The 78th MOS Convention: Birding Beyond the Forecast
The 78th Annual Convention of the Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) was hosted Sept. 25-27 at the DoubleTree in Salisbury, MD. The convention proved to be an unforgettable weekend of community, resilience, and passion for wild birds. Despite daunting weather predictions—a nor'easter bearing down on the Delmarva Peninsula that forced many regional events to cancel—MOS conventioneers chose to brave the elements rather than stay home. Outfitted in wellies and rain gear, more than 200 dedicated birders enjoyed field trips on the Lower Eastern Shore, Southern Delaware and Chincoteague, VA.
Rather than letting wet conditions dampen spirits, attendees shared a weekend defined by joy, camaraderie, and outstanding birding. A glance through the MOS Convention Facebook page reveals photos of beaming, happy faces—a direct reflection of the warm atmosphere that persisted despite the harsh weather outside.
Much of the event's success is owed to the 50+ extraordinary trip leaders, who guided groups through exceptionally challenging coastal conditions with skill, safety, and enthusiasm. LSLT's Jared Parks guided trips at Nutter's Neck in the Nanticoke River Wildlife Management Area and at Libertytown Branch near Berlin.
By the end of the convention, the group's collective tenacity yielded impressive results: a grand total of 164 bird species tallied across the various trips. The 78th annual MOS Convention proved that even a powerful nor'easter is no match for dedicated birders equipped with good gear, great leadership, and an unstoppable spirit.
