Cecil Birding Hotspots
Charlestown Stone Wharf |
| Description |
The Charlestown Stone Wharf will
not offer much bird diversity, but if
you are in the area, it is worth a stop for the fine view of the North
East River and top of the Chesapeake Bay. The pilings at the many
marinas along the North East River offer good perches for gulls and
terns, and the cove to
the west of the Wharf has small sandy beaches, with good possiblities
for
shorebirds. The river occassionally holds hundreds of waterfowl.
|
| How to get there |
From North East, take Rt. 7 west
and then Rt. 267 west into Charlestown.
Where Rt. 267 makes a sharp bend to the right, continue straight onto
Bladen
Street. At the end of Bladen, make a left onto Conestoga and go
to
the Wharf parking area just past the intersection of Conestoga and
Water.
From
Perryville, take Rt 7 east and then Rt. 267 east into
Charlestown.
Where Rt. 267 makes a second sharp bend to the left (just past the
Market
Street Cafe), turn right onto Bladen Street. At the end of Bladen, make
a left onto Conestoga and go to the Wharf parking area just past the
intersection
of Conestoga and Water.
|
| Map reference |
De Lorme MD State Atlas
Book: map page 77; grid C6.
ADC Cecil County Map Book: map page 16; grid A2.
Google
map - click here
|
| What to do
after arrival |
Scan the water in all directions
for diving and bay ducks, loons, grebes.
Check the marine pilings for gulls, terns, and cormorants. Look
for
shorebirds on the sandy beaches.
|
| Birds to look
for |
- Year-round:
gulls, cormorants, eagles.
- Fall
through spring: ducks, geese, loons, grebes.
- Fall
and spring migration: hawks over Elk Neck (opposite shore);
shorebirds on sandy beaches.
|
| Hours/Fees/Amenities |
Open to the public during daylight
hours every day of the year;
no fee. Ample parking at the wharf. A couple of park
benches
but no other amenities. |
| What to bring |
A scope is needed to view distant
birds on or over the water. |
| Difficulty of
walking |
No walking needed; the
parking area is directly adjacent to the Wharf and you can bird from
the car.
|
| Personal safety |
Since it is possible to stay close
to the car, this area can safely
be birded alone. Be vigilant, particularly near dark. |
| Nearby sites |
North East Town Park, Perryville Town Park,
Susquehanna East Shore. |
| For more
information |
Charlestown website, or
call the town office at 410-287-6173. |
|
|
Copyright 1998,
1999, 2007 Cecil Bird
Club; All rights reserved. May be printed for personal use
but may not be reproduced in any form for mass or commercial
distribution
without permission of the Executive
Committee
of the Cecil Bird Club.
|
