Investigation of avian disease continues
Wildlife managers in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky are still investigating the cause of sick and dying birds with eye puffiness and crusty discharge and neurological symptoms that have been reported since May. More recently, additional reports have been received from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The majority of the birds affected are reported to be young grackles, blue jays, European starlings and American robins. No definitive cause of the disease has been established. If you come across sick or dead birds, call the DNR / USDA Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497.
Hike with Md.
On July 21st, the Mountain Club of Maryland will take a hike in the Cunningham Falls State Park area. This lollipop hike starts at the Manor Area parking lot and follows the Catoctin Trail south in the park and Frederick Municipal Forest with stops at the White Rock and Mountaindale lookouts. On July 24th, the second of five hikes in the Catoctin Trail Series begins on Hamburg Road and follows the Catoctin Trail north to the Death March Trail, before returning to Hamburg Road on various side paths. To join one of these walks, contact the director, Bill Saunders, under Trailsaunders@gmail.com and visit the club’s website at https://mcomd.org.
