may be changed at any time upon recommendation of the officers, approved by two-thirds vote of the members present at a regularly scheduled meeting announced in advance to the membership. Dues shall be established at a level that provides for membership in the Club as well as in MOS.
Section 4. The membership year shall begin on September 1. Members whose dues remain unpaid on February 1 following expiration of membership shall be dropped from the membership, but may be reinstated upon payment of dues for the current year.
Section 5. New members shall pay full annual dues, unless they join later than March 1, in which case the dues shall be one-half.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
Section 1. The officers of the Club shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of members present at the annual meeting in May, following presentation of a proposed slate of officers at a regular club meeting at least 60 days prior to the annual meeting. Officers shall assume their duties on September 1, and shall hold office for one year, unless they are removed from office as provided in Section 3. Officers may hold office for more than one term.
Section 3. Any officer of the Club may be removed from office by a majority vote of those members present at any regularly scheduled meeting of the Club. It is necessary for the members to show cause for such removal from office.
Section 4. The officers of the Club shall perform the duties of their offices consistent with those same duties as outlined in the Operations Manual of the Club.
Section 5. There may be non-elected administrative officers of the Club, as appointed by the President upon approval of a majority vote of those members present at any regularly scheduled meeting of the Club. Their terms shall be stipulated at time of appointment, recorded in the minutes of the Club, and they shall be eligible for reappointment.
ARTICLE V. AFFILIATION
Section 1. The Club was founded in affiliation as a local chapter of MOS, and shall maintain that status throughout its existence.
Section 2. The Club shall administer its affairs in accordance with the Bylaws of MOS. It shall collect dues as established by the officers and ratified by the membership, and forward the appropriate portions of said dues to the Treasurer of MOS.
Section 3. The President of the Club shall serve as a representative to the Board of Directors of MOS. In addition, the members shall elect one Director to serve in that same capacity, as outlined in the Manual of Operations of the Club, for each one hundred members or part thereof.
Section 4. If at any time the Club dissociates from its affiliation with MOS, it shall immediately cease to promote itself as such an affiliate and will lose any privileges granted by said affiliation.
ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the current elective officers of the Club, the immediate past President, and the chairs of any Standing Committees. No member may serve in more than one position, nor may any member have more than one vote in Club matters.
Section 2. The Executive Committee shall constitute the managing body of the Club, and as such shall have the authority to carry out the business of the Club and the policies established by the members at the annual business meeting.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall conduct a meeting following assumption of offices and/or duties in September, and again in March to acknowledge budget requests and adopt a budget for the ensuing year, receive and act on reports of officers and committees, establish procedure for officer nominations and committee chairs, preparation of official business items to present to the members at the March meeting (in preparation for vote at the May annual club meeting). Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.
Section 4. A quorum of the Executive Committee shall be defined as at least 3 of the 4 officers. At all meetings of the Executive Committee, matters may be voted on by a majority of those members of the Executive Committee present, providing a quorum has been met.
Section 5. The Executive Committee may vote by mail on matters referred to it by the President.
Section 6. The Board of Directors may vote by mail on matters referred to it by the President.
Section 7. Any vacancy on the Executive Committee shall be filled by recommendation of a majority vote by the remaining members of the Executive Committee, with the exception of the office of President, which shall be filled by the Vice President.
ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees shall include Field Trip, Conservation, Education, Hawk Watch, and Publicity. Ad-hoc committees, such as Nomination, Promotional, etc. shall be created as necessary. Chairs of ad-hoc committees shall be appointed by the President.
Section 2. Standing Committees may be created or terminated at any time by the Executive Committee. Appointments of Standing Committee Chairs shall be made by the President and approved by vote of the Membership.
Section 3. Chairs of Standing Committees serve concurrently with the President. They may be reappointed.
Section 4. No member may concurrently chair more than one Standing Committee, and no officer may concurrently hold office and chair a Standing Committee
ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS
Section 1. There shall be an annual business meeting of the Club in May at which elections shall take place. The place and time of said meeting shall be announced no later than 60 days before it is scheduled to occur. Other meetings of the Club may be scheduled by the President.
Section 2. Minutes of all meetings shall be kept. Minutes of the annual business meeting shall be forwarded to MOS within 30 days of the date on which the meeting occurs.
Section 3. Except for elections, which may be held only at the annual business meeting, any other business as may properly come before the members present may be conducted at any meeting.
Section 4. At any previously announced meeting of the Club, those members present shall constitute a quorum, and by majority vote shall pass on such business as comes before them.
ARTICLE IX. SIGNATURES
Section 1. All notes of the Club shall be signed by both the President and the Treasurer, or, in the extended absence of the President, may be signed by Vice President and Treasurer.
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of those members present at the annual business meeting of the Club, provided that the proposed amendment(s) shall have been distributed 60 days prior to the date of said meeting, and must have been previously approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION
Section 1. If at any time the Club becomes inactive or unable to sustain its operations, it may be dissolved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. In case of such dissolution all assets of the Club shall become the property of MOS. MOS shall not be liable for any debts or obligations of the Club at the time of its dissolution.
