Big Branch Recreational Area
Triadelphia Reservoir
Triadelphia Road, Dayton Maryland 21036
At various times of the year, this cove on the north side of Triadelphia Reservoir may produce waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines.
Amenities: Paved parking lot adjacent to Triadelphia Road. A portable toilet is present during boating/fishing season. Trails are narrow and rough. A beaten track just east of the metal bench runs parallel to the shoreline at the foot of the hill until it deadends at a gully. Although a few trails leave from the picnic area, all involve a steep initial drop. A boat ramp is positioned near the southeast corner of the parking lot. A small tot lot and a few picnic tables are positioned at the top of the hill to the east. The small grass parking lot on the hilltop provides handicapped parking only.
Handicapped Access: Much can be seen and heard from the paved parking lot and boat ramp which are the primary birding locations at this site. A small grass lot with appropriate signage is positioned at the top of the hill providing access to the picnic area. Outside of the paved lot and mown grass areas, all trails are narrow and rough.
Size: Although this is a sizable cove, it does not provide a view of the main part of the reservoir.
Habitat: Shallow water or mudflats dominate the view to the south. The slopes to the east are covered with deciduous woods and a few remnant pines. Neither the woods to the west nor on the north side of Triadelphia Road are open to the public. Mudflats, attractive to migrant shorebirds, are unpredictable in appearance and extent depending on seasonal rainfall, normal fluctuations in water usage, and dam repair schedules.
Trails/Paths: During periods of low water, bear left from the boat ramp between the wood edge and the dry edge of the mudflats skirting any soft mud. When water levels are high, follow a faint fishing trail beginning near the metal bench above the boat ramp which goes through woods at the base of the hill. Scanning from the head of the boat ramp is usually sufficient to determine whether it is worth walking to a better vantage point.
Layout: Much of the most productive area can be seen from or near the parking lot and boat ramp. (A telescope is almost essential.) Even under ideal conditions, the main reservoir is not in sight. When water levels are low and mudflats exposed, the boat ramp, which extends some distance into the cove, allows good views of mud, water, and sky. If the edges of the mudflats near the east shore are dry, it is possible to walk along the edge, providing a better view of shorebirds than the woods trail. (Do not risk walking on soft mud.) If it is not possible to walk on dry, exposed earth, use the wooded trail that begins near the metal bench. Caution is advised under wet or icy conditions; at most times of the year, there may be sections requiring sure footing and boots.
A minimal stop at Big Branch includes scanning the water/mudflats, the edge vegetation, the sky, the tower for perched raptors, and looking/listening for species in the woods on the north side of the road. At dawn and dusk, listen for owls. To the west, check both sides of the bridge as well as the nearby woods while remaining on the road. (Be aware that vehicles from both east and west speed down hills.)
Compiler: Joanne Solem.
