President's Message

2025-2026 LSIA OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Senior Advisors: Celeste Riddle, Justin Szech

LSIA News and Updates

As mentioned above in the President’s Message, at our previous February meeting, we were pleased to host business owners and LSIA sponsors. While Bruce and Amy’s information is in the Sponsor section of the Monitor, for Kelly’s business located in the Linthicum Shopping Center, please visit her store or online at https://www.stitchyourlegacy.com/. Balance’s store is located at 452 N Camp Meade Rd Ste A. (by the Light Rail station near the corner of 170/648) Her website is: https://mystical-balance.myshopify.com. If you would like a copy of our minutes from the presentation, please email us at lsiamonitor1@gmail.com Or visit our YouTube channel @LinthicumShipley for the post-meeting recording.

Featured Article

BALTIMORE ORIOLE: WHY MARYLAND’S, STATE BIRD IS BECOMING A RARE SIGHT

By David P. Coleman

As Spring nears, the Baltimore Oriole will come singing…or, perhaps not.

For generations, the fiery orange and black plumage of the Baltimore oriole has beensynonymous with Maryland, famously appearing onthe coat of arms of Lord Baltimore and,subsequently, becoming the state’s official bird in 1947. However, for residents hoping to spot this vibrant songbird, the experience is becoming increasingly rare. Despite its iconic status, the Baltimore oriole is in decline, with surveys indicating a steady, long-term drop in local populations.

According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Baltimore oriole populations have declined across their range, with a notable 1.6% reduction
per year in Maryland since 1980. While not yet considered endangered, this downward trend has made spotting this "bird of flame" in the Old Line State a growing challenge. Several interconnected factors are driving the bird from its namesake state.

Loss of Habitat and Nesting Trees
Historically, Baltimore orioles preferred to nest in large, sweeping elm trees, where they would weave their distinctive hanging pouch nests. The widespread destruction of American elms by Dutch elm disease in the mid-20th century decimated their preferred nesting habitat, a blow from which their local population has never fully recovered. Furthermore, as urban and suburban development increases across Maryland, the open woodlands and mature, tall trees they favor are being replaced, reducing the nesting sites available.

A Perilous Migration
Baltimore orioles are Neotropical migrants, meaning they breed in North America during the summer and travel to Central and South America for the winter. This long journey leaves them vulnerable to habitat loss on their wintering grounds. Additionally, these birds migrate at night and are frequently disoriented by light pollution from cities, leading to fatal collisions with buildings and communication towers.

Climate and Environmental Pressures
Climate change is also altering the Maryland landscape. Research suggests that with rising temperatures, southern sections of Maryland may eventually become unsuitable for the species. Furthermore, the increased use of pesticides in suburban areas reduces the insect population that the birds depend on to feed their young, with potential for poisoning the birds themselves.

Where Have They Gone?
While the birds are in decline, they haven’t vanished entirely. They are still seen from April through August, though they are harder to spot than many other birds because they spend much of their time high in the canopy, often heard singing their flutelike song before they are
seen.

For those hoping to attract them, experts recommend planting native trees like black cherry or birch, or placing oranges and grape jelly on feeders in early spring.

We all know our favorite namesake of a major league baseball team will be here this spring and staying around until the fall. Yet, for many Marylanders, spotting the vibrant orange-and-black Baltimore oriole has gone from a common occurrence to a rare thrill

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