In addition to the previously noted BIG SIT circles within the state, we, up here in Cecil County (pronounced S-eh-Sule County) will once again be hosting our circle at the Turkey Point Lighthouse at the Elk Neck State Park this sunday October 11. This will be this team’s fourth year participating in the BIG SIT event.

We call ourselves the Turkey Points and we have had three very successful years; tallying over 80 species each year and cumulatively reaching the 110 species mark over the same time frame. 

We are lucky to have deciduous forest, meadow, tidal bay (270 degree view of the bay from a 150 foot perch with three counties in view), as well as excellent hawk watching capabilities (the turkey Point Hawk watch is a stone’s throw away).  The variety of habitat and the fact that we are at the southern tip of a North-South peninsula during Autumn migration has no-doubt added to our circle’s success –not to mention the keen eyes and SHARP ears of team member Sean McCandless.

Sean and I plan to get out there around 0330 or so (no later than 0400). Hopefully we will have a return of the Saw-whet Owl which showed up during our inaugural sit!  In years past we have usually called it a day by 1PM or 2PM.

If you didn’t know already we are located at the southern terminus of Route 272 (I95 Exit 100) about 15 miles south of the town of North East in Cecil County. Parking can be tough on a nice weather weekend. Also access to the circle requires one to hike approximately one mile over a graded dirt road.

Looking forward to another successful year!
Chris Starling 
North East, MD
443-553-9969