The Friends of Blackwater invite the public to "Everyone is a Friend in December" at the Eagle's Nest Nature Book and Gift Shop, which is located at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center. All items purchased throughout December will be reduced 10% (same discount as our members receive). Enjoy the scenic wonder and beauty of Blackwater Refuge, viewing migratory waterfowl, exploring exhibits at the newly renovated Visitor Center, and finding that one-of-a-kind special nature-themed holiday gift. Our nature store features local crafts, ornaments, jewelry, photography, children's nature items, and an excellent selection of books about Blackwater, the Chesapeake Bay, Harriet Tubman, bald eagles, ospreys, and other wildlife species.

Join Refuge staff and volunteers for the 2016 Mid-Winter Eagle Survey at Blackwater NWR! The eagle count is conducted in two parts: the non-roost count (morning count) takes place from 10:00 -10:30 am, while the roost count (evening count) takes place from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Both counts are conducted from stationary observation sites scattered across the Refuge. Last year the non-roost count produced 207 eagles, and the roost count produced 127 eagles. This year's eagle count is scheduled for Wednesday, January 6, 2016, with a rain date of Thursday, January 7. If you are interested in volunteering, read the announcement (PDF) on the Friends' website for more details.

The Maryland Bird Conservation Initiative, a partnership working to conserve birds and their habitats, is launching a new citizen science monitoring program this December, to document the nesting success and productivity of the Maryland bald eagle population. The bald eagle nesting season in Maryland starts in October, with pair formation and construction of large stick nests in the upper crotch of tall trees. Eggs are usually laid in February, but pairs in southern parts of Maryland occasionally start laying their eggs in January. The clutch of 1-3 eggs usually hatch by mid April, and the nestlings fledge in May-June. For this effort, volunteers will be asked to visit a nest repeatedly between March and July to collect information on nest occupancy and the number of young. Training will be provided but participants will need their own binoculars or spotting scope. Care will be taken to respect private property and to avoid disturbing the nesting eagles. To learn more and to register as an official Eagle Nest Monitor, contact Frode Jacobsen, the MD BCI's Science Coordinator, at mdeaglenests@gmail.com. 

The Friends of Blackwater held their annual meeting in November, and we want to thank all those who came. You can visit the Friends' website to see our current board of directors and to find our 2015 Annual Report as well as information on our volunteer award winners, our scholarship fund, and the benefits of membership in one of the most productive Friends groups in the National Wildlife Refuge System.