Meandering Through Pickering Creek Audubon Center in Maryland

Meandering Through Pickering Creek Audubon Center in Maryland

Over the past few years, we have been fostering our birding skills. On our most recent trip to Maryland, we learned that we would be near Pickering Creek Audubon Center while perusing hiking options. So, a meander through Pickering Creek during our visit to nearby Kent Island on Chesapeake Bay was an easy choice.

Serene scene at Pickering Creek Audubon Center.

Pickering Creek Audubon Center beckons birders and hikers with 4 miles of trails featuring woodlands and wetlands. Pickering Creek is a stop on the Atlantic Flyway used by birds during migration from South America to Canada. During migration, you never know what you will see! We visited in early spring but there was still plenty to enjoy as nature began awakening.  A wealth of birds calling the preserve home welcomed us with sounds and sights.

With the wetlands, we did adventure a bit on boardwalks.  Thousands of wading and shorebirds visit the wetlands of the preserve. Soon, we discovered a wading Great Blue Heron on the edge of Pickering Creek.

I love hiking in the early spring because the lack of foliage affords easier birdwatching.  We soon would discover a beautiful red-winged blackbird as we explored further.

Pickering Creek Audubon Center displays a gradation between ecosystems adding more interest to the preserve. The variety of the habitats at Pickering Creek add to the richness of the educational experience. We spent quite a bit of time observing changes between the habitats.

Breathtaking Pickering Creek!

The History of Pickering Creek Audubon Center:

In 1984, George Olds and his sister Margaret Olds Strahl donated their family farm which also included woodlands and wetlands to the Chesapeake Audubon Society. George heard he call of nature and knew this was his family's opportunity to preserve a little space on Earth to help our planet and foster environmental education. The 400-acre preserve includes an incredible 4,400 feet of waterfront. The family requested that the preserve be kept in its natural state for the enjoyment and education of future generations.

We wholeheartedly appreciated this exquisite natural gift! The blend of ecosystems at Pickering Creek kept us exploring and enticed us to pause and observe nature. Pickering Creek Audubon Center will certainly be welcoming generations to come to the joys of nature and birding!

Trees rise above in early spring at Pickering Creek.

Tips to Discover Pickering Creek Audubon Center:

• Print out a brochure ahead of time.
• Stop in the Welcome Center if available.
• Bring your birding binoculars!
• Take advantage of bird blinds and platforms.
• The preserve is open 365 days a year and is free.
• Verify current visiting protocol by visiting the Pickering Creek Audubon Center website before your visit.