Most of the walk is on a gravel lane on level ground, although the first part is a short uphill section with spectacular views of the water from the top of the cliffs.Īfter parking, walk past the gate onto the gravel lane, which heads south with cliffs overlooking the Northeast River on your right. It is about a one-mile walk to the Point and its historic lighthouse, with good birding all the way. Rangers will turn excess cars away, so be sure to arrive early. The parking lot for Turkey Point, at the southern terminus of MD Route 272, is small, and on weekends fills quickly. Note that it is not permitted to park on the private roads within Chesapeake Isle to walk into the park. The Turkey Point area of Elk Neck State Park (about 278 acres) is separated from the rest of the 2,369-acre state park by a private residential community, known as Chesapeake Isle. Data can be viewed on the Maryland Biodiversity Project’s website, almost in real time during the fall count season, which runs from August 1 through November 15. The project, sponsored in part by the Maryland Ornithological Society, seeks to document fall migrating birds. Although the Turkey Point hawk watch site no longer has official counters, it is still a good place to watch migrating hawks.Īs of fall 2021, the Maryland Biodiversity Project has launched a daily fall bird count that collects data on all birds, not just hawks, at Turkey Point. The Turkey Point area consists primarily of hardwood forest and open meadows located on high bluffs above the rivers and the Bay.įrom 1994 through 2016, volunteers from the Cecil Bird Club staffed the Turkey Point Hawk Watch, and their data can be viewed in the database of the Hawk Migration Association of North America. In addition, Turkey Point is a great place for migrating passerines in both spring and fall and for waterfowl in winter. The rich habitat and strategic location combine to make Turkey Point the #1 eBird hotspot in Cecil County, with over 215 species reported. The Elk Neck peninsula acts as a migrant trap, and is best-known as a hawk watch spot during fall migration. Turkey Point at Elk Neck State Park is located on a peninsula between the North East and Elk Rivers, at the top of the Chesapeake Bay. There are also restrooms at the North East River Day-Use Area the Rogue’s Harbor Boat Launch Area and the campground.īest Seasons: Late summer to late spring.īreeding Bird Atlas Blocks:North East SW, Earleville NW, Earleville CW, Spesutie NE, Spesutie CE ◾ A portable restroom at the lighthouse is available seasonally. Be aware of hunting seasons and plan your visit accordingly. ◾ Public hunting occurs in parts of the park. ◾ There is a picnic bench at the hawk watch area but if you intend to stay all day, you might consider bringing a folding chair. ◾ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are suggested. ◾ Bring a scope for waterfowl in winter or for hawk-watching. Arrive early on weekends to ensure getting a parking spot, or visit on weekdays. Tips: The parking area at Turkey Point fills to capacity on weekends and additional cars will be turned away.
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