Students surveying birds at Masonville Cove - Photo Credit: Will Parsons, Chesapeake Bay Program

Students with red-tailed hawk - Photo Credit: Will Parsons Chesapeake Bay Program

CBFO biologist Devin Ray and Chesapeake Conservation Corps intern Marlo Atkinson hosted an International Migratory Bird Day event at Ben Franklin High School at Masonville in Baltimore, MD. Using a Cornell Lab of Ornithology program, Celebrate Urban Birds, students learned about common urban and migratory birds they would likely see and then conducted bird surveys. Twelve bird species were identified including tree swallows, black vultures, and mallards. In addition, the non-profit group “Wings Over America” brought a rehabilitated red-tailed hawk. For all of the students, this was the first time they had come close to a live bird of prey. Thanks to our partners, Patuxent Research Refuge and Living Classrooms, for their support of this event.