Fiona’s ripple effect on Ocean City

Anne
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Fiona’s ripple effect on Ocean City

As it heads north to Canada this weekend, Hurricane Fiona is far enough off Ocean City’s coast  to prevent us feeling the full power of its force, but step onto the beach and its effects are very obvious when you look at the ocean. The waves were impressive today, and will continue to look that way all weekend, and while our thoughts are with the east coast of Canada this weekend, here in Ocean City there is a show to be seen. So if you are in town, head out to the beach and enjoy it from a safe distance.  Here are some photos taken today showing the beauty and the strength of the waves in Ocean City Md.

Surf Advisory in Ocean City, 9/22-9/23

Ann
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Surf Advisory in Ocean City, 9/22-9/23

The National Weather Service has issued a surf advisory for September 22 and 23 for the Maryland beaches.  Read the entire alert here.

Event: High Surf Advisory
Alert: 
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 8 PM EDT 
FRIDAY... 
 
* WHAT...Large breaking waves of 6 to 9 feet expected in the 
surf zone. 
 
* WHERE...In Maryland, the Maryland Beaches. In North Carolina, 
Eastern Currituck County including the northern Outer Banks. 
In Virginia, Virginia Beach, and Accomack and Northampton 
Counties. 
 
* WHEN...From 6 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. 
 
* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and 
localized beach erosion. 
Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour. 
OCEAN CITY INLET MD 
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 4.0 FT, MODERATE 5.0 FT, MAJOR 6.0 FT 
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.5 FT, MODERATE 2.5 FT, MAJOR 3.5 FT

Ocean City Encouraging Oceans Calling Festival Participants to Have A Plan 

Ann
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Ocean City Encouraging Oceans Calling Festival Participants to Have A Plan 

Walk, Bike or Use Public Transportation During Oceans Calling Festival

Ocean City, Maryland – (September 21, 2022): The Town of Ocean City is excited to welcome the first ever Oceans Calling Festival to Ocean City, MD, starting Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 2. Residents and visitors should expect alternate traffic patterns, heavy pedestrian traffic, and vehicle traffic delays. Limited parking and congestion are expected in the downtown area from the Route 50 Bridge to 33rd Street at various times (predictably from 11 a.m. through midnight).

For Concertgoers Going to the Event, Here’s What You Need to Know:

Expect Alternate Traffic Patterns: The following alternate traffic patterns should be expected between 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. on Friday, September 30, Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2nd:

  • The area south of the Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge (Rt 50 Bridge) will be closed to non-event vehicular traffic from approximately 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. each evening. The south turn lane off of US Rt. 50 onto southbound Philadelphia Ave will be restricted to emergency and mass transit vehicles only.
  • Vehicular traffic south on Philadelphia Ave will be diverted onto N. Division St and then north on Baltimore Ave.
  • A traffic pattern will be established to direct all southbound traffic on St. Louis Ave to 2nd Street towards Philadelphia Ave.
  • Northbound traffic on Baltimore Ave (between S. Division St to Talbot) will be reduced to one lane. The middle lane will be utilized to stage mass transit vehicles and the easternmost lane will be designated for pedestrian use only.

Vehicle Parking: Please remember that parking is limited in the downtown area. If you are driving from out of Ocean City limits, parking is strongly recommended at the West Ocean City Park & Ride. Keep in mind, parking at the municipal parking lots is available on a first come, first served basis. Additional parking is available at the Ocean City Convention Center Parking Lot and the 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot. The 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot is not free. Click here to learn more about Ocean City, MD, public parking options and parking fees. Also, there are several privately owned parking lots throughout the city. Attendees using those lots are subject to their private parking fees.

Use the Ocean City Beach Bus: Public Transportation is available on Ocean City’s municipal buses that travel along Coastal Highway. Whether you’re parked at your hotel/accommodation or at a municipal parking lot (the West Ocean City Park & Ride, the Ocean City Convention Center Parking Lot and the 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot) you can Ride-All-Day for only $3. The Ride-All-Day pass allows you to ride from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. and travel from the South Division Street Transit Center to the North End Transit Center (144th Street & Coastal Highway). You can also track your bus in real time with Ocean City’s bus locator app. Remember exact cash fare is required.

When leaving the Festival in the evening, concertgoers can walk to Baltimore Avenue. Patrons traveling north can catch a northbound bus. Northbound buses will be staged on Baltimore Avenue between Worcester Street and Talbot Street. Patrons traveling west to the West Ocean City Park and Ride can take a bus from the South End Transit Station (South Division Street) directly to the West Ocean City Park and Ride Lot on Route 50.

Concertgoers should anticipate bus demand after the event to be extremely high.
This will result in limited availability and delays for those leaving the event.

Walk/Bike: Walking and/or Biking is strongly encouraged as parking is limited downtown. The walk from the North End of the Boardwalk (27th Street) to the Inlet Parking Lot is approximately a 2.3 mile walk, taking around 45 minutes. Please remember to Walk Smart, use crosswalks, and wait for the pedestrian signal. Bike Parking will be available just north of North Division Street on/near the Beach/Boardwalk.

 

Approximate Walking/Biking Times

From 10th St, 15 min walk, or 5 min bike ride

From 20th St, 30 min walk, or 8 min bike ride

From 30th St, 45 min walk, or 10 min bike ride

From 40th St, 55 min walk, or 13 min bike ride

 

Taxi, Uber, Lift and General Drop Off: The official passenger drop-off and pick-up location for Oceans Calling are located at 300 St. Louis Avenue. The walk from the ballfield to the festival grounds is approximately 5-10 minutes. Please keep in mind that ride share demand will be very high after the concert with a limited number of drivers. Consider leaving early or taking a stroll along the boardwalk until the rush is over. Also remember, areas south of N. Division Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, so ride share, taxi, and friends won’t be able to pick you up near the venue. It will be best to walk north to 3rd St, then west toward the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

ADA: All Town of Ocean City municipal buses are ADA accessible. In addition, ADA parking is available at all municipal parking lots, including the West Ocean City Park & Ride and the Convention Center. Keep in mind, parking at the municipal parking lots is available on a first come, first served basis. Further, ADA drop off and pick up is available at 1 N. Division St (east of S. Baltimore Ave.)

Water Taxi: The OC Bay Hopper will offer dedicated trips for concert goers from three locations (118th Street, Ocean Pines Yacht Club and Pier 23).  Their service will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. until 11:40 p.m..  Reservations are required and can be made by visiting https://ocbayhopper.com/oceanscalling/.

Finally, Ocean City Police and Public Safety personnel will be assigned throughout the area to assist patrons and traffic control conditions. Visitors attending the concert should remember the follow tips before attending the three-day festival:

Have a Plan:  There will be lots of excitement in the air during the three-day music festival but don’t forget to have a plan.

  • Plan for a reunification center in case you and the individual(s) you came with get separated.
  • Plan for a sober ride home. Don’t drink and drive.
  • Plan for your ride home. Pack your patience when leaving the event. Transportation will be limited and delays are expected. Know what transportation method you would like to use and have a back-up option.
  • Have Fun! Enjoy a great stay in Ocean City, MD!

 

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Note: The Boardwalk Trams will not run during Oceans Calling.

A Visit to Assateague on a September Evening

Ann
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A Visit to Assateague on a September Evening

Fall is my favorite season in Ocean City, MD and Assateague is my favorite place to visit.  We are experiencing an Indian summer so the temperatures are in the 80s during the day with 50s at night.  The ocean is still warm so swimmers and beach revelers are enjoying the beach, but the droves of visitors are gone.  Surfers love the corduroy waves generated by the storms headed north off-shore.  They just hope that the winds cooperate to keep the waves clean and long.

I took some pictures of my favorite outing – horses walked on the beach with the kids and families.  Couples were sitting around campfires because the evening chill in the air brings that romance back.  Parking is easy.  The mosquitoes are terrible, but you can outrun them to reach the beach where the bugs are gone and just the birds and ocean will distract you.

The sun set while we were on the beach and we, along with the ponies, headed back to the parking lot.  We stopped to take a few pictures of nature’s light show on the bay before we drove back over the bridge.

Enjoy the photos.

This is your grand entrance to the beach on Assateague from the national park.
Asssateague is a great place to take pictures at sunset.
Just south of the entrance, the ponies were mingling with other beach goers to enjoy the end of the day.
Walking north as the sun goes down.
Even the ponies love the beach!
One outlier surveys the ocean with his little friends.
The colors just keep getting better on the beach at Assateague.
A child was clearly running on the beach.
The detritus of a day’s play.
The sun is setting behind the dunes on Assateague.
Even the ponies leave the beach as the sun goes down.
And the sun is gone.
The colors stay beautiful as we head back to the car.
The bump out is a great place to get out of the way and contemplate your day.
The last of the light reflected on the bay.
Nature’s light show at the end of the day as you leave the island.

The 3 Best Bookstores In Ocean City, MD

Alexa Cohen
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The 3 Best Bookstores In Ocean City, MD

In this day and age, so many people read electronically, that the good, old-fashioned book stores are becoming a thing of the past.  What is a beach vacation without a beach read, however?  Here in Ocean City, you can still find a bookstore if you are wanting that feet in the sand, book in your hand relaxation.  Here is my list of the best bookstores in the Ocean City area.

1. Down Under Books

Down Under Books is a bit of a hidden gem but a local favorite. It is tucked beneath the Lankford Hotel, right on the Ocean City Boardwalk. This store carries a large and dynamic collection of new and used books. It’s the perfect place to browse for an inexpensive find. 

2. The Buzzed Word

The Buzzed Word in Ocean City, MD
The interior of the Buzzed Word in Ocean City, MD

The Buzzed Word is a unique combination book and wine store founded by Ocean-city native Mickie Meinhardt. The store features a wide selection of books as well as a wine bar. There are plenty of events (look out for the October Wine Fest), so be sure to check it out when you’re in town! 

Open daily at 11am

3. The Greyhound – An Indie Bookstore

 

Next up is a sweet combination bookstore and fine art gallery in historic Berlin, Maryland. We added Berlin, because it is only 6 miles from Ocean City and is worth a stop, whether for browsing books, grabbing a beer at Burley Oak, or sampling some of the restaurant offerings.  The store is housed within the Ayers Building, which has been passed down to successive generations since 1895 to owner Susan Ayers Winbrow today. Stop in for an author signing, to meet local artists and authors, or to pick up your next favorite read. It just may be sitting among these shelves of indie and bestselling books. 

Open daily 11am – 4pm

Bonus round!: Ocean City Worcester County Library

Ocean City Library

When in doubt, there is always the local library. A broad variety of literary and digital resources abound, along with plenty of events such as knitting groups, trivia Thursday, and kid’s book tastings on Saturdays. You can also pick up curated book club kits, participate in reading challenges, or schedule books by mail. Out-of-towners can get a library card for $10 a year, while residents can borrow for free. 

 

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10 am – 6:00 pm

Tuesday – 10 am – 7:00 pm

Friday – 9 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday – 10 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday – Closed

 

Sand Castle Home Tour is Back In-Person Sept 29 – 30th, 2022

Anne
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Sand Castle Home Tour is Back In-Person Sept 29 – 30th, 2022

SAND CASTLE HOME TOUR IS BACK IN-PERSON SEPT. 29-30, 2022 TO BENEFIT THE ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

OCEAN CITY, MD — Sept. 19, 2022 — Tickets are now on sale for the 18th Annual Sand Castle Home Tour, an annual fundraiser for the Art League of Ocean City. The tour raised the seed money to construct the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St., and now supports keeping the nonprofit Center free and open to all.

North Ocean City

The tour returns in-person in 2022 with seven exceptional homes open for tours on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 29-30 from 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Guests tour at their own pace. The tour features three homes in north Ocean City, plus homes in West Ocean City, Berlin, Glen Riddle and Ocean Pines.

A companion 10-home virtual tour presents the seven homes on the in-person tour plus three additional online-only homes. The virtual tour is available from Sept. 29 through Oct. 31, 2022 on the tour’s website and includes a variety of homes from oceanfront to bayside to family residences and condos.

Combo tickets for both the in-person and virtual tours are $50 per person. Tickets to the virtual-only tour are $35. Both are available at SandCastleHomeTour.com or by calling 410-524-9433.

West Ocean City

“We’re excited to be back in person in 2022 after going all-virtual during the pandemic. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the 18th year of the Sand Castle Home Tour, the event that provided much of the funding to enable us to open the beautiful Ocean City Center for the Arts,” Rina Thaler, Executive Director of the Art League, said. “Now, the annual Home Tour helps us keep our doors open and our educational programs going.”

Volunteer docents staff each home, guide visitors through the rooms and outdoor spaces, and answer questions about the house and its unique features.  Those taking the tour will be inspired with unique decorating ideas, color schemes, and different styles of living. Local businesses — architects, builders, home decorators, artists, florists, remodelers, landscapers — have the opportunity to show off their talents and showcase their products, and tour takers have the opportunity to hear directly from the homeowners and contractors who were involved in each home.

Ocean Pines

The Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th Street is the home of the Art League of Ocean City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. More information is available at 410-524-9433 or artleagueofoceancity.org.

 

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Ocean City from Above

Anne
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Ocean City from Above

We all love our town, but it’s only when we see it from above do we realize how magnificent our little strip of sand is. With water surrounding three sides of this peninsula, it manages to support hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, providing accommodation, restaurants and lots of fun things to do. There’s even a few people who live and work here year round, and get to call it home. Here are some fabulous photos showing just how amazing Ocean City Md is! 

Looking towards the Ocean City fishing pier
A wide expanse of beach
The Ocean City Boardwalk
Looking West towards Rt 50
Ocean City from above
Looking north up the beach
A late summer beach 
The ocean from above
The Pier and Inlet Parking Lot
Looking west towards West Ocean City
Caroline Street Stage and the Boardwalk Arch
Looking towards the Isle of Wight Bay
Take a look at this beach!
Our beautiful beach
A quiet beach
From the Inlet Parking Lot towards Assateague Island
The southern tip of Ocean City
A water tower!
Part of our ten mile long beach
North Division Street and Caroline Street
The Caroline Street Stage

Top 5 Places to Watch Football in Ocean City, Maryland

Katie Ruskey
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Top 5 Places to Watch Football in Ocean City, Maryland

Football is back down the beach! Here is a list of the top places to grab a bite, a beer, and cheer on your favorite team.

 

  1. Alley Oops- 56th Street, 131st Street

M-Th- $3 Millers Lite, $2.50 Budweiser, $2.50 Bud Light, $1.50 Natural Light

Sunday Red Zone Specials 20% off food at the bar and tables, NFL Drink Specials https://midtown.alleyoopsoc.com/specials/

 

2. Greene Turtle West OC

Tailgate Menu featuring sliders, pretzels, food baskets

$5 Bloody Marys

$5.25 Stella, Dogfish Head, Blue Moon

$13.99 Bud Light Buckets with a Coozie

3. Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon- 28th Street

 

$8 Crushes, $12 Shore Food Menu https://buxys.com/specials/ 

A Steelers fan favorite!

 

4. Pickles Pub- 7th Street

 

Happy Hour prices https://picklesoc.com/ocean-city-specials/ 

Pickles Pub

5. Taphouse- 4th on the Boardwalk, 45th Street, 134th Street

 

Happy Hour all day

Football Menu featuring flatbreads, sliders, cheesy pub chips

$1 wings https://octaphouses.com/

September is Still Summer in Ocean City, Maryland

Katie Ruskey
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September is Still Summer in Ocean City, Maryland

It’s the time of year that the age-old question comes about. “Is September still Summer?” Well if you go to Ocean City, Maryland, the answer is a unanimous “yes!” Here’s why.

 

The Beach

Liz Sansom – My favorite OC pic i took. Hanging on my wall! Beach st 112th.

With the weather averaging between mid 70’s and upper 80’s, the beach is the perfect place to be in September. The vacationing crowds have died down. The blistering sun and unbearable heat that graces us with its presence is long gone. Digging your feet into the warm sand keeps you nice and toasty but the slight breeze from the Atlantic dances through the air carrying in a crisp coolness. Some of the best beach days come in September. For live webcams visit https://www.oceancity.com/webcams/ 

 

Tournament Fishing

Kimberly Sue Valeri – First deep sea charter fishing trip. Had a blast and helped reel in these fish

The excitement of The White Marlin Open has come and gone, but there are still fish out there to catch! Beginning in September several tournaments continue Ocean City’s fishing traditions. From the Labor Day White Marlin Tournament, Ocean City Fishing Center’s Spot Tournament, to the Bahia Marina’s Flounder Pounder, fish are in abundance. It doesn’t stop in September either! The Ocean City Inshore Classic and Bishop Broadbill Bash continue into the month of October. For more information on local fishing tournaments or how to get involved, check out https://fishinoc.com/tournaments/tournament-calendar/ 

 

Outdoor Seating RestaurantsOcean City Restaurant on the Beach

Now that the mid summer heat has subsided, a table for two outside seems way more enjoyable. Restaurants such as Macky’s Bayside Bar and Grill, Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar, Harpoon Hanna’s, and Angler Restaurant all show off the beautiful Assawoman Bay scenery and a sunset that is to die for. For more recommendations on outdoor restaurants, check out this year’s Best Of Ocean City to see this year’s winners.  https://www.oceancity.com/winners-announced-in-the-11th-annual-best-of-ocean-city-contest-hosted-by-oceancity-com/ 

 

Fishing Charters

You don’t need to be a top notch fisherman to catch some large fish in Ocean City. Leave it to the charter captains to lead you to the fish. Ocean City hosts hundreds of charter fishing opportunities out of several marinas from downtown Ocean City to West OC. One popular one is All In Fishing Charters out of White Marlin Marina in downtown OC. Check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/allinfishingcharters/ 

 

Golfing

I’m not talking about putt-putt here. I mean a good 18 hole course at Eagle’s Landing in West Ocean City. With gorgeous views of Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague Island, you won’t find a more beautiful place to take in a day on the green. To book a tee time, visit https://www.eagleslandinggolf.com/?https://www.eagleslandinggolf.com/&gclid=CjwKCAjw4JWZBhApEiwAtJUN0DRNGNq4aAIM6xESKDh9GU8IuQo7NesloK_zL7iaPiCpxUoFoDmDjxoCbPgQAvD_BwE

 

Watersports

Winner of the best jet skiing in Ocean City goes to Odyssea Watersports located at 5003 Coastal Highway. With the water temperature still warm, in the mid 70’s, a ride on Odyessea’s jet skis sounds like a perfect addition to your September stay. If a jet ski isn’t your thing, rent a brand new pontoon boat, or a tandem kayak to enjoy the day with family and friends. To find your rental visit https://odysseawatersports.com/ 

Fore more information about September activities in Ocean City, visit https://www.oceancity.com/things-to-do/

A mid September walk along the Boardwalk

Anne
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A mid September walk along the Boardwalk

We will let the pictures speak for themselves, but suffice to say a walk along the Boardwalk in September is about as pleasurable as it comes. The crowds are gone, but the weather is still fine, and the scenery is beautiful, as always. Whether you walk the whole Boardwalk, or just a block or two, it clears the mind, refreshes the soul, and gives you that all around feel good feeling! If you can’t make it in person, take a look at these photos and make believe you are there.

Top Coffee Spots on the Boardwalk

Katie Ruskey
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Top Coffee Spots on the Boardwalk

Sweater weather is upon us and nothing compliments a relaxing walk on the boardwalk than that perfect cup of coffee. Whether you favor a seasonal flavor or a classic cup of plain old joe, there’s something for everyone. Here are some top spots on the boardwalk to grab that cup of coffee.

 

Java Beach Cafe

Java Beach cafe is located at The Grand Hotel.

Location: 2100 Baltimore Ave (The Grand Hotel and the Boardwalk- between 22nd and 23rd St.)

This tiki inspired café serves up coffee for everyone’s taste buds. From mocha mint, to Butterfinger- Irish cream and red velvet cake, special order a latte or frappe to fit your personality.

Java Beach Cafe
Java Beach Cafe
A great selfie spot at Java Beach Cafe.

 

Quickies Mini Donuts

Quickies Mini Donuts

Location: 1109 N Atlantic Ave 

Come in for the cinnamon sugar mini donuts, but don’t forget to compliment them with a cup of hot cup of flavored coffee. Quickies offers seasonal flavors such as hazelnut and pumpkin, in addition to vanilla and caramel.

Quickies coffee and donuts menu.
Quickies coffee spot.

 

Crepe Daddy

Crepe Daddy

Location: 1101 Atlantic Ave Store B (11th St. and the Boardwalk)

Compliment your breakfast crepe with something off of their espresso bar menu. A latte, americano, or a caramel macchiato goes perfectly with a sweet breakfast crepe. Perhaps try a different flavor of coffee such as white chocolate, lavender, or raspberry! Or go wild with their Affogato-  two shots of espresso over vanilla ice cream!

Order a special blend to fit your mood.
Try a flavored coffee.
Crepe Daddy
Crepe Daddy coffee stained art.

 

Shotti’s Point Café

Shotti’s on the boardwalk

Location: 611 Atlantic Avenue (6th St. and the Boardwalk)

For a quick pick me up, stop by Shotti’s Point Cafe for Costarican Volcanic blend or a coconut caramel latte.

Hot and iced coffee

 

A Latte Enjoy

A Latte Enjoy café front

Location: 109 N Atlantic Ave (The Plim Plaza Hotel and the Boardwalk)

Enjoy a cup of Swell Joe coffee, locally roasted in Lewes, Delaware, right on the front porch of The Plim Plaza Hotel. This outdoor covered café serves great coffee but an even better view.

A Latte Enjoy

 

Talbot Street Café

Talbot Street Cafe

Location: 3 Talbot Street (Just off the Boardwalk at Fishers Popcorn)

Located just off the boardwalk, Talbot Street Café serves up tasty espressos, iced chai lattes, and Ghirardelli frozen hot chocolate! And you might as well make a stop at Fishers Popcorn to go along with it.

Handcrafted coffee at Talbot Street Café

Bon Voyage to the Terns!

Ann
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Bon Voyage to the Terns!

This missive is from Archer Lamed, the newest staff member at the Maryland Coastal Bays program.  She monitors the nesting coastal waterbirds and is here writing a final update on their coastal birding program.  She talks about the Common Tern, visible inhabitants of our coastal bays who wheel and dive for fish in the waters around Ocean City.  We like to think of them as the fighter pilots of the bird world!  The photos are by Kim Abplanalp.  You can read about Archer’s program on the Maryland DNR site.

Common Tern in the Maryland Coastal Bays
Photo by Kim Abplanalp

Update on a Successful Year from Archer Lamed

Hello all,

This will be one of the final updates this year, and what a successful year it was! We ended the season with 155 Common Tern nests, a total of 181 chicks banded, 91 adults banded, and at least 140 fledglings. Plus 1 American Oystercatcher nest with 1 fledgling. That’s at least 140 new Common Terns added to the population, which for a bird with a declining population is a very nice boost! 

The raft is slated to be pulled out of the water in about a week to be safely stored for the winter. The last of the tern chicks have successfully fledged and migration is just around the corner. We visited the raft last week and noticed a number of young Common Terns sitting on the side of the raft, but not a single one was banded! Just like how our fledglings that already left the raft show up on Assateague, fledglings from other colonies move around and some have found our raft. We still have some of our terns using the raft as well as the visitors.

The Common Terns from the raft, as from any Common Tern colony along the Atlantic coast, form large flocks at staging sites after they are done nesting, or earlier if their nests weren’t successful. From these staging sites they will take off out over the Atlantic Ocean and make their way down south to the Caribbean and some will continue on to South America. They most likely make several stopovers before reaching their final destination in October and November, where they will spend the winter sunning themselves on a beach before flocking up once again and heading back up north in April. And hopefully back to the raft!

During the course of the breeding season Kim has taken lots of beautiful photographs to help document the activity on the raft. While Common Terns are graceful birds, she ended up with quite a few rather humorous shots, which I thought we should end the season with. A bit like the blooper reel at the end of a good film. Enjoy!

Photo by Kim Abplanalp
Photo by Kim Abplanalp
Photo by Kim Abplanalp
Photo by Kim Abplanalp
Photos by Kim Abplanalp

And we end with an endearing photo of siblings. 

Photo by Kim Abplanalp

Have a wonderful fall and winter everyone!

Archer

 

More About Archer Lamed (from the MCBP Facebook page):

Archer Lamed is the newest member of the MD Coastal Bays team.

“As the Coastal Bird Habitat Coordinator, Archer is responsible for monitoring nesting coastal waterbirds in collaboration with Audubon Mid-Atlantic and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. She primarily monitors an artificial nesting platform for Common Terns and Black Skimmers in Chincoteague Bay. She also analyzes data and provides scientific expertise for the monitoring project.

Archer received her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County studying the endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. She received her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin Madison and M.S. in Biology from the University of Maryland College Park.”

 

Temple Bat Yam of Berlin celebrates 25th anniversary at community celebration on Oct. 8

Anne
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Temple Bat Yam of Berlin celebrates 25th anniversary at community celebration on Oct. 8

BERLIN, MD — Sept. 12, 2022 — Temple Bat Yam is hosting a community celebration to honor the 25th anniversary of its permanent House of Worship. The event will take place on Oct. 8 from 6-9 p.m. at The BLU Mezzanine overlooking the bay on 24th St. and Coastal Hwy. in Ocean City. The temple invites its members and the surrounding Eastern Shore communities to join the celebration.

The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit temple and will feature an iconic view of the bay, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, plus gifts from the organization’s supporting sponsors including silent and live auctions, a treasure chest of jewelry, and a wingspan 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $50 per person.


Temple Bat Yam has served the growing Jewish population on the Delmarva Peninsula since 1992. Prior to the construction of its permanent building in 1997 on Old Worcester Hwy. in Berlin, members congregated in various locations in Ocean City for more than five years. This fundraiser will allow needed interior renovations of its sanctuary, the addition of stained glass to the memorial foyer, as well as other much needed refreshening. Temple Bat Yam is a Reform Jewish congregation committed to the ideals and eternal truths of Judaism. Its intent is to maintain the traditions and lessons of the rich Jewish heritage while respecting the realities and integrity of interfaith marriages and interfaith families. Temple Bat Yam is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Tickets to the event and more information are available at www.templebatyam-
oc.org, by emailing Temple Bat Yam at TempleBatYam97@aol.com, or by calling 410-641-4311.

Often Heard, Seldom Seen: Chuck Will’s Widow

Maryland Coastal Bays Program
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Often Heard, Seldom Seen: Chuck Will’s Widow
Photo By Alan Murphy BIA Minden Pictures

There’s no mistaking that back and forth chant of the Chuck Will’s Widow (Antrostomus carolinensis). If you’ve ever taken an early morning walk on Assateague before first light, chances are you’ve heard their throaty call ushered from deep within the thickets of bayberry shrubs. It is unmistakable, catchy, and their call seems to arrive on que with the heat and humidity of summer. Don’t be fooled, the call is often confused with that of the whippoorwill. Larger than the whippoorwill, Chuck Will’s exhibit nocturnal activity and forage primarily on large insects that are most active at dusk and dawn, though they are known to take smaller birds as well, like warblers, sparrows, and even bats! Exceptionally large mouths and specialized feathers known as rictal bristles help to funnel their diet choice directly into their mouths.

A member of the nightjar family, Caprimulgidae, Chuck Will’s have short legs and bills, but a rather impressive wingspan of 23-26 inches and exhibit excellent camouflage. The Chuck Will’s nesting characteristics are rather primitive, with eggs that are laid on flat ground, typically on leaves and pine needles.

(c) Benji Beluga, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Ben Springer.

Delmarva resides as one of the more northern reaches of the Chuck Will’s habitat range during the warmer months. In the winter, Chuck Wills may be found in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.

A unique bird, to some, the Chuck Will’s call is a defining characteristic of Assateague Island. Often heard and seldom seen, the Chuck Will announces its presence here during those times when all else has settled down and gone quiet. Long may it remain that way.

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Enjoy this beach day, but take care

Anne
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Enjoy this beach day, but take care

Following the warm and sunny Labor Day Weekend, we’ve had a week of slightly damp and windy weather, but today the sun came out and we had blue skies smiling at us once again. However, due to Hurricane Earl out in the open Atlantic, ocean swells are evident all along the East Coast today and will still be around this weekend, with an increased the threat of rip currents.  So take care if you are on the beach and always swim near a life guard. Here are some photos taken today around 118th Street, showing blue skies, people out enjoying the beautiful Ocean City beach, and the powerful waves.

A Playground Tour of Ocean City, Maryland

Katie Ruskey
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A Playground Tour of Ocean City, Maryland

Labor Day has come and gone, and beach weather will soon be fading like summer tans. But that can only mean one thing- Fall weather will be upon us. Ocean City in Fall is the perfect time to check out the local playgrounds with the family! Here are some of the OC’s top playgrounds to check out this season.

Northside Park

Location: 200 125th Street and the bay

With its double slides, rock climbing wall, and sliding monkey bars, there is something for everyone in the family. A small covered pavilion with picnic tables is the perfect place for adults to sit and watch their kiddies climb from one end of the sprawling playground to the other.

Northside Park Playground

The Northside Park playground also has a separate play area for the younger ones, with lower slides and climbing equipment for more primary children. Northside Park is the largest outdoor playground in the Ocean City area- and the view can’t be beat!

Ropewalk

Location: 8203 Coastal Highway

Ropewalk Playground

This nautical themed playground, which has tables close by for adult supervision, should not be missed. A spiral slide sits to one side of the playground, while a smaller double slide for younger climbers sits on the other side. Decorated in pirate themed decor, this two story playground even has a shark with a length exceeding ten feet perched on top! While your little pirates are busy warding off intruders, adults can enjoy some corn hole and the ring toss game just outside of the play area- also just a few feet from the bar. Everyone wins here!

Fish Tales

Location: 2107 Herring Way

 

It’s where Robin Caruso meets Pirates of the Caribbean! If you have younger kids, try to get a table next to the playground because that’s exactly where your kids will want to be. Equipped with a rope bridge and two slides, your kids will feel like they are stranded on an island- and will never want to leave! Don’t miss out on the face painting for the little ones and the air conditioned arcade for your older kids. 

Bayside Park and Skate Park

Location: Bay side between 3rd and 4th Street

Bayside Park

This massively wide play area equipped with monkey bars, a chain climbing ladder, climbing bridges, and slides is a little one’s dream come true. This sprawling playground has a large spinning tic-tac-toe board, a helix for climbing through, and overlooks that tower over the large grassy play area. Nestled at the corner of the baseball field and basketball courts, this playground has it all!

Bayside Park

Right next door to Bayside Park, you can’t miss Ocean Bowl Skate Park! A large skateboarding bowl, nicknamed ‘the pool,’ takes up a majority of the area bordered by half ramps and vert ramps. If watching is more your style, climb the stairs to overlook the athletes grind and ollie their way through the maze of the park. For hours and prices, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/skate-park/.

Ocean Bowl Skate Park
Ocean Bowl Skate Park

Little Salisbury Neighborhood Park

Location: 400 94th Street and the bay

Playground

This large and bright playground sits between The Art League of Ocean City and one of the infamous sky blue Ocean City water towers. Sprawling climbing bridges, wide double slides, and an exhilarating tube slide come together along with circular monkey bars to top off the play area. This playground is also equipped with two single swings!

Playground swings

*94th Street Dog Park

Location: 400 94th Street and the bay

Dog Park

Don’t leave out your furry family members! They love the outdoors just as much as you do. The 94th Street Dog Park sits behind Little Salisbury Neighborhood Park and The Ocean City Art League. A membership is needed to access the dog park which is partly shaded for dogs and owners to rest and relax. In addition to shady spots for your furry companions, the park is equipped with a concrete doggie pool where your pets can cool down after running the vast area or even over the obstacle bridge in the far back of the park. Daily passes begin at $10 up to annual memberships of $50 for locals or $100 for visitors. For more information on applications and pet vaccination certificates please visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/dog-playground/.

Louie and Baxter at the dog park.
Coco enjoying the shade at the dog park.
Dog at the park.
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