MBP Turkey Point Bird Count (2022) - Maryland Biodiversity Project

MBP and our partners are excited about the second year of the Turkey Point Bird Count

For the first time ever, there will be concurrent morning flight counts on the Atlantic coastal plain (Cape May, New Jersey), at Turkey Point at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, and in the Appalachian region at Dans Rock in Allegany County. (That's right, Maryland has two fall bird counts in 2022!)

Last year's count yielded invaluable data that is loaded with insights about East Coast migration. With each successive year of these counts, the value will compound and teach us more about bird migration, bird populations, and how birds respond to all the dynamic variables that affect them along the way. Birds are arguably our clearest window into ecosystem health. We are excited to continue increasing our understanding of their amazing migrations.

Turkey Point is the southernmost point of the Elk Neck Peninsula in Cecil County, Maryland, and a natural gathering point for southbound migrating birds. The Turkey Point Bird Count will document fall bird migration here from August 1st through November 30th.

Please welcome our lead counter for the 2022 season, Jonathan Irons!

If you would like to support this effort, please donate via the link above. You can monitor updates via Trektellen and eBird as well as via the MBP special projects blog and on social media (MBP on Facebook and Instagram).

Meet the Counter

◆ Jonathan Irons

Jonathan grew up birding the Delmarva Peninsula, mainly Queen Anne's County, where he calls home. He has acquired noteworthy expertise in birds and their migrations through countless days in the field. Most mornings in spring and fall, Jonathan counts and learns about the birds that pass through the migration corridors up and down the Eastern Shore of Maryland. His interest in birding and conservation ignited when he joined the Youth Maryland Ornithological Society in 2012. This organization has shaped his love and knowledge of birds like no other. Aside from birds, Jonathan is also intrigued by salamanders, butterflies, dragonflies, and the natural history of the Eastern Shore.

Jonathan is thrilled to be conducting the second year of the Turkey Point morning flight count for Maryland Biodiversity Project and is looking forward to what this fall will bring. He is equally excited for the future of MBP and the amazing work they are doing across Maryland.

Read more about the Count on the MBP blog page.