Songbirds of the Swamp: June 14 – 15
Registration is open!
The Bald Cypress Swamps of the Pocomoke River that surround the Furnace Town Historic Site near Snow Hill, Maryland are referred to as “The Northernmost of the Southern Swamps.” In June, the swamp is teeming with neotropical migrants that nest and raise young in the cool, dark forest. This ecosystem is so critical for nesting songbirds that it has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. 88 species were tallied during our 2024 event!
During June 14 – 15, we’ll search for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, tanagers and more as we explore the swamps and upland forests of the Pocomoke River and Nassawango Creek by kayak, canoe and on foot. We’ll also venture into the nearby Chincoteague Bay watershed to search for birds of the coastal marshes, and sample some Chincoteague Bay oysters with our friends at Baywater Seafood!
Before and after your birding adventures, we encourage you to visit beautiful, historic Snow Hill and learn about the rich history of the twenty-five acres of Furnace Town, the 19th century village of the Nassawango Iron Furnace.
Scroll down this page for field trip info!
Saturday morning, June 14
Songbirds of Furnace Town (HIKING)
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Guides: Russ Kovach & Jim Rapp
Cost: $35/person (Cost includes admission to Furnace Town for the morning birding tour and the evening concert. Scroll down to learn more!)
Meeting Location: meet in the parking area along Millville Road next to Furnace Town, located at 3816 Old Furnace Rd, Snow Hill, MD 21863. GPS coordinates: 38.204032, -75.471253
Please note: Prepare in advance for ticks, which we may encounter when walking through the trails at Furnace Town. Total hike should not exceed two miles on mostly flat trails.
We’ll hike along the trails of the Furnace Town Historic Site, nestled between the Pocomoke State Forest and The Nature Conservancy’s Nassawango Creek Preserve. These forests are characterized by large areas of Loblolly Pine, mixed pine-hardwood, bottomland hardwood, and Bald Cypress trees. Along the trails, we’ll search for breeding neotropical migrants such as warblers, vireos, flycatchers and tanagers. We’ll begin the tour from 8:00 to 9:00 am exploring the trails and pond outside the Furnace Town fences. At 9:00 am, we’ll enter the grounds of the historic site to bird the property until 11:00 am.
Special offer for our DBW Birders! All who participate in the morning walk at Furnace Town are invited back that evening for a Summer Music Concert with Bryan & the Barn Owls from 5:00 – 8:00 pm! Your morning entry fee covers the cost of admission to the evening concert. Click here or scroll down to learn more!
Saturday afternoon, June 14
Chincoteague Bay Birding & Oyster Tasting (DRIVING/HIKING)
Time: 1:00 – 4:30 pm
Guides: Russ Kovach & Jim Rapp
Cost: $40/person
Meeting Location: the Baywater Landing Marina, located at 3908 Bayside Rd, Snow Hill, MD 21863. GPS coordinates: 38.132476, -75.299204
Please note: Cost includes six shucked local oysters from Baywater Seafood. You may purchase additional oysters if you wish.
The coastal bays of Maryland provide habitat for summer shorebirds and briny bivalves! We’ll watch the birds and eat the oysters during this afternoon adventure along the landings of Chincoteague Bay. This field trip involves driving between locations and short, easy walks. Total driving distance between sites is less than 8 miles.
We’ll meet at the Baywater Landing Marina east of Snow Hill, MD, before departing on a two-stop caravan tour for birding along the landings. At Baywater Landing, we’ll scan the skies and salt marsh for gulls, terns, herons and songbirds. We’ll then drive to Figgs Landing, where we will scope the shallow ponds for ibis and shorebirds. From Figgs Landing, we will drive a short distance to Truitt’s Landing, where we will explore the marshes for sparrows and shorebirds.
We’ll return to Baywater Landing around 3:30 pm, where our friends at Baywater Seafood will introduce us to their operation. We’ll enjoy our oyster tasting while they explain the connection to their business and clean coastal water. We’ll plan to depart Baywater Landing around 4:30 pm.
Saturday evening, June 14
Summer Music at Furnace Town (LIVE MUSIC)
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Band: Bryan & the Barn Owls
Cost: DBW Birders who participate in the Saturday morning hike at Furnace Town get in free!
Meeting Location: Furnace Town, located at 3816 Old Furnace Rd, Snow Hill, MD 21863. GPS coordinates: 38.204032, -75.471253
Sunday morning, June 15
Neotropicals on the Nassawango – Red House Road to Nassawango Bridge (KAYAK/CANOE)
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Guides: Russ Kovach & Jim Rapp
Cost: $65/person sharing a canoe ($120 total), $90/person solo kayak, $60/person with your own boat & portage (please note: cost includes 11% tax added to rentals by Pocomoke River Canoe Co.)
Meeting Location: Pocomoke River Canoe Company, located at 2 River St, Snow Hill, MD 21863
Please note: All paddling done by participants; some experience required. Must be 13 years old to participate. If you are reserving a tandem kayak or canoe, please plan to attend with a paddling partner. We can’t always guarantee another solo paddler will join you in a two-person boat. Thank you!
After we meet at the Pocomoke River Canoe Company in Snow Hill, we’ll be driven to the launch at Red House Road, a few miles northwest. From there, we’ll paddle Nassawango Creek deep into this forested wilderness of bald cypress. Prothonotary Warblers, Wood Ducks, Bald Eagles, and beavers are regulars on this 3-hour trip, which will end at the bridge on Nassawango Road.
On a windy day, this paddle can present a moderate challenge as we approach the Nassawango Road bridge. Paddlers may choose canoes, tandem kayaks, or solo kayaks.
Sunday afternoon, June 15
E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area (DRIVING/HIKING)
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Guides: Russ Kovach & Jim Rapp
Cost: $30/person
Meeting Location: meet at the public boat ramp at the end of Taylor Landing Rd, Girdletree, MD 21829. GPS coordinates: 38.076695, -75.364682
Please note: Prepare in advance for ticks, which we may encounter when walking through the trails at Furnace Town. Total hike should not exceed two miles on mostly flat trails.
After meeting at Taylor Landing Road and scoping Chincoteague Bay for terns and shorebirds, we’ll explore three different access points at the E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This sprawling conservation area encompasses approximately 2,700+ acres of diverse habitats, including tranquil forests, open agricultural fields, and rich tidal marshes. This variety makes it a haven for a wide array of bird species, both resident and migratory. E.A. Vaughn WMA has three main areas (North, Central, and South) with different access points. We’ll make stops at each entrance for short birding hikes, and we’ll finish at George’s Island Landing just north of the MD/VA state line.
Click on the Google Map for specific meeting locations for all field trips and events:
Please note:
- No cancellations are accepted after June 1, 2025. For a further explanation of our refund policy, please click here.
- Trips will go rain or shine, unless torrential rains prevent us from viewing wildlife.
- If the trip is canceled due to dangerous conditions, we will notify you via email. Please note that the email will be sent to all participants BCC, so you may need to check your email spam folder. A full refund will be provided within 15 days.
- Food and drink are not included in the cost for field trips.
- Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for June weather near the coast.
- Bugs are a part of our natural environment. You can expect and prepare for flies, mosquitoes and ticks during some field trips. Be sure to bring insect repellent. For information about preventing tickborne diseases, please click here.
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine. We only cancel trips due to dangerous weather, such as lightning or strong winds.
- Try to arrive a little before the scheduled trip departs.
- Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
- Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and turn off cell phones during trips.
- Restroom facilities may not be available on some trips.
- All reservations will be confirmed via email.