Winter 2012 Ayers Creek Adventures Paddler

www.AyersCreekAdventures.com

February 2012

In This Issue

Upcoming Events

April 14 - Maryland Coastal Bays & Town of Ocean City Beach Sweep

Help keep our beaches and coastal bays pristine by participating in the annual clean up. Click the Coastal Bays link for more information and registration.

April 22 - Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

May 4 & 5* - Full Moon Paddle

Departs one hour before sunset

April 26 - 29 - Delmarva Birding Weekend Observe a host of shore birds, songbirds, and raptors. Select from one of our many observation tours including sunrise and sunset paddles.

May 12 & 13 - Mothers Day Paddle

Mom paddles free with at least one child paying full price (tour or rental)

May 26 - Ayers Creek Adventures Spring Open House

Free One Hour Kayak Rentals and Tour Specials

View our full Schedule of Events on our web site and stay tuned for more details. If there are any items of special interest to you, please let us know.

Life on the Creek!

Although this is the winter issue of the Paddler, it seems as if winter will pass us by this year. The mild temperatures have enabled some January paddling right here on Ayers Creek and the surrounding areas. It is a treat to be out on the water this time of year with so many migratory ducks and geese on the move. One of our favorite winter visitors is the bufflehead duck. The bufflehead is very distinctive and easy to spot. The males are striking black and white, with iridescent heads, and a large white patch behind the eye. The females are grey toned and also have a white patch behind the eye. The bufflehead derives its name from the bulbous shape of his head.

The bufflehead is the smallest American diving duck ranging from about 12 - 16 inches long. The bufflehead's small size facilitates their nesting habitat in tree cavities, primarily those excavated by the Northern Flicker woodpecker. Their small body mass also allows them to take flight faster than other diving ducks. The bufflehead flies fast with a rapid wing beat and usually flies close to the water. Buffleheads forage underwater by diving in open shallow waters. They are omnivores and feed mostly on aquatic invertebrates, insects, crustaceans, and plants. They are silent and rarely make noise other than when mating.

Come on by for a paddle or a winter wildlife tour and get a up close look at the bufflehead.

Race for the Cure

We are very excited that the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is coming to Ocean City on Sunday April 22, 2012. This is a fun event for an important cause and is a great way to kick off the spring season at the beach. Registration is now open at Komen MD - sign up as an individual, create a team, or join one of our teams - Cross Fit Ocean City or Historic Berlin. Half price kayaking April 22 - 30 for all race participants who show their race credentials.

Winter Walking Tours for Birding and Photography

Winter wildlife tours will continue through March 31st. Enjoy exclusive access to local hunting blinds for waterfowl observation and photography. We will travel to either a field or creek side blind by foot and/or boat for a unique view of local wildlife. Join us for this one of a kind experience. Full details are available on our website at Winter Birding Tours.

2012 Paddling Season

It is hard to believe we are about to kick off our third season at Ayers Creek Adventures. We continue to work on new tours and adventures in response to your feedback. This year we have added more full moon paddles as well as a moonlight paddle departing after sundown.

Ayers Creek Paddling 2012 If you have paddled Ayers Creek and are looking for other options be sure to inquire about our Trappe Creek tour. This tour explores narrow passageways teaming with wildlife and is sure to present great views of the bald eagles.

We also have some fantastic tours departing from Castaways Campground, including a one of a kind sunrise paddle. The Ocean Pines rentals will be open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays this year and also by appointment.

2012 also promises a host of exciting tours, events and activities here at Ayers Creek. Please check out the 2012 schedule of events on our web site and stay tuned for more details. If there are any items of special interest to you please let us know.

Ready to Paddle

We are open all year by appointment and will begin regular hours on weekends beginning March 3rd and daily beginning May 1st. For an appointment, just give us a call or send an email to schedule your rental or tour. Ocean Pines and Castaways will be open May 26th.

Ayers Creek Videos

We have created a YouTube channel OceanCityKayak to showcase kayak and wildlife videos of Ayers Creek and the surrounding area. Our first video, Bald Eagle Flight Over Trappe Creek, has been posted for your enjoyment. We have also posted links to several other videos on our feed page. Subscribe to the OceanCityKayak channel and keep up to date with all our videos.

Thank you all for your continued support and patronage.

Happy Paddling,

Suzy & Steve Taylor
Ayers Creek Adventures

8628 Grey Fox Lane | Berlin, MD 21811

Phone: 443-513-0889 | 888-602-6288

Email: info@ayerscreekadventures.com