Mark’s Score 8.5
I have been a hiker my entire life. Growing up in New England, hiking meant walking the trails of the Green and White Mountains. But as I have grown older, I have come to appreciate the ease and beauty of Delmarva’s wetlands. You will not find the majesty of souring mountains here on the Delmarva, but the sweeping horizons of our tidal marshes have a majesty all their own. I find our marshlands awe inspiring. I took advantage of the improved weather this week to take a hike in the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area.
The Deal Island Wildlife Management Area comprises 13,500 acres (5,460 hectares) of protected wetlands. The area has a dual mission, to conserve wildlife populations and habitats, and to provide public recreational access, specifically hunting, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. The management area contains tidal salt marshes, creeks, bays, and forested wetlands. Because the wetlands are located in the center of the Atlantic Flyway, Deal Island is a biodiversity hotspot with over 220 recorded species of birds. In fact, it is one of Maryland’s most important feeding and resting areas for migratory birds, due to the abundance of aquatic plants and shallow protected waters. This is a nature preserve, not a park, so there are not many recreational facilities. But there are some boat ramps, a number of hiking and biking trails, and it is popular for waterfowl hunting.
It was one of the first warm days of spring, so I figured it would be a perfect day for a hike on Deal Island to do a bit of birdwatching. I picked up a sandwich at Lighthouse Market and made my way to Deal Island.
Just a short distance beyond the St Stephen United Methodist Church I turned left off Deal Island Road onto Game Reserve Rd. I drove down to the spill way and parked my car. Game Reserve Road winds through some of the most beautiful marshland in the area. With the water still cold and the day warm, I was certain I would see birds riding thermals.
I did see some vultures, and there were a number of hawks riding the thermals. But disappointingly the marshes were devoid of birds on this day. I did see a bald eagle in the far distance, and there were a couple of ducks that were too far away to identify. But my plans to bird watch were a bust. But it didn’t really matter. The sun was warm and there was a slight briny breeze blowing off the marsh. There is something about the smell of salt air that just fills me with a feeling of well-being.
Birds or no, the combination of bright sun, salty air, and marshes spreading to the endless horizon made for an enjoyable hike, and reminded me how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful landscape, and best of all walking, in the marshes is soul lifting and it doesn’t cost a dime.
What else is there to do in Princess Anne?
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