Konterra tour invitation

[Marcy Stutzman]

Jay Sheppard is organizing a tour of Konterra for Monday, March 15. The Short-eared Owls will be leaving very soon. If you haven't seen any yet this season somewhere in Maryland, this might be your opportunity. Last evening (3/13) we had 7 that put on quite a show. We also had a FOS Osprey and flyover American Pipits!

Masks required.  If you wish to participate, bring your mask, bins, and scope and meet NLT 5:40 pm at the Konterra gates. The gates will be closed and locked as we start the caravan at 5:50 pm.  DO NOT BE LATE!!  The caravan moves slowly around the fields, stopping periodically to get out and look.  We also check the waterfowl in a couple of ponds.  Sunset is at 7:14 pm, the owls come out around sunset. We will exit about 7:40 pm. Out in the fields it cools down rapidly as the sun sets, so dress accordingly!  Scopes will be useful for looking at waterfowl and distant raptors. Last evening (3/13) we had 3 scopes on one owl sitting in a clump of green grass.

No reservations required. Just show up, line up. and follow the caravan as we wind through the fields. There can be any number of people in your vehicle.

Directions:  See map attached. The main gate is at the intersection of Van Dusen Road and Konterra Drive in Laurel, south of the Laurel Medical Center and east of I-95.  There is a traffic light there. The gate is on the south side of the intersection. Please allow for traffic and be on time. There is a Royal Farms across Konterra Drive with facilities, if needed, before you enter Konterra.

eBird Hotspot Konterra Drive fields and ponds (private property, restricted access): https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3228196

See you Monday evening!

Marcy Stutzman

Russett, MD 20724

[Anir Bhat]

Thanks a lot for this invite and the map. I have been birding for years in MD & PA but never seen a short eared owl before.

This would a be great opportunity.

Anir Bhat

[Anir Bhat]

Just came from this amazing tour (3/15). There were about 50 cars. The tour was well organized. We was Saw about 7 short-eared owls, couple of larks and several harriers. Owls started flying well before sunset in broad daylight. It was quite a show. Many thanks to Jay for arranging this.