Grab Your Binoculars: Free Spring Bird Walks Return To Piscataway Sanctuary

ACCOKEEK, Md. — The Southern Maryland Audubon Society, in partnership with the Maryland Ornithological Society and its Patuxent Bird Club, is inviting the public to take part in a pair of free guided bird walks this May at the Piscataway Park MOS Sanctuary.

The walks will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, and Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the sanctuary, located at 14300 Hardy Tavern Drive in Accokeek.

Led by experienced bird guides, the walks are designed for all ages and experience levels, including beginners interested in learning how to identify birds and better understand migration patterns during the peak spring season.

The Piscataway MOS Sanctuary is an 82-acre protected natural area in southwestern Prince George’s County, managed by the Maryland Ornithological Society. Located within the Piscataway Creek watershed, the sanctuary features wooded trails, streams and diverse habitats that have supported more than 100 recorded bird species. Known as a prime spot for spring and fall migration, the site offers a peaceful setting for both beginner and experienced birders, with an approximately 1.4-mile out-and-back trail accessible from Hardy Tavern Drive.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. Families are encouraged to participate, and a limited number of binoculars may be available upon request.

Participants are asked to come prepared for outdoor conditions. Organizers recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes or boots suitable for standing and walking for up to an hour, water, and bug protection such as long sleeves, pants or insect spray. Those who would like to borrow binoculars are encouraged to request them during registration.

The Piscataway sanctuary, part of the larger Piscataway Park along the Potomac River, offers a mix of wetlands, forests and open fields that attract a wide variety of bird species throughout the year. Spring migration season is considered one of the best times for birdwatching in Southern Maryland.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance at https://forms.gle/dJjN27Mr1vC9WEMN7. For additional information or questions, contact piscatawaysanctuary@gmail.com.

More birding events and programs can be found on the Southern Maryland Audubon Society events calendar at www.somdaudubon.org/events/.