Ruffle Some Feathers
Among
the fastest growing areas in the state, Charles County still retains
a natural beauty that surprises most visitors expecting just another
suburban community. Instead, they find 300 miles of spectacular shoreline
and the third most forested county in Maryland. The abundance of undeveloped
area creates a haven for birds and bird watchers alike.
Charles County boasts
the second largest population of BALD EAGLES in the state of Maryland
along with 321 other species. The mature riparian forest along Mattawoman
is home to the BARRED OWL, a species particularly fond of this type
of habitat. The owl's call can be heard in the early evenings as the
birds call back and forth to each other. Many vibrantly colored songbirds
also inhabit this forest, thrilling visitors with flashes of reds, yellows,
blues, and greens. WOOD DUCKS and other waterfowl flock to the "greentree"
reservoirs.
The
Charles County bird is the GREAT BLUE HERON. During the week of Valentine's
Day, the Nanjemoy Creek Great Blue Heron Sanctuary, operated by The
Nature Conservancy, sees the dramatic reappearance of nearly 2,500
GREAT BLUE HERONS in their traditional nesting site. For 50 years, the
herons have returned to pair up, reinforce their nests, and lay and
incubate a clutch of three to five eggs. By July, the young will be
fledged and the colony will scatter to their summer and fall breeding
grounds. The nests remain in the treetops year round, a silent yet striking
reminder of the preserve's springtime clamor. Come discover the Wild
Side of the Potomac!
Situated
on the coastal plain of Southern Maryland, Charles County includes a
wide variety of habitat, from highly developed city/suburban to rural
farmland. Virtually all forested areas in the county are second-growth,
albeit some quite old. Charles County is bordered on the east and south
by the 
Potomac
River, on the west by the Wicomico River and on the north by the Mattawoman
Creek. The habitat includes many large and small lakes, ponds, and extensive
wetlands. Included within the boundaries of the county are Allen's Fresh,
Cobb Island, Doncaster State Forest, Gilbert Run Park, Nanjemoy Creek,
and Rock Point.
Maryland
public lands falling within the boundaries of the county include sections
of Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Chicamuxen WMA, most
of Cedarville State Park, and Chapel Point, Purse, and Smallwood State
Parks.
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Favorite
Charles County attractions for Birdwatchers and Nature Lovers include:
Chicamuxen
Wildlife Management Area,
301-743-5161
A
visit to the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Watchable Wildlife
Center is a trip specially designed to soothe the soul. The 30-acre
facility is tucked away on a peninsula surrounded by the Potomac River
and Chicamuxen and Mattawoman Creeks, and contains about 20 acres of
wetlands, and harbors rare and endangered species, such as the Louisiana
Thrush. There is a mile-long nature path with benches and small bridges
over wetland areas. Located on Stump Neck Road off Route 224 in Indian
Head.
Cobb Island
This
island bordered by the Potomac and Wicomico Rivers is a haven for birdwatchers
and fishing, boating and seafood lovers. Quaint architecture, cozy atmosphere.
U.S. 301 south to Route 257 to Route 254.
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Friendship
Landing,
Nanjemoy 301-932-3470
For
the kayaker, canoeist or small boater this creek offers miles of scenic
marshes which abound with wildlife. The winding creek has many high
banks that offer protection from strong winds and are nesting sites
for the Bald Eagles who call Nanjemoy Creek their home. Also, view the
Nanjemoy Osprey nest live through the NanjaCam link. The Friendship
Landing ramp and dock area is designed as a FREE Fishing Zone, which
simply means no fishing license is required. Located on Friendship Landing
Road, just off Route 425 in Nanjemoy, this one-acre boat launching facility
is open year-round, from dawn to dusk.
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Gilbert
Run Park,
301-932-1083 or 932-3470
180-acre
wooded park land with a 60-acre fresh water lake. Fishing, row and paddle
boating, hiking and picnicking. Family park great for birdwatching.
Located on Route 6. Seven miles east of La Plata.
Myrtle
Grove Wildlife Management Area,
301-743-5161
834 acres for fishing, hiking, hunting and gun range. Includes a 23-acre
lake and three greentree reservoirs for fishing. Considered a prime
location for birdwatching and nature photography. Route 225. Seven miles
west of La Plata.
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Popes Creek
Known
for its homey atmosphere and good crab houses, Popes Creek, along the
shores of the Potomac River, is a favorite stopover for herons as well
as Maryland seafood lovers.
Purse
State Park,
301-743-7613
A
90-acre reserve that remains virtually unimproved, Purse is the perfect
site for fossil hunters. Despite its proximity to the Nation’s
Capital, the park lies in a remote area which includes gently rolling
hills, wooded countryside, marshlands and pools surrounded by moss-covered
rock walls and stunted trees. Located off Route 224 near Liverpool Point
Road in Nanjemoy.
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