Birders Unite For Full-Day Watch + Waterfront Event Hosted In Spanish

MARYLAND — The weather is starting to cool down in Maryland. That means it's the perfect time to enjoy the crisp autumn air. Outdoorsy events include a birding marathon, a waterfront gathering hosted in Spanish, a scenic hike and two paddle trips.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Big Sit at North Point

The Baltimore Bird Club will participate for the first time in The Big Sit, a national event to see or hear as many birds as possible from within a 17-foot diameter circle. Join in; it should be fun! Choose a 2-hour time slot and RSVP to a club member so that there will be coverage throughout the day. Drop-ins are also welcome. Oct. 8, 8 a.m. til sunset; North Point State Park, Edgemere, MD. More info"

"Festival del Río Anacostia

The Festival del Río Anacostia is an annual event at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. The purpose is to create a welcoming and inviting event that is engaging for a Spanish-speaking and Latino audience that creates positive [connections] to the river. Naturaleza, diversión, comida, música y comunidad. Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Bladensburg, MD. More information."

"Sierra Club Great Falls Hike and Picnic

This easy hike on the C&O Canal is a celebration of the Sierra Club’s One Day hikes. You don’t need to be a member to join in all or part (you decide when to turn around) of the 9 mile walk from Carderock to Great Falls followed by an optional hearty picnic. This is an especially beautiful stretch of the C&O Canal. Oct. 9, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Carderock, Potomac, MD. More information"

"Shoreline Show Kayak

Paddle beautiful Otter Creek and enjoy the show on the shoreline put on by trees changing their colors. Leight Estuary Center guides will be sure to help you spot all the birds and wildlife along the way. Ages 8+; $15 per person. For a good preview[,] read Saki’s Paddling in Otter Point Creek Natural Area. Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon, MD. More information and registration"

"Peaceful Paddle Monday

Treat yourself to an after work stress-relieving paddle on Pickering Creek. Early fall is a great time to be on the water, so join Pickering Creek Audubon for a leisurely canoe paddle where you just might see the barn swallows swoop up their last meal of the evening, rays flap in the water, or eagles soaring overhead. Families welcome! $5 per person. Oct. 3, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Pickering Creek Audubon, Easton, MD. More details and registration"

Related:

• Annapolis To Host Kunta Kinte Festival + Small Boat Fair Coming To MD
• Watermen's Festival, Charitable Swim To Protect Waterways Coming To MD
• Raft-Up Boat Concert To Feature Annapolis Band + Railroad Event Slated
• Fleet Week Returning To MD + Bark In The Park Will Teach Pet Safety
• Historic MD Ship To Be Commissioned + Tall Ship Festival Coming Soon
• Visit White Sand Beach On Eastern Shore + Enjoy Western MD Mountains
• Enjoy Free Day At National Parks In MD + Visit Local Farmers Market
• Ghost Tour Offered On Historic Ship + Fishing Tournament Planned In MD
• Latino Conservation Week Approaches + Native American Festival On Tap
• Sharkfest Coming To MD + London Town To Celebrate Independence Day
• Chesapeake Bay History Celebrated + Annapolis Prepares For Fireworks
• Fireworks Shows In MD, DC + Introduction To Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
• Seining Class At Sandy Point + Juneteenth Celebration In Annapolis
• Strawberry Festival In Linthicum + Snakehead Fishing In MD
• Antique Boat Show Coming To MD + Father's Day Cruise Offered
• All of the stories from year one of this partnership are posted here