The Great Waterfowl Arrival
November 1-3 & December 6-8
It’s a special time of year as the Chesapeake’s growing population of wintering waterfowl settle in for the season. You’re invited to join ecologist Mark Smithson on a two-night birding escape.
Whether you’re just starting to explore birding for the first time or you’re a seasoned veteran, this experience is ideal for bird and nature enthusiasts of all levels.
You’ll connect with Mark and other like-minded guests to explore this special part of the country by land and by water, with the centerpiece of the experience being a naturalist-led pontoon-boat excursion, where you can experience the birds and habitat from the unique perspective of the water.
You have the option to join one or both date options for this experience. Please note, they are reserved individually using the below links provided.
Highlights
- Arrival Evening 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Day 1): Fireside Chat with Ecologist Mark Smithson – An introduction to winter ducks, loons, grebes, bald eagles, and the importance of tidal rivers and marshes.
- First Morning 7:00am – 8:00am (Day 2): Birding at the Tides Inn – A guided walk for winter sparrows, kinglets, woodpeckers, bluebirds, waterbirds, and raptors.
- Afternoon Cruise 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Day 2): Winter Waterfowl by Pontoon – Search the tidal rivers for Bufflehead, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, mergansers, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Bald Eagle, and other winter waterbirds.
$250
Event activity fee is sold per person and is separate from room and taxes.
Scroll to the links below to reserve.
November 1-3, 2026
To join us for our November experience, please click the link below to secure your spot.
December 6-8, 2026
To join us for our December experience, please click the link below to secure your spot.
Meet Mark Smithson
Mark’s love for the Chesapeake Bay began early, shaped by bird watching and fishing from a kayak. Exploring shallow waters allowed him to get close to wildlife in ways larger boats simply can’t, fostering a deep, lasting connection to the region.
That passion led him to earn a B.S. in Biology from the College of William & Mary, where he studied shorebird conservation along coastal Virginia. He later worked in oyster reef restoration and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Along the way, he developed a keen ability to identify birds by ear—an expertise that continues to enrich every outing.
Now based in Urbanna, Mark has reconnected with the remarkable waterways of the Chesapeake region. He founded Chesapeake Ecotours to share that connection with others, offering immersive, up-close experiences with the wildlife and ecosystems that make this place so unique.