Search Site

New!:
What's Up? Eastern Shore

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - It's for the Birds

Falconer Andrew Bullen shows off his preregrine falcon Gypsy at the Refuge Open House while explaining how a falcon can swoop on its prey at 200 miles per hour.

Cambridge is a small town with big plans. Since the construction of the new Hyatt Regency Hotel, it is beginning to bustle with new stores, restaurants and housing developments.

Twelve miles south of town, however, a different kind of bustle is going on. In the marshes and shimmering waters of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, bald eagles swoop through the air, Delmarva fox squirrels scamper up trees, and sika deer bound through the woods.

The fall brings swarms of migratory birds, such as Canadian geese and tundra swans. It also brings the Refuge's 11th Annual Open House to be held on October 7th, from 8 am to 4 pm.

Established by the Federal government in 1933, the twenty seven thousand acre retreat is run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is home to many kinds of waterfowl and mammals. The open house was established eleven years ago to help celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week and to feature the Refuge's different management programs. One of its main functions is to protect endangered species.

Maggie Briggs, Visitors Services Manager, is busy planning this year's schedule, which includes demonstrations, exhibits and activities for both adults and children.

"We've got a little bit of everything. You can come in at eight in the morning and stay until four, and you'll have something to do every minute," she says.

One of the highlights of the day is the 11:00 am Live Peregrine Falcon program. Two falcons-one a peregrine and the other a gyrfalcon will be brought in to demonstrate their hunting skills. "These birds can swoop at two hundred miles an hour as they prey for quail and pheasant."

Another popular activity is the eagle tour. A guide will point out bald eagles as visitors follow with binoculars in hand. "It would be disappointing if they didn't see about ten of the birds," Briggs says. "We've seen as many as fourteen in one tour." Perhaps this is because the Refuge has the largest nesting of bald eagles north of Florida.

Children and Smokey the Bear put out a fire.

Visitors are also encouraged to take Wildlife Drive and see how many different species of birds and mammals they might find. The drive is a five mile loop that can be driven, biked or walked. During the fall, thousands of waterfowl may be viewed in the tidal water and marshes that surround the loop. "We start our bird walks at 8:00 am" Briggs remarks.

Two popular exhibits planned are the Carrie Murray Nature Center's Live Insect display and the Salisbury Zoo's reptile exhibit of hognose snakes, corn snakes and turtles. Also, Schuyler Aviaries will bring in a three foot fenced pool that houses ten pairs of waterfowl.

Briggs gets most animated, however, when she describes some of the children's programs, such as the wooly bear caterpillar races. "The kids each get their very own one. They have to put their hands over their caterpillar and hold it in place until we say, 'Go!'"

The wooly bears usually scatter about three feet, and then the winners race each other. There are usually about five heats. Her eyes twinkle when she says, "Sometimes it's hard to keep the parents out of there."

Other interesting activities children can attempt are constructing bird feeders, using a fire hose in the fire fighting demonstration and practicing archery techniques.

"We try to make all our programs educational as well as fun," Briggs explains. To encourage children to ask questions, they are given a Marsh Master's card. If they attend five programs and ask one question per program, they receive a sticker and a Junior Refuge Ranger badge.

She is also planning two children's puppet shows--one of which is the Invasive Species show. Free coloring books will be distributed afterwards.

During the open house visitors should make time to look at the impressive displays in the Visitors Center, which include videos of eagles and ospreys-both mating and nesting, and exhibits of eagles, horned owls and small mammals. The Center is currently being remodeled to include a second floor observatory.

Other events planned during the year are: The Friends of Blackwater in December; the Eagle Festival held in March; and the Youth Fishing Derby scheduled for June.

Blackwater is also a great place to kayak and bike. Two ramps are available for both canoes and kayaks. One is on Rt. 335 and one is the public ramp on Shorters Wharf Road.

To get to the Refuge from Annapolis, follow 50 East. Go over the Choptank River Bridge and turn right on Church Creek Road-(16 West) Turn left on 335. Go for five miles and then left on Key Wallace Drive. Visitors' Center is on the right. Entrance fee is waived.

Biking for Charity
The 18th Annual Sea Gull Century bike ride is a 100-mile circuit throughout Wicomico County, beginning and ending at Salisbury University's Magg's Center in Salisbury. Proceeds from the ride will go to local civic organizations. The event takes place October 7 and also will feature shorter rides for willing participants. (410) 548-2772 or www.seagullcentury.org.


Bacchus Bash The 2006 Wicomico County Autumn Wine Festival takes place at Pemberton Park in Salisbury on October 21 and 22. The 2-day festival features live jazz, unique arts and crafts, fantastic food, and, of course, the main attraction: wine. Local wineries will be well represented. (410) 548-4914 or autumnwinefestival.org.

Photo by Richard Termine


Federal Hill Humor Capitol comedy like you've never seen before . . . or maybe you have. The Capitol Steps, a D.C.-based comedy troupe that satirizes everything politico, celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Catch the popular performers October 24 at the Avalon Theatre in Easton. (410) 547-SEAT or www.avalontheatre.com.

Lone Star Star
"Folkabilly" pioneer Nanci Griffith visits the Avalon Theatre in Easton on October 20. Her professional career spans 28 years, 15 albums, and five Grammy nominations (two wins). She is renowned for her style of music, combining the storytelling essence of folk and the down-home feel of country. (410) 547-SEAT or www.avalontheatre.com.

Crafty Craftsmen
The Academy Art Museum in Easton presents its 9th Annual Arts Marketplace October 14-15. The Eastern Shore's largest juried fine craft show showcases the finest in American craft, featuring furniture, clothing, baskets (Sweetgrass Basket by Mary Jackson pictured), toys, jewelry, and sculpture. Preview party tickets are $50 per person and include admission for the entire weekend. The preview party begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, 10/13, and includes hors d'oeuvres and cocktails as well as a chance to shop early. (410) 822-8121 or visit www.art-academy.org.