DISCOVER PATUXENT RIVER PARK’S OSPREY POPULATION
By Julie Dee Suman
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Travel writer and photographer Julie Dee Suman discusses the Osprey Conservation efforts and recreational, bird watching, and educational opportunities at Patuxent River Park in Maryland. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.
Did you know that approximately one-quarter of all Ospreys in the contiguous United States nest in the Chesapeake Bay region? Look across our watershed; you’ll undoubtedly spot an Osprey peering from its perch. These birds of prey evoke awe when their dagger-like talons snag a fish from the water below.
Ospreys migrate to Maryland around the beginning of March to nest and start their families. The Patuxent River Park provides a sanctuary for the next generation of these magnificent raptors. The park and its surrounding wetland and land-based trials offer a superb chance to experience nature at its best.
Osprey Conservation
Sadly, the Osprey population declined dramatically in the 1950s and 60s due to pesticides such as DDT. The chemicals interfered with the bird’s calcium production, which resulted in eggs with weak shells prone to breaking. When DDT was banned in 1972, the Osprey population began to rebuild.
Patuxent River Park played a significant role in the growth of the number of Ospreys in the region. Conservationists built man-made nesting towers to support these birds of prey. There are currently 72 nesting towers within the park in the Jug Bay Natural Area. Covering about 2000 acres, Jug Bay Natural Area is considered an “Important Birding Area” by the National Audubon Society.
The Osprey conservation program also promotes stewardship, education, and population monitoring. Each year, banding of approximately 200-250 chicks occurs for tracking purposes. A team of naturalists observe migration patterns and study the Osprey. Amazingly, the birds migrate in the fall as far as Brazil and return yearly to Jug Bay.
Juvenile Osprey
Each spring, female Osprey lay two to three eggs in those nests. You can witness the nurturing of chicks from viewpoints along the Patuxent River. The parents take turns sourcing fish, their primary diet, for their hungry young. You’ll sometimes see decaying fish if you get close enough to a nest.
As the summer progresses, juvenile Ospreys take flight around two months of age when feathers are fully formed. At this point, they are near their adult weight of three to four pounds. Their wingspan may grow to as much as five feet. Ospreys are incredibly strong and can pick up 40-50% of their body weight.
Discover Patuxent River Park
Patuxent River Park offers educational opportunities via guided birding trips and naturalist-led hikes. The Visitors Center contains informational dioramas and projects video from a live Osprey cam. In addition, the park is the gateway to numerous activities and historical sites.
The park and surrounding region support trails of all kinds. The Patuxent Water Trail winds through Jug Bay, offering canoeing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding pathways. Public boat and kayak launches are available within the park, along with weekend kayak and canoe rentals. Patuxent River Park is a great family resource with a pavilion and basic campsite rentals.
Woodland and marsh trails crisscross through the park. Trails range from 0.3 miles to 5.8-mile loops. Along the way, you’ll pass campgrounds, scenic overlooks, and wildlife viewing opportunities. For those who prefer to tour from the comfort of their car, the Critical Area Driving Tour (open on Sundays only) begins in Jug Bay. It travels one-way for 4.3 miles into the Merkle Natural Resources Management Area. Other driving opportunities in the park include the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
Tidewater History
Beyond the Jug Bar Natural Area, visitors can discover the region’s vast history. The Billingsley House represents early Tidewater Colonial plantation-style homes. Four hundred thirty acres were named after Major James Billingsley, who acquired the property in 1662. You can tour the current manor home, built in 1740.
The Mount Calvert Historical and Archeological Park looks back through 8000 years of history. Native American, Euro-American, and African American heritage collide at this property. The 18th and 19th-century tobacco federal-style plantation houses archeological and historical exhibits.
Homes, farm buildings, and museums representing the Patuxent Rural Life Museum reside within the Jug Bay Natural Area. You can explore the W. Henry Duvall Tool Museum, a Blacksmith Shop with a Farrier and Tack Shop, the Tobacco Farming Museum, and the Duckett Log Cabin. The properties are open on weekends from April to October.
Year-Round Exploration
Patuxent River Park is open year-round with seasonal adjustments. The spring brings a flurry of activity. However, the fall migration includes opportunities to spot thousands of Red-winged Blackbirds that feed on the rice seed planted in the marshes. You’ll also see ducks such as Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, Mallards, Northern Pintails, and American Black Ducks in the fall.
While You’re in the Area
Patuxent River Park is located in Prince Georges County near Upper Marlboro and Bowie. Craft brew lovers will enjoy Calvert Brewing Company with its award-winning lagers. For a down-home meal, head to Rip’s Country Inn in Bowie. Or consider taking in a Bowie Baysox baseball game during the season.
Plan your visit: https://www.pgparks.com/parks_trails/patuxent-river-park
Julie Dee Suman is a Maryland-based freelance travel writer and photographer. She has traveled extensively including over 45 countries across 5 continents. In addition to featuring the Mid-Atlantic Region, Julie enjoys destination travel with a focus on nature and wildlife excursions. She is a member of the Travel Writers Café, International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and TravMedia. Julie is also a pharmaceutical scientist and co-editor of Respiratory Drug Delivery. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and trade magazines.
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