To add to Matt's and Maurice's responses, it's not in MD, but I want to
mention the annual land-based Avalon NJ Sea Watch, because it could be a
good opportunity for someone just starting.  The Sea Watch takes place
every day from September through December, and it's mostly migrating sea
ducks, also gulls, terns, and jaegers, but enough other species come
through to keep it interesting.  There is an official counter (like at a
hawk watch) and usually a lot of people to help id the birds.  The
highest daily counts are in October and early to mid-November. I've been
there on days when they have counted 70,000 birds per day - always
something to look at to hone your id skills.  You just back your car up
to the sea wall, get out your scope, folding chair, blanket, and hot
chocolate or other beverage, and scan away.

See http://www.njaudubon.org/Research/SeaWatch.html

Marcia Watson
Elkton, MD




-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Gary Allport
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 4:10 PM
To: 
Subject: Advice sought on seawatching in MD


Dear All

Budding seabirder that I am I was wondering anyone might advise on the
best 
place and conditions to sea decent seabirds - e.g. petrels, shearwaters
& 
jaegers - in MD?  Looking at the map and reading the MD Osprey archives
I 
presume that the Ocean City area is best and one would need a stiff
onshore 
(easterly) to stand a chance of seeing anything. Most of the birds seem
to 
be seen in early June so I was thinking of trekking over from DC to the 
OC/Assateague area to give it a go if the weather looked right.

Any advice on exact locations and conditions would be gratefully
received.

Cheers 

Gary Allport


PS and please don't tell me I'm mad to even think about trying such a 
caper - I already know that.