Winter Birding At Sandy Point State Park + Kwanzaa Celebration At Annapolis Museum

MARYLAND — Migration season is well underway. With leaves falling, birds are especially visible over the winter. Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis is one of the best birdwatching spots in Maryland.

Plenty of holiday events are also in store. These festivities include a Kwanzaa celebration at the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, a train festival at the B&O Railroad Museum In Baltimore and a historical recreation at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. A hike to Cunningham Falls in Thurmont rounds out the upcoming offerings.

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:

"Top Places for Winter Forest Birding in Maryland

While the colder temperatures can make it tempting to stay indoors, it’s also a great time of year to find some new birding spots in and around the Chesapeake, with many species migrating through or overwintering in our region. We’ve put together ten favorite places for finding upland species in Maryland. At Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, resident song sparrow and American robin are reliably viewed, while winter visitors may include hermit thrush and white-throated sparrow. With over 35,000 acres to scope out at Cedarville State Forest, you can reliably expect to find resident Carolina chickadee and northern cardinal, and migratory species may include golden and ruby-crowned kinglets among others. Seneca Creek State Park is a great location for resident species such as the pileated woodpecker – much more easily spotted in winter without the leaves – as well as migratory species including ruby and golden-crowned kinglet. Read about all ten birding hot spots. "

"Kwanzaa Unity Celebration

This year’s Banneker-Douglass Museum’s Kwanzaa program will celebrate the first principle “Unity” (Umoja), which is a commitment to building, developing, and defending African American and Diasporic communities. Dec. 11, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm; Banneker-Douglass Museum Annapolis, MD. More info and registration."

"B&O Festival of Model Trains and Special Train Rides

The B&O Railroad Museum has been transformed into a wonderland of festive fun with joyful traditions both new and old. Enjoy holiday offerings for kids of all ages including wintry train rides, holiday model railroad layouts that you can help build, live music and refreshments, and more! ... Various events between Dec. 6 and Jan. 2; B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore, MD. More information and tickets."

"Holiday Traditions in St. Michaels

As part of St. Michaels’ holiday festivities, the Chesapeake Independent Blues and the Fort McHenry Guard will return to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to re-create the early 19th century tradition of firing guns to celebrate the holiday season. As part of the program, volunteers in authentic uniforms of the Maryland Militia during the War of 1812 will demonstrate the loading and firing of reproduction muskets. The public is also invited to stop by the museum store for an open house from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm where guests can shop for Chesapeake-y gifts, enjoy light refreshments, and join in for raffle prizes. The event and open house are included with general museum admission. Dec. 11, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm; Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. More information."

"Hike to the Falls

Take a hike to Cunningham Falls! Is it running? Has it frozen for winter? Wear sturdy hiking boots/shoes. Layered clothing and warm weather gear recommended. Weather dependent. Free with $3 park entrance fee. Dec. 11, 10:00 am to 11:30 am; Cunningham Falls State [Park], Thurmont, MD. More information."

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