Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory

We are the only major migratory bird banding station operating on the eastern shore of Maryland. Located on the upper eastern shore 3 miles northeast of Chestertown, MD, we are in a rural area. The habitats at the station include fallow fields, hedgerows, early successional shrub/scrub, second-growth woodlands, mature wood lots and the open water and mud flats of Foreman’s Branch.

What’s in a name?

FBBO took its name from the local branch of water that runs into the Chester River. Foreman’s Branch flows parallel to the banding area and its source is located approximately 5 miles to the south. Its waters provide refuge to thousands of migrating and wintering ducks and geese and important stopover habitat for shorebirds as well as a breeding area for Wood Ducks.