A Plan to Save the Last Bobwhite in Annapolis

Dear Bay Weekly:

After reading Bill Burton’s article about the struggle of “Man vs. Bird” [Vol. xv, No. 33: Aug. 16], I wanted to add two things:

Bill, like most of us, loves the many songbirds that visit our yards and feeders. They add to our daily life every time they fly in for a drink at the birdbath or build a nest in one of our trees.

It’s not easy being a songbird. There are threats all around: cats on the ground, hawks from above, raccoons at night, not to mention how we destroy acres of habitat daily with loosely controlled development.

That said, the life of a raptor is not all that easy, either. They, too, need to eat. They, too, need a place to live. Bill’s conversation should be more about balance, which brings me to my second point.

What struck me about Bill’s article was his mention of the vanishing quail (northern bobwhite) population. There is one section on the Western Shore now where the birds can regularly be found: Greenbury Point in Annapolis. Soon, with the addition of athletic fields and who knows what else, these birds will be evicted from this last stretch of habitat.

I hear stories from friends about how they used to hear the birds regularly in places like Arnold, Glen Burnie and Hillsmere when they were younger. With virtually no more habitat, the northern bobwhite have all but vanished. Not just here in Anne Arundel County, but all across the western side of the Bay.

It would be nice if the Navy would preserve Greenbury Point as natural forest and grassland. Years from now, I would love for my soon-to-be-born child to still be able to hear those quails calling their names in the fields in Annapolis.

–Dan Haas, Annapolis

Tribute Keeps M.E. Warren’s Spirit Alive

Dear Bay Weekly:

Carrie Madren has outdone herself. “ArtWalk: Marion Warren’s Photos Large as Life” [Vol. xv, No: 31: Aug. 2] is a fantastic article and a real tribute to Marion and the people who love him and are still committed to his excellence.

On Friday August 10, Joanie Surette, Mame Warren and Royal Hart from the Historic Preservation Commission spoke at an art unveiling and tribute to Katherine Burke’s new gallery next door to the new exhibit on West Street opened that day also in tribute to Marion. It’s more eclectic than the State Street Gallery and fun, focusing on the Artwalk artists as well as other local artists.

Marion would love his photography encouraging others to seek their passion and lives in the arts. Thank you.

–Jessica Hay McCarthy, Annapolis: Consensus, LLC; ArtWalk’s public relations volunteer

Virginian Seeking Hartges

Dear Bay Weekly:

I grew up summers with Captain Dick Hartge’s family, Marlyn, Alice, Touch and Susannah. Can you tell me the whereabouts of Touch?

Thanks,

–Al Doland, [email protected]

Editor’s note: We hope readers will help Mr. Doland renew the connection with the Hartge Clan.

Barbi Loves Wendy

Dear Bay Weekly:

Thanks for Margaret Tearman’s great story on Wendy Rieger [Off the Job: News4’s Wendy Rieger: Vol. xv, No 34: Aug. 23]. Loved it.

–Barbi Shields, Fairhaven