Birding - Somerset County, Maryland

Somerset County Wildlife Management Areas

Cedar Island Wildlife Management Area
Because of its nearly 3,000 acres of tidal marsh, ponds and creeks, black ducks flock to the island located in Tangier Sound nearthe town of Crisfield. Other tidal wetland wildlife species are also attracted to the area, but its attraction for black ducks islegendary. In the 1960s, wildlife biologists became concerned about the black duck, which seemed to be declining in numbers. Loss of habitat was thought to be the primary cause. Today, black duck populations are on the mend and Cedar Island WMA is one of Maryland's best winter habitats for these beautiful birds.

Deal Island Wildlife Management Area
Expanses of tidal marsh, frequently broken by open water, characterize most of the habitat of this WMA. The 13,000 acre property also contains forested wetlands and a 2,800-acre man-made pond or "impoundment." The water insects and crustaceans, as well as the abundance of wigeongrass, horned pondweed and other favorite waterfowl foods makes Deal Island one of the best places in Maryland to watch, photograph and hunt ducks and geese.

Fairmount Wildlife Management Area
Typical of river habitat on the Chesapeake Bay, Fairmount WMA's 4,000 acres are mostly marshlands. It is located between the Manokin and Annemessex Rivers in Somerset County. Forested wetlands occupy a small portion of the area. Two man-made ponds, or "impoundments," have been created. This habitat, as well as the lush wetland plants, including wigeongrass, horned pondweed and saltmarsh bulrush and a dense population of invertebrates make Fairmount attractive to many species of waterfowl.

Pocomoke Sound Wildlife Management Area
Similar to the nearby Cedar Island WMA, Pocomoke Sound is mostly tidal marsh with a few acres of forest. This habitat is excellent for ducks, wading birds and shorebirds. Pocomoke Sound's 900 acres offer outdoor sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts many opportunities to enjoy the animals native to this unique habitat.

South Marsh Island Wildlife Management Area
On South Marsh Island, the emphasis is on "marsh." This 3,000 acre island, located within the Chesapeake Bay, is entirely comprised of marshlands, punctuated by ponds and creeks. The marsh was once a convenient hiding place for "picaroons," or pirates, who harassed unprotected American ships during the Revolutionary War. In Kedges Strait, south of the island, the Maryland Navy once engaged the picaroons in a definitive battle. Today, the marshes are home to a multitude of waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.

Wellington Wildlife Management Area
Predominantly forest, the 400 acre Wellington WMA is located in eastern Somerset County. Wellington WMA has one of the largest forested tracts found on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Delmarva Birding Weekend
The Delmarva region possesses an extensive variety of environments including barrier islands, coastal bays, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. More bird sightings have been recorded here than in any other region of the state. The weekend combines boat trips, canoe treks and expeditions by foot. While you participate in the activities, you will be helping birds by promoting bird and habitat conservation.