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 Cecil Bird Club
  A Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society

 

  Promoting birding in northeastern Maryland
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Cecil Birding Hotspots
Earleville WMA
Description Earleville Wildlife Management Area is a 195-acre tract of agricultural land that is open to the public for upland game hunting and other recreation.  Birders will appreciate the open fields, dense hedgerows, and small woodlot.  Fifty acres of fields are planted with warm season grasses and provide habitat for a number of birds.
How to get there From the Elkton area, take Rt. 213 south.  Immediately after crossing the Bohemia River bridge at Hack's Point, make a sharp right onto Glebe Road.  Follow Glebe Road south out of Hack's Point and make a right (west) onto Fingerboard Schoolhouse Road.  Watch for a gravel parking area with a WMA sign on the right.  Another parking area lies a bit farther on, also on the right, near the intersection with Pinewood Road.

From the Cecilton area, take Rt. 282 west toward Earleville.  Go north on Glebe Road to Fingerboard Schoolhouse Road;  turn left (west). Watch for a gravel parking area with a WMA sign on the right.  Another parking area lies a bit farther on, also on the right, near the intersection with Pinewood Road.

Map references
What to do after arrival From either parking area, head north on the obvious trails through the fields.  Check the open areas for sparrows and other ground-dwelling birds and the wood edges and hedgerows for others.  The woods in the central part of the WMA can be good for wrens, vireos, flycatchers, warblers and thrushes.  A branch of Cabin John Creek and small dammed pond lie in the north part of the WMA and are worth checking.  See the trail map posted at the parking areas or print out the map at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/earlvillemap.html and take it with you.
Birds to look for
  • Year-round:  Wood Duck, turkey, pheasant, bob-white, Horned Lark, sparrows, blackbirds.
  • Fall and spring migration:  warblers, other small land birds.
  • Winter, fall and spring migration:  American Pipit.
Hours/Fees/Amenities Access to Earleville WMA is restricted to hunting permit holders for the hunting season from September 1 through February 15.  Check State hunting seasons. Outside the hunting season, Bethel is open for hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature photography, etc. with non-hunting permit. No fee to enter; however, the free annual non-hunting use permit is strictly required and must be displayed on your parked car. To request a permit, contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife and Heritage Service Office at 410-356-9272 allow 3 weeks for delivery of your permit by mail. 

There are no picnic tables, restrooms, or other amenities at the site.  The closest public restroom is at the library in Cecilton (limited hours).  There is a port-a-potty at the Stemmer's Run Boat Launch (warm months only).
What to bring Boots may be needed if the trails are muddy.
Difficulty of walking Easy to moderate.  Most of the walking is on gentle slopes;  footing may be uneven.
Personal safety This is an isolated area with little public use.  Most birders would feel more comfortable with a friend.  Check the State hunting schedule and do not visit during hunting season.
Nearby sites Courthouse Point MHA, Grove Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Stemmer's Run WMA.  Also check the Bohemia River at Hack's Point for waterfowl in winter and for terns in summer, and the surrounding agricultural areas for Northern Harrier, Horned Larks, American Pipits, Vesper Sparrows.
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 Contact Us last updated 11/1/07