Mead & Keeler, May 3

The weather was glorious today and it was another magnificent day that students came out for the Audubon Watershed Experience. Ms. Keeler and Mr. Grimes' students spent the day fishing, seining, and hiking while debating important current ecological topics. An early morning breeze kept the students cool as they fished on the dock, but the afternoon sun warmed everybody up with a temperature reaching into the 60s.

Hiking along the trails, students managed to spot over 20 different species of birds. A belted kingfisher was spotted in the morning at the pond in the front of the property. The students that hiked during the afternoon received a short glimpse of a blue-gray gnatcatcher. Low tide in morning allowed the students catch a blue crab, along with over a dozen silversides; and everybody managed to stay dry throughout the day.

Mrs. Rose's Biology Classes - April 23

A cloudy day greeted the Biology students from Easton High School when they arrived at Pickering Creek. The day warmed slightly with bits of sunshine peaking through here and there. The four groups didn't see as many birds as usual, the feathered ones seemed to be tucked away due to the gray skies. Occasionally, students overheard Laughing Gulls and Blue Jays. Students delighted in seeing Eastern Bluebird eggs, exclaiming that even the eggs are blue. Everyone kept in good spirits learning about the forest habitat and its residents. Out on the water, one group caught 18 fish at the dock including White Perch, Bluegill and a Channel Catfish. Some groups had better luck at seining than others, catching Grass Shrimp and Atlantic Silversides. Despite hardly any fish caught, students had fun and a few decided to test out a new kind of water ballet - one that involved chest waders!

Grimes Apr. 17

Today marked another magnificent day that students came out for the Audubon Watershed Experience. Mrs. Grimes' students spent the day fishing, seining, and hiking while debating important current ecological topics. The weather was splendid and we could not have asked for a more perfect day. A slight breeze kept the students cool as they fished on the dock.

Hiking along the trails, students managed to spot over 17 different species of birds. A hunting display by a northern harrier wowed the students in the morning. The students that hiked during the afternoon received a short glimpse of a female hairy woodpecker. High tide in morning allowed the students catch almost two dozen silversides; and several students in the afternoon filled their waders with water after tripping in the creek. Highlights of fishing included a foot long channel catfish.

Apr. 5, 2013, Mrs. Harp's class

Today marked the first day this spring that students came out for the Audubon Watershed Experience. Mrs. Harp's students spent the day fishing, seining, and hiking while debating important current ecological topics. Rain during the night caused an early morning chill; however, the students were prepared for the weather and by the afternoon noon the clouds had cleared and the day warmed up.

Hiking along the trails, students managed to spot over 30 different species of birds. Aerial displays by purple martins and tree swallows were the cause of much excitement. Students got to watch a visual treat as eastern bluebirds defended their chosen nest boxes against tree swallows that were also interested in the provided cavities. The low tide allowed for the finding of multiple clams that are normally far enough below the surface of the water that they remain hidden during the seining activities. White perch and pumpkinseeds were caught from the dock as the students tested their abilities as anglers.

Digital Harbor & Ms. Johnson's Day on the Bay: May 30, 2012

Mrs. Johnson's Science and Sustainability class from Digital Harbor was eager and willing to participate in all the activities planned for this cloudy, yet humid day! As soon as these freshmen jumped off the bus, they were ready for fishing, bird watching, and assessing the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay at North Point State Park. Each student came prepared having researched two target species and excited to catch a glimpse of these species in their natural habitats. While fishing off the dock, students observed croakers and catfish, only two of the many species they have learned about that live in the bay. They were also able to observe ospreys while feeding in the water. While seining they had slightly more luck, catching white perch, Atlantic silversides, spot, and even crabs in their nets. Digital Harbor students enjoyed learning how to fish, which many had not experienced previously.

While on their habitat hike and bird watch, the students observed 11 bird species on this quiet day, and even spotted frogs, snails, monarch butterflies, and a rather large snake. They found numerous brown-headed cowbirds, Carolina chickadees, and barn swallows, along with a great blue heron, several double-crested cormorant and ring-billed gulls. Throughout the entire day students were enthusiastic about the activities. After being rescheduled due to weather conditions, it was good to see that Mrs. Johnson's class was still eager to make the most of their Day on the Bay with Patterson Park Audubon Center.