Bradenbaugh Flats & Upper Deer Creek Valley

Bradenbaugh Flats & Upper Deer Creek Valley

Intersection of Harford Creamery and Bradenbaugh Roads, Harford County

Bradenbaugh Flats is an area of northwestern Harford County with extensive private land in agricultural production, providing excellent habitat for field birds. Viewing is from the roadsides with little traffic to interfere. Little Deer Creek and Big Deer Creek are nearby and Turney’s Pond has been a great site for waterfowl and some rarities, especially in the late fall and winter. The pond is at 4531 Harford Creamery Road, on the east side of the road, south of Bradenbaugh Road and north of Lemon Road.

The strategy for birding Bradenbaugh Flats is simple: drive the roads in the vicinity of the intersection of Harford Creamery Road and Bradenbaugh Road, being alert for signs of movement in the fields and pulling your car onto the shoulder at the first opportunity. You might want to drive with your car windows open, even in winter, to listen for birds; the tinkling calls of Horned Larks and the pip-pip-pip of Pipits can alert you to their presence before you see them. A scope can be helpful  for scanning fields. Be sure to stand off the roadway with your scope.

Safety first: watch for traffic before stepping out of the car and before pulling out into the lane of travel. Use your turn signals when pulling over and pulling out. Be respectful of the privacy of the local residents and avoid making noise. Please do not pull into any driveways or private roads, and avoid blocking driveways and field gates with your car. All the land here is private: do not walk into fields or onto lawns under any circumstances.

Birdlife:

There are two separate eBird hotspots for the area:

• Bradenbaugh Flats – 129+ species
• Harford Creamery Rd.–Turney’s Pond (private, view from road only, do not block road) – 96+ species

The combined total for the two hotspots is 135+ species.

During the winter, look for Horned Lark flocks that may contain Lapland Longspurs, Snow Buntings, and American Pipits. On Turney’s Pond (4531 Harford Creamery Road), Cackling Goose is a regular.

During the breeding season, Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows are present along with Horned Larks and Eastern Meadowlarks. At the wetlands north of the Bradenbaugh/Amos Road intersection, Willow Flycatcher is a regular nester, along with both Orioles.

A woodland just west of Harford Creamery Road and one-quarter mile south of Bradenbaugh Road has had nesting Red-headed Woodpeckers (often found throughout the year).  However, Red-headed Woodpeckers may move their nest sites from time to time. Another place to check is near the intersection of Harford Creamery and Hitchcock Roads, or any field or wood edge with snags.

American Kestrels are common in spring and fall migration and may be nesting nearby.

Wheelchair Access:

Because all the birding is from or near the car, this can be a great place for those who are mobility-impaired.

No restrooms in the Flats area. Closest public restrooms  are at Rocks State Park to the north, or Eden Mill Nature Center to the north, or Rutledge Park (county-owned) to the south at 3969 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084 (restrooms only available March 1 – November 30).

Pet Policy:

These are all public roads, so there is no official pet policy. Use your common sense. Keep pets in the car or if they must get out, keep them leashed. Do not allow dogs to run into fields or on lawns. Pick up after your pet and take the bagged waste with you. Try to prevent barking. Mind the traffic.

Special Designations: 

Much of the land in the Bradenbaugh Flats area is permanently protected from development through conservation easements and agricultural land preservation programs. Bradenbaugh Flats lies with the Deer Creek Rural Legacy Area of Harford County, established to preserve the historic rural character of the Deer Creek Valley while protecting water quality in Deer Creek and its tributaries. See a map of the extent of the Deer Creek Rural Legacy Area.

Special Features:

We can’t emphasize enough that the Bradenbaugh Flats area is all private property and it is a privilege to be able to bird here with friendly residents. Please be on your best behavior so that we don’t lose access to this wonderful birding spot.

There are over 400 known historic sites with the Deer Creek Rural Legacy Area; the sites can be found on the Maryland Historical Trust’s interactive map, called MEDUSA. Most sites – farmhouses, barns, and such – are not open to the public but drive-bys can give you a sense of the deep rural roots of the area.

Local MOS Chapter:

The local chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society is the Harford Bird Club, which offers field trips and meetings with informative programs, all free and open to the public.

Parking:

Very limited – roadsides and the wide intersection at Harford Creamery and Bradenbaugh are your only options.

Directions:

From the Baltimore Beltway/I-695: Take Exit 27B for MD Route 146/Dulaney Valley Road Northbound. As you travel on MD Route 146, the road name will change to Jarrettsville Pike (still MD Route 146). Proceed 16 miles on Route 146 to the crossroad with MD Route 23/Norrisville road at Madonna. Stay straight to proceed north on Madonna Road and in 0.4 miles, turn left (northwest) onto Harford Creamery Road. Follow Harford Creamery north for 3 miles to the junction with Bradenbaugh Road. Explore in all directions from this intersection. Turney’s Pond is at 4531 Harford Creamery Road and permission is granted to drive down the driveway; please do not block the driveway and be respectful of this private property. Do not walk in any fields. Stay on roadsides.

Alternatively, from I-95 north of Baltimore: Take Exit 74 for MD Route 152/Mountain Road Northbound. Stay on MD Route 152 for approximately 15 miles to the intersection with Jarrettsville Pike/MD Route 146. Turn right (north) onto MD Route 146 and go 1.7 mile to the crossroad with MD Route 23/Norrisville road at Madonna. Stay straight to proceed north on Madonna Road and in 0.4 miles, turn left (northwest) onto Harford Creamery Road. Follow Harford Creamery north for 3 miles to the junction with Bradenbaugh Road. Explore in all directions from this intersection. Turney’s Pond is at 4531 Harford Creamery Road and permission is granted to drive down the driveway; please do not block the driveway and be respectful of this private property. Do not walk in any fields. Stay on roadsides.

Nearby Sites:

Harford County: Conowingo Dam / Fisherman’s Park (Harford County Side) ■ Eden Mill Nature Center ■ Rocks State Park ■ Susquehanna State Park

Habitats:

Hedgerows FarmyardLawn, Ballfields, Golf Course Agricultural Crop Fields or Fallow FieldsHay Meadows, Pasture, Grass Field

Features:

Birding By CarFree - No Entry Fee at Any Time

Type:

Driving Tour (Roadside Birding)