I light of Tick Season, I thought it would be prudent to post this exchange.
 
Tom Marko
Olney, MD
EMAIL:  

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From: Marko, Thomas L. GS BUMED
Sent: Fri 30-May-08 11:25 AM
To: 
Subject: Blue Mash Trail

Bob -
 
Blue Mash has always been a tick haven.  I personally haven't experienced ticks to the degree that you encountered them during your recent family foray to Blue Mash.  Perhaps the cool, wet spring weather combined with the more recent warmer temperatures have brought then out en masse.  Blue Mash also supports a healthy population of deer, a host species for ticks. 
 
In the warmer months, I always stay on the mowed paths and avoid overhangs and bushes.  Furthermore, I wear long pants and tuck the bottoms into my socks to create a barrier. I then spray my footwear with Deet or some other anti-tick repellent.  Be careful with Deet because it will eat into plastic.  The crystal on one of my watches bears witness to that effect.  After birding, check yourself thoroughly for any ticks that may have gotten past security and violated one's more moist body regions.
The biggest draw of Bue Mash is the varied habitat, which offers many birding opportunities.  Over 200 species have been recorded to date.  Highlights included Tundra Swan, Northern Harrier, American Bittern, Wild Turkey, Short-eared and Long-eared Owls, displaying American Woodcock, Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat and 19 waterfowl species.  Winter months are especially productive for sparrows.  Additionally, mammals such as bats, beaver, chipmunk, deer, fox, mink, mouse, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, vole, and woodchuck populate the landscape.  Reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and wildflowers further enhance the natural diversity of Blue Mash.

- Tom 

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From:  [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wed 28-May-08 10:56 AM
To: Marko, Thomas L. GS BUMED
Subject: Blue mash trail

Hi Thomas:

 I was over at the Blue Mash trail on Monday from about 9:30 to 11.  I
liked the trails and the birds - it was my first time over there -  but
couldn't believe the ticks.  My family - wife and two kids were
absolutely covered in ticks from head to toe.  have you experienced that
as well over there?  And if so, how do you overcome it?  Just use tons
of bug spray?  The place seems to have great potential given it's layout
(water) and vegetative growth - shrub and young tree growth.   I've seen
your records of birds over there for the last few months.  What would
you say are the place's biggest draws so far?  Thanks, Bob.

PS I'm a Mont. Bird Club member living over in Potomac, MD.

Bob Cantilli
Office of Science and Technology/OW
MC 4304T
1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20460
202-566-1091
202-566-1140 FAX