Despite the mostly cloudy skies, the rising sun cast a golden glow over the Patuxent River this September morning. It was 73 degrees, a bit humid, and the north winds were 6mph when we began our excursion on the river. Myself, along with fellow birders were there to find and learn about a particular species of bird - the Sora. The Sora is a type of rail, it is in the family Rallidae. It is found in North America, but is not typically seen in this area except during the spring and fall migration.

The outing was led by Greg Kearns. Greg has been a senior park naturalist for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) for 40 years at the Patuxent River Park and Jug Bay Natural Area. He is an expert on the wetland ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, a licensed bird bander, and a renowned authority on Soras and Osprey. Greg and his interns have installed and maintained over 100 osprey nest platforms along 25 miles of river and banded over 5000 adult and juvenile Ospreys. He has been recognized for his work with the Soras rail and restoration of the wild rice marshes at Jug Bay, Md. This wetland restoration provides for the fish and other organisms, and the Osprey’s role in this important ecosystem.

During our tour Greg shared with us the alarming news that he is witnessing a rapid decline in successful osprey nests. The reason for this, he explained is the due to the loss of the fish - Menhaden. More about this at https://www.birding.pictures/tips-info-section/biggest-little-fish