While out birding in DC over a month ago, I found a tick crawling up my leg.  In our temperate climate, I think you can get ticks almost any time of year.  From my limited experience and knowledge, I've heard that they are interested in changing hosts in the spring and are out "lurking".

A good tip I read last year that helped minimize the number of ticks on me -- don't lean on trees and don't sit on logs.  I read a scientific journal study that 85% of study participants sitting on logs or leaning on trees picked up ticks after a few minutes.  Since then, I've looked for rocks or bare dirt or spread out a garbage bag when I need to rest on the ground.  Avoid the thick brush when you can.

Denise Ryan
Washington, DC

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Patricia Valdata
Sent: Friday, March 25, 2005 11:06 AM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] ticks are already out and about


While birding north of Elkton yesterday (but still in Maryland!), I picked
up a tick that I didn't notice until this morning.