A patchwork
of green, yellow and brown cover a landscape surrounded by large swaths of
silvery blue glinting like a mirror for the sun; ribbons of jade and teal weave
through clusters of lush green groves; and quaint towns where life is slow and
easy offer fountains and flower gardens by which to rest… it’s Kent County, Maryland from a bird’s-eye view. With a landscape this inviting, it’s
no wonder that the area is a haven for birds, waterfowl and butterflies.
From wooded
to wetland, agricultural to pelagic, Kent County’s variety of ecosystems offer
both migratory and resident birds prime habitats for respite or long-term
stays, and those year-round accommodations means it’s a major destination for birding enthusiasts, too.
As of spring
2019, the Maryland
Ornithological Society listed 453 species of birds in Maryland (315 in Kent County alone) with another 20 listed as subspecies or species of
questionable or exotic origin. That’s nearly half of the 1100-or-so species
reported to exist within the U.S. So, whether it’s the migratory season or the
months in between, there’s lots of quacking, honking and singing going on. So,
download a Kent County Birding Guide and start making check marks.
Sighting Hotspots
There’s plenty of space for everyone and everything at the Millington Wildlife Management Area. Once home to the Lenni Lenape
Indians, the area’s protected 4,000 acres is now managed by the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources and dedicated to conservation, protection and
management of wildlife and their habitats. Birders aim long lenses to catch a
shot at colorful and elusive specimens resting on a sun-dappled branches.
Meanwhile, during open season, licensed and registered hunters take aim in
designated areas to manage wildlife populations of prolific species like white-tailed
deer, rabbits, squirrel, turkeys and waterfowl. Fishing, cycling, hiking,
horseback riding and other outdoor activities are also welcome.
The smaller Sassafras Natural Resource Management Area offers similar experiences atop wooded
hillsides and rocky bluffs overlooking the Sassafras River and along its
wetland banks. Nine miles of trails offer a pathway into the forested sanctuary
of songbirds where you can enjoy their trilling tunes while quietly soaking up
the tranquil surroundings. Watch raptors soar overhead as they search for their
supper and herons forage for fish in tidal pools and lily ponds. In early
colonial times, the landing in Turner’s Creek served as a shipping port and the
granary, still present, stored supplies that were shipped to Washington’s
troops at Valley Forge. Learn more about the area’s history at the onsite Kent Museum and the Knock’s Folly Visitor Center.
Located on an island at the southern tip of the county, Eastern Neck National
Wildlife Refuge (ENNWR) offers nearly 2300 acres of refuge for
migratory birds, including the elegant and pristine tundra swan flock to the
area in late November. When Meriwether Lewis encountered the swans during his
famous expedition with William Clark, he referred to them as “whistling swans”
for the characteristic sound the air makes while flowing along its wings in
flight. Observe these oft-romanticized birds through March as they float in
mated pairs and enjoy a bounty of clams—though their meals are sometimes
challenging as they fend off herrings and gulls seeking to sneak a bite.
Another famous klepto-inclined winged creature you might see
scavenging or stealing a meal in Kent County is the bald eagle. Due in part to
these less-than-noble tendencies, Benjamin Franklin preferred to have the wild
turkey adopted as America’s emblematic bird, writing “I wish the Bald Eagle had
not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral
Character. He does not get his Living honestly… Besides he is a rank Coward:
The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives
him out of the District.” Nevertheless, like the tundra swan, the bald eagle is
a regal-looking bird and quite a sight to see.
Watch for bald eagles year-round at the refuge’s many observation
platforms and trails. Learn more about these and other birds’ interesting
behaviors on a Saturday morning birding walk with a docent from the Friends of Eastern Neck
National Wildlife Refuge who host the event once each month,
December through March. For more of what you can expect to see, download an ENNWR birding guide.
Observing butterflies and keeping track of their various
species is as rewarding in Kent County as birdwatching. In the summer, Eastern
Neck Island is aflutter as hundreds of butterflies flock to sip nectar from
flowers specifically cultivated in the ENNWR butterfly garden to attract them. Painted
ladies, viceroys, the aptly named zebra swallowtail, various hair streaks and
many members of the skipper species are all regular visitors to the area.
Chesapeake Farms, a 3,300-acre farm owned and managed
by Corteva Agriscience a division of DowDuPont, offers a self-guided, 14-stop
driving tour of the property where, from the comfort of your car, you can view how
the eco-systems of native flora and fauna can exist in symbiosis with
agriculture. Managed resting ponds invite waterfowl to designated areas, while grassed waterways provide a natural
filtration system for sediment; nesting hedges provide cover and travel lanes
for wildlife as nest boxes and towers attract bluebirds, kestrels, eagles and
hawks. Grass fields, marsh and wooded sections provide further habitat, food sources
and nesting materials to sustain animal environments amid human endeavors. It’s
truly an education in responsible cultivation.
Taking Flight
With a wingspan of seven feet, bald eagles seem to glide
endlessly in silent flight. Observing a bird’s ability to remain airborn has
inspired man to imitate the feat since well before the Wright brothers managed
to make it reality. At the Massey Air Museum the marvel of flight continues to be
appreciated both on the ground and in the air. Inside the hangars of this
airport/museum, see antique planes in the midst of restoration, tour a
collection of aircraft (as colorful as the birds that inspired them) and learn
about the history of aviation.
Winged wonders like the tundra swan migrate thousands of
miles each year, surveying the terrain below them for the perfect place to land
and recharge. See Kent County from their perspective on a glider ride (offered
year-round) or a biplane tour (May through October) which take flight from the Massey
Aerodome.
Like birds of a feather that flock together, pilots are
invited to participate in fly-in events where the larger community is always
welcome, and Massey’s Young Eagles program encourages area youth to engage in
the miracle of flight. For specific dates, check their website.
An Activity for
Everyone
You don’t
have to be a serious birder to enjoy the activity of bird watching. Wildlife
enthusiasts easily spend four to five digits traveling to see creatures of all
kinds, but with birding you simply have to walk outside and be still. It’s one
of the easiest hobbies to develop—requiring nothing more than a pair of
binoculars to get the best view, and it can be enjoyed at any age. Children
thrive in its scavenger hunt characteristics while their parents appreciate
that it gets them outside, and seniors enjoy its convenience and relaxing
qualities.
Make it easy
to get started by visiting Kent County where the sightings are simple, and
there’s so much more to see and do. Plan your stay today.
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