january, 2022

Event Details

Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.

ANS COVID Policy for Outdoor Adult Programs
Continuing this winter, both leaders and participants are asked to observe social distancing throughout our outdoor field trips. We request that any participant or leader who has not been vaccinated for Covid-19 wear a mask at all times. Of course, all participants are welcome to wear a mask if they are more comfortable doing so. At this time, masks are required indoors at Woodend for everyone. Twelve will be our usual group size maximum, unless an outing’s focus/and or field conditions call for a smaller group.

JANUARY

Winter Birding Series
(8:30-11 am)
A: Friday, January 7: National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) moved to 2/4
B: Saturday, January 15: Dyke Marsh, VA (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
C: Saturday, January 22: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Tykee James)
D: Sunday, January 30: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, MD (Len Bisson)
E: Sunday, February 13: Patuxent Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
F: Sunday, February 20: Gunner’s Lake, MD (Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen)
G: Saturday, February 26: Occoquan Bay NWR, VA (Paul Pisano)
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and overwintering species. Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, waterfowl and more will get our attention on these walks aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. Our explorations will be on mostly level natural surface trails which may be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Hikes Along the Water
A: Saturday, January 8 (full-day hike) Patuxent River, MD (4-5 mi) cancelled/rescheduled
B: Sunday, February 13 (full-day hike) Potomac River, MD (5.6 mi)
Leaders: Stephanie Mason
Each hike members $36; nonmembers $50
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or both of these hikes along local waterways. We’ll search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills. Hike A uses a roadway closed to traffic as we explore the coastal plain woods and wetlands along the Patuxent River in Prince George’s County. Hike B follows the historic C&O Canal Towpath downstream from Point of Rocks to the Monocacy Aqueduct near Dickerson, MD. These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most ANS field trips. Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions. NOTE: Hike B will require the use of a carpool shuttle since the hike is not round trip. Car windows will be cracked for ventilation and participants will need to be masked. REGISTER

Winter Birding at Black Hill
(8:30-11 am)
A. Sunday, January 9
B. Sunday, February 6
Leader: Mark England
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
The winter months can be an ideal time to learn more about birds and birding, and Black Hill Regional Park in upper Montgomery Count is an ideal outdoor classroom. Aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, each walk will explore several sites in the Park in a search for waterfowl, sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, and other both resident and overwintering species. The Park’s habitats are varied, and include wetlands and Little Seneca Lake, as well as forest and field. We’ll offer one more walk in early March so that participants can observe the seasonal changes in bird numbers, diversity, and behavior as spring approaches. Most Park trails are natural surface with possible muddy and uneven stretches. Some may include short stretches of uphill/downhill. REGISTER

Winter Walks Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
A: January 12 – Violette’s Lock
B: January 26 – Widewater
C: February 9 – Pennyfield Lock
D: February 23 – Swain’s Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Join our us for these leisurely walks along the C&O Canal. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. REGISTER

Fridays at Carderock
(10 am-2:30 pm)
A: January 14
B: February 4
C: March 4
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $34; nonmembers $48
An elder of a Native American tribe from the Pacific Northwest advised: There is more to be learned by climbing the same mountain a hundred times than by climbing a hundred different mountains. Following this admonition, our Senior Naturalist offers this series of broad-based nature explorations along the Potomac River’s C&O Canal and its varied habitats: from upland rocky woods to rich floodplain forests. Our “searching for spring” hikes will return each month to a stretch of towpath moving from the Carderock Recreation Area upriver to Widewater. We’ll retrace our steps along the Canal back to Carderock for a total of around 4 miles. We’ll experience the winter world in January and February, and celebrate the first signs of spring in March. In April and May (dates TBA), we’ll enjoy spring’s great burst of new life. These hikes will move faster and farther than our usual naturalists’ shuffle. REGISTER

Winter Birding Series
(8:30-11 am)
B: Saturday, January 15: Dyke Marsh, VA (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) SORRY CANCELED
C: Saturday, January 22: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Tykee James)
D: Sunday, January 30: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, MD (Len Bisson)
E: Sunday, February 13: Patuxent Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
F: Sunday, February 20: Gunner’s Lake, MD (Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen)
G: Saturday, February 26: Occoquan Bay NWR, VA (Paul Pisano)
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and overwintering species. Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, waterfowl and more will get our attention on these walks aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. Our explorations will be on mostly level natural surface trails which may be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Walking the Winter Woods and Wetlands
(10 am-1 pm)
A: Sunday, January 16: Governor’s Bridge Natural Area, MD (moved to 2/5)
B: Saturday, February 19: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC
C: Friday, February 25: Huntley Meadows Park, VA
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $32; nonmembers $44
Winter is often called the quiet season, but there is still lots to look at and listen for in the natural world despite the cold temperatures. On these walks to some of our Senior Naturalist’s favorite nearby parks, we invite you to bundle up and experience the pleasures of observing winter wildlife and plants, all the while discussing their strategies for winter survival. To counter the cold, we’ll work to cover up to a couple of miles on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which could be uneven, rocky, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Botany at Little Bennett Park, MD
Fridays (1-3 pm)
A: January 21 – Hyattstown Mill Trail CANCELED
B: February 18 – Kingsley Schoolhouse Trail
Leaders: Marney Bruce and Anne DeNovo
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Join two plant-passionate leaders for an introduction to the pleasures of winter plant observation and study in one of Montgomery County’s most botanically-rich parklands. Naturalist Henry David Thoreau wrote that a walk through winter’s woods, fields, and wetlands was like walking through a “cabinet of curiosities.” He described the landscape as nature’s self-made herbarium. Trees and shrubs stand out against the sky with bark, twigs, fruits, and stature sharing clues to their identity. The dried stems of many herbaceous plants persist into the winter months as well, offering ID challenges and life-cycle appreciation. Expect moderate to easy walking of up to 2.5 miles on each outing on natural surface trails. REGISTER

Walk Among the Giants WAITLIST OPEN
Saturday, January 22 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $32; nonmembers $44
Walk among the giant Sycamores, Oaks, Silver Maples, and River Birches on this seasonal series of explorations along the Potomac River just upstream of Great Falls, MD. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for all manner of wildlife, and watch the early winter woods turn green, and then summer sultry before fall colors herald the coming of another winter. Our floodplain trail, to which we’ll return for each seasonal walk, is mostly level but could be muddy as we walk our loop of roughly 2.5 miles. One walk per season will be added as the year unfolds. REGISTER

Winter Birding Series
(8:30-11 am)
C: Saturday, January 22: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Tykee James)
D: Sunday, January 30: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, MD (Len Bisson)
E: Sunday, February 13: Patuxent Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
F: Sunday, February 20: Gunner’s Lake, MD (Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen)
G: Saturday, February 26: Occoquan Bay NWR, VA (Paul Pisano)
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and overwintering species. Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, waterfowl and more will get our attention on these walks aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. Our explorations will be on mostly level natural surface trails which may be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Birding at Oaks Landfill
A: Sunday, January 23 (3-5:30 pm) WAITLIST OPEN
B: Saturday, February 19 (3:30-6 pm) WAITLIST OPEN
Leader: Mark England
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
You’ll want to bundle up for these birding treks to the now-closed landfill adjacent to the Blue Mash Nature Trail, a familiar birding spot in upper Montgomery County. As afternoon fades to dusk in the open terrain here, we’ll search for resident and overwintering species, including the possibility of Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Our visit to this area, which is closed to the public, is by special permission and is offered in co-sponsorship with the Montgomery County Bird Club. Spaces are limited. Please register for one session only. NOTE: Since only a limited number of cars are allowed to drive in the landfill, there will be consolidated carpooling as we move from one stop/viewing point to another. Car windows will be cracked for ventilation and participants will be masked. REGISTER

Winter Walks Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
B: January 26 – Widewater
C: February 9 – Pennyfield Lock
D: February 23 – Swain’s Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Join our us for these leisurely walks along the C&O Canal. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. REGISTER

Winter Weed Walk
Friday, January 28 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Not all herbaceous plants disappear in the winter. Many persist as dried stalks and seed clusters, with a beauty to match the season. The setting for our outdoor introduction to winter weed and wildflower identification will be the meadows and habitat gardens at our Woodend Sanctuary. We’ll also investigate seed dispersal strategies, and examine plant skeletons for signs of summer insect activity, such as insect galls, chrysalids, cocoons, and egg cases. Expect to walk over uneven ground which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Hikes Along the Water
A: Saturday, January 29 (full-day hike) Patuxent River, MD (4-5 mi) rescheduled from 1/8
B: Sunday, February 13 (full-day hike) Potomac River, MD (5.6 mi)
Leaders: Stephanie Mason
Each hike members $36; nonmembers $50
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or both of these hikes along local waterways. We’ll search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills. Hike A uses a roadway closed to traffic as we explore the coastal plain woods and wetlands along the Patuxent River in Prince George’s County. Hike B follows the historic C&O Canal Towpath downstream from Point of Rocks to the Monocacy Aqueduct near Dickerson, MD. These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most ANS field trips. Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions. NOTE: Hike B will require the use of a carpool shuttle since the hike is not round trip. Car windows will be cracked for ventilation and participants will need to be masked. REGISTER

Winter Birding Series
(8:30-11 am)
D: Sunday, January 30: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, MD (Len Bisson)
E: Sunday, February 13: Patuxent Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
F: Sunday, February 20: Gunner’s Lake, MD (Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen)
G: Saturday, February 26: Occoquan Bay NWR, VA (Paul Pisano)
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and overwintering species. Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, waterfowl and more will get our attention on these walks aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. Our explorations will be on mostly level natural surface trails which may be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Time

Year Around Event (2022)

Calendar GoogleCal

February

Event Details

Questions? Email pam.oves@anshome.org.

FEBRUARY

Fridays at Carderock
(10 am-2:30 pm)
B: February 4
C: March 4
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $34; nonmembers $48
An elder of a Native American tribe from the Pacific Northwest advised: There is more to be learned by climbing the same mountain a hundred times than by climbing a hundred different mountains. Following this admonition, our Senior Naturalist offers this series of broad-based nature explorations along the Potomac River’s C&O Canal and its varied habitats: from upland rocky woods to rich floodplain forests. Our “searching for spring” hikes will return each month to a stretch of towpath moving from the Carderock Recreation Area upriver to Widewater. We’ll retrace our steps along the Canal back to Carderock for a total of around 4 miles. We’ll experience the winter world in January and February, and celebrate the first signs of spring in March. In April and May (dates TBA), we’ll enjoy spring’s great burst of new life. These hikes will move faster and farther than our usual naturalists’ shuffle. REGISTER

Winter Birding Series
(8:30-11 am)
A: Friday, February 4: National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) moved from 1/7
E: Sunday, February 13: Patuxent Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
F: Sunday, February 20: Gunner’s Lake, MD (Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen)
G: Saturday, February 26: Occoquan Bay NWR, VA (Paul Pisano)
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and overwintering species. Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, waterfowl and more will get our attention on these walks aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. Our explorations will be on mostly level natural surface trails which may be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Walking the Winter Woods and Wetlands
(10 am-1 pm)
A: Saturday, February 5: Governor’s Bridge Natural Area, MD (moved from 1/16)
B: Saturday, February 19: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC
C: Friday, February 25: Huntley Meadows Park, VA
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $32; nonmembers $44
Winter is often called the quiet season, but there is still lots to look at and listen for in the natural world despite the cold temperatures. On these walks to some of our Senior Naturalist’s favorite nearby parks, we invite you to bundle up and experience the pleasures of observing winter wildlife and plants, all the while discussing their strategies for winter survival. To counter the cold, we’ll work to cover up to a couple of miles on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which could be uneven, rocky, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Birding at Black Hill
(8:30-11 am)
B. Sunday, February 6 WAITLIST OPEN
Leader: Mark England
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
The winter months can be an ideal time to learn more about birds and birding, and Black Hill Regional Park in upper Montgomery Count is an ideal outdoor classroom. Aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, each walk will explore several sites in the Park in a search for waterfowl, sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, and other both resident and overwintering species. The Park’s habitats are varied, and include wetlands and Little Seneca Lake, as well as forest and field. We’ll offer one more walk in early March so that participants can observe the seasonal changes in bird numbers, diversity, and behavior as spring approaches. Most Park trails are natural surface with possible muddy and uneven stretches. Some may include short stretches of uphill/downhill. REGISTER

Winter Walks Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
C: February 9 – Pennyfield Lock
D: February 23 – Swain’s Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Join our us for these leisurely walks along the C&O Canal. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. REGISTER

Introduction to Winter Tree Identification
Friday, February 11 (10 am-1 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $32; nonmembers $44
Using the clues of silhouette, buds, twigs, bark, and fruit, our leader will share tips and techniques for winter tree ID during this outdoor workshop. Be prepared to practice and hone your winter woody plant detective skills on the variety of common local tree species on our Woodend Sanctuary grounds. Expect to walk over uneven ground which may be muddy, uneven, and or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Birding Series
(8:30-11 am)
E: Sunday, February 13: Patuxent Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
F: Sunday, February 20: Gunner’s Lake, MD (Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen)
G: Saturday, February 26: Occoquan Bay NWR, VA (Paul Pisano)
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and overwintering species. Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, waterfowl and more will get our attention on these walks aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. Our explorations will be on mostly level natural surface trails which may be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Hikes Along the Water
B: Sunday, February 13 (full-day hike) Potomac River, MD (5.6 mi)
Leaders: Stephanie Mason
Each hike members $36; nonmembers $50
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or both of these hikes along local waterways. We’ll search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills. Hike A uses a roadway closed to traffic as we explore the coastal plain woods and wetlands along the Patuxent River in Prince George’s County. Hike B follows the historic C&O Canal Towpath downstream from Point of Rocks to the Monocacy Aqueduct near Dickerson, MD. These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most ANS field trips. Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions. NOTE: Hike B will require the use of a carpool shuttle since the hike is not round trip. Car windows will be cracked for ventilation and participants will need to be masked. REGISTER

Snow Moon Walk
Wednesday, February 16 (4:45-6:45 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $30; nonmembers $42
We’ll hope for clear skies in order to enjoy a brisk walk under the light of February’s full moon—traditionally called the Snow Moon. We’ll gather as the sun is dropping and wildlife are settling in for the night, before heading upriver on the C&O Canal Towpath from Swain’s Lock. We’ll keep our ears open for the calls of owls and winter-active mammals and enjoy the towering shadows of trees along the Potomac River. REGISTER

Winter Botany at Little Bennett Park, MD
Fridays (1-3 pm)
B: February 18 – Kingsley Schoolhouse Trail
Leaders: Marney Bruce and Anne DeNovo
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Join two plant-passionate leaders for an introduction to the pleasures of winter plant observation and study in one of Montgomery County’s most botanically-rich parklands. Naturalist Henry David Thoreau wrote that a walk through winter’s woods, fields, and wetlands was like walking through a “cabinet of curiosities.” He described the landscape as nature’s self-made herbarium. Trees and shrubs stand out against the sky with bark, twigs, fruits, and stature sharing clues to their identity. The dried stems of many herbaceous plants persist into the winter months as well, offering ID challenges and life-cycle appreciation. Expect moderate to easy walking of up to 2.5 miles on each outing on natural surface trails. REGISTER

Winter Birding at Oaks Landfill
B: Saturday, February 19 (3:30-6 pm) WAITLIST OPEN
Leader: Mark England
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
You’ll want to bundle up for these birding treks to the now-closed landfill adjacent to the Blue Mash Nature Trail, a familiar birding spot in upper Montgomery County. As afternoon fades to dusk in the open terrain here, we’ll search for resident and overwintering species, including the possibility of Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Our visit to this area, which is closed to the public, is by special permission and is offered in co-sponsorship with the Montgomery County Bird Club. Spaces are limited. Please register for one session only. NOTE: Since only a limited number of cars are allowed to drive in the landfill, there will be consolidated carpooling as we move from one stop/viewing point to another. Car windows will be cracked for ventilation and participants will be masked. REGISTER

Walking the Winter Woods and Wetlands
(10 am-1 pm)
B: Saturday, February 19: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC
C: Friday, February 25: Huntley Meadows Park, VA
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $32; nonmembers $44
Winter is often called the quiet season, but there is still lots to look at and listen for in the natural world despite the cold temperatures. On these walks to some of our Senior Naturalist’s favorite nearby parks, we invite you to bundle up and experience the pleasures of observing winter wildlife and plants, all the while discussing their strategies for winter survival. To counter the cold, we’ll work to cover up to a couple of miles on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which could be uneven, rocky, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Birding Series
(8:30-11 am)
F: Sunday, February 20: Gunner’s Lake, MD (Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen)
G: Saturday, February 26: Occoquan Bay NWR, VA (Paul Pisano)
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and overwintering species. Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, waterfowl and more will get our attention on these walks aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. Our explorations will be on mostly level natural surface trails which may be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Walks Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
D: February 23 – Swain’s Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Join our us for these leisurely walks along the C&O Canal. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. REGISTER

Walking the Winter Woods and Wetlands
(10 am-1 pm)
C: Friday, February 25: Huntley Meadows Park, VA
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $32; nonmembers $44
Winter is often called the quiet season, but there is still lots to look at and listen for in the natural world despite the cold temperatures. On these walks to some of our Senior Naturalist’s favorite nearby parks, we invite you to bundle up and experience the pleasures of observing winter wildlife and plants, all the while discussing their strategies for winter survival. To counter the cold, we’ll work to cover up to a couple of miles on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which could be uneven, rocky, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Winter Birding Series
(8:30-11 am)
G: Saturday, February 26: Occoquan Bay NWR, VA (Paul Pisano)
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and overwintering species. Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, waterfowl and more will get our attention on these walks aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. Our explorations will be on mostly level natural surface trails which may be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Knock, Knock
Sunday, February 27 (8:30-11 am)
Leaders: Pam and Chris Oves
Members $30; nonmembers $42
On this approximately 3-mile round-trip walk along the Canal’s Towpath from Sycamore Landing, we’ll focus on the seven species of woodpeckers — a winter woodpecker grand slam — that frequent our woodlands this time of year. Of course, we’ll also look and listen for any and all birds we may encounter along the way. This walk will move farther and at a faster pace than our usual bird walks. REGISTER