Pickering Creek Announces Fall & Winter Public Programs

Pickering Creek is offering a diverse array of programs this fall and winter for adult, families and children. People of all skill levels and interests are welcome. Advance registration required for all programs (register by calling 410-822-4903).

Please note that Marsh Explorations at Blackwater is is being held very soon – this Thursday, September 17.

Marsh Explorations at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Thursday, Sept. 17, 5:30-7:30PM
Wednesday, Sept 23, 5:30-7:30PM

Pickering Creek Audubon Center is working with Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to restore damaged parts of the salt marshes in Dorchester County. Tour alongside neighbors and new friends to make a difference in this fragile habitat! Join us for a van tour of Blackwater and Farm Creek and a conversation about the region’s salt marshes. Call 410 822 4903 or email [email protected] to register.

Fall Bird Count at Pickering Creek Audubon Center
Saturday, September 19, 2015
8:00AM

Pickering Creek Audubon Center has become one of the best locations in Talbot to bird at any season. Join birders to learn about birds and census fall populations. No experience required. Contact Wayne Bell for details 410 820 6002, [email protected]

Magnificent Monarchs at Pickering Creek
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
5:30-7:00PM

Not only are butterflies among nature’s most beautiful creations, they have fascinating life histories. We invite you to join us during the height of Monarch migration season for a close-up look into the astounding life of the Monarch Butterfly. Then move out to the fields that were full of milkweeds this past spring and tag the orange beauties before they migrate south. How does one tag a butterfly? Come try it for yourself! Call 410 822 4903 or email [email protected] to register.

Beautiful Birds Photo Exhibit
October 4-25
Monday-Friday 9:00AM 5:00PM
Sundays 11:00AM-3:00PM

Walk among the winning bird photographs from the 2015 Audubon Photography Awards and learn more about local birdlife at Pickering Creek Audubon Center’s waterfront offices. Selected from more than 9,000 entries—submitted from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada—the winning photos were published in the May-June 2015 issue of Audubon magazine. A panel of five judges graded the images based on technical quality, originality, and artistic merit.
No Charge except admission to Harvest Hoedown if you visit on October 11.

Pickering Creek’s Annual Harvest Hoedown
Sunday, October 11, 2015
11:00AM-4:00PM
$10 per car

Pickering Creek celebrates fall on the Eastern Shore at this year’s Harvest Hoedown. Harvest Hoedown features unique music on two stages, craftspeople, nature walks, wildlife exhibits, hay wagon rides, boat rides and entertaining kids and adult activities as well as food prepared by the Easton Lions Club.

Autumn Sunset Paddle on Pickering Creek
Thursday, October 15, 2015
5:00-7:00PM
$15 per person

Explore beautiful Pickering Creek at dusk on this guided canoe paddle. Watch local nightlife come alive and take in the vivid fall colors as you meander the creek. Canoes, PFDs, and paddles provided. Children must be at least 13 or older, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Spaces are limited. Call 410 822 4903 or email [email protected] to register.

Third Monday Bird Walks
October 19, November 16, December 21, January 18
8:00-10:00AM

Enjoy watching birds through out every season of the year at Pickering Creek Audubon Center. Each walk is led by experienced birders and members of Talbot Bird Club. Visitors of all skill levels are welcome. Binoculars are available to borrow. See eagles and ospreys soar over the creek, woodpeckers at work in the mature hardwood forest, sparrows flitting about in the meadows, and waterfowl in the wetlands. Sharpen your bird watching skills, contribute your sightings to ongoing bird monitoring at the Center, and enjoy mornings in the outdoors. Contact Wayne Bell for details 410 820 6002, [email protected]

Nature at Night Hike
Thursday, November 19, 2015
7:00-9:00PM
$5 per person

Explore Pickering Creek Audubon Center at night. Learn to identify nocturnal animals and insects by sound as we hike through forests and wetlands and stop along the way to call in owls and light up the darkness to see who may be looking back at us. End the evening next to a warm fire with hot chocolate in hand. Call 410 822 4903 or email [email protected] to register.

Geminid Gazing and Star Stories
Monday, December 14, 2015
8:00PM
$5 per person

Budding astronomers are invited to Pickering Creek Audubon Center to gaze at the stars and experience one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year under Pickering Creek’s nighttime skies. A waxing crescent moon will allow for great viewing conditions. Search the Milky Way for planets and stars. Hear stories of winter constellations and sip on hot chocolate with neighbors and friends! Call 410 822 4903 or email [email protected] to register.

Winter Walk in the Bayou
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
2:00PM
$10 per person

We’ll explore Pickering Creek’s rarely seen 65-acre wet woods and walk beneath tower oaks and a variety of buttressed hardwoods. The oak plant community in these woods are considered very rare for the Eastern Shore and host turkeys, wood ducks, woodpeckers, chuck wills widow and a host of other creatures. Half of the property is submerged under about 12 inches of water art this time of year, giving you the feeling you are somewhere in Louisiana. We’ll provide rubber knee boots for those who need them. Call 410 822 4903 to register.

Woodcocks and Wieners
Tuesday, March 16, 2016
6:00-8:30 PM
$35 per person includes dinner

As winter breaks and spring begins to emerge the timberdoodle awakens. At dusk the male woodcock spirals into the sky, creating a trilling sound with its wings. Then he descends, fluttering, warbling and zigzagging back to the spot he began. This unusual mating ritual will take place in Pickering Creeks’ warm season grass meadows provide ideal habitat for this annual late winter event. But first, we’ll start the evening with premium hotdogs with the Scallion’s excellent homemade venison chili as a delightful topping paired with microbrew beer and appropriate wiener roast sides. Reservation required. Call 410 822 4903 or email [email protected] to register.