Denton Becomes Caroline County's First Bird City Maryland Community
Photos courtesy of Concetta Gibson and Danny Poet.
February 16, 2026
The Town of Denton is pleased to join other municipalities and campuses around the state and country as a member of the Bird City Network!
In partnership with the Caroline County Bird Club, Leaf & Bed, and Wild Ones Delmarva Chapter, the Town of Denton has been taking action to support birds and a healthy ecosystem for Denton and the watershed.
The Town of Denton achieved its public recognition in 2026 for (a) promoting a healthy community for Denton’s resident people and wildlife (b) identifying and addressing threats to birds (c) promoting education and outreach opportunities for the community (d) energy efficiency and environmental sustainability practices. Learn more about Bird City Network
You can help the Town of Denton continue its work: Community resources for creating a healthy Denton
- Town of Denton Resolution #903 World Migratory Bird Day – Bird City Maryland Initiative
- Bird Friendly Yards – What You Can Do
- Bird Basics – Why Supporting Birds Helps Us All
- Keeping Cats and Birds Safe
- The Best Native Plants That You Can Buy
- Invasive Species – What Are They and Why Do We Remove Them?
- Treating Your Garden Like an Ecosystem – Integrated Pest Management for Individuals
- Places to Bird
Town of Denton Signature Bird: Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Blue Bird (Sialia sialis) is related to the American Robin and other birds in the thrush family. This beautiful, small thrush has a plump body, large rounded head, and short bill. They inhabit open woodlands and farmlands in eastern North America and are known for their vibrant blue color and melodious song. They eat mostly insects and berries, which can be provided in home landscaping and container gardens. Read more about how to identify and support local eastern bluebirds.
Photos courtesy of Concetta Gibson and Danny Poet.
The Bird City Maryland program was started in 2019 as a way to encourage communities in Maryland to enhance the environment for birds and educate the public about the contributions birds make to a healthy community.
Bird City Maryland is an initiative of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership. In 2023 Bird City Maryland joined the National Bird City Network, a joint venture of the American Bird Conservancy and Environment for the Americas. The Network unites and connects independent Bird City programs throughout the hemisphere who work directly with local communities to envision and complete bird-friendly actions. Together we form a powerful collaborative force – connecting people and helping birds across the hemisphere.
Bird City Maryland is pleased to announce that the Town of Denton has been recognized as Caroline County’s first Bird City Maryland community.
Located along the Choptank River in the heart of Denton, the surrounding landscape offers a rich variety of habitats that support an impressive diversity of birdlife throughout the year. Wooded stream corridors, wetlands, open farmland, and neighborhood green spaces all contribute to the area’s appeal for both resident and migratory birds. In spring and fall, Denton lies beneath the Atlantic Flyway, making it an excellent place to observe migrating songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors as they pause to rest and refuel. Summer brings breeding birds such as Eastern Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, and Common Yellowthroats, while winter months often feature Bald Eagles, waterfowl, and mixed flocks of sparrows.
Some of the best birding opportunities near Denton can be found along the Choptank River and its tributaries, as well as in nearby parks, preserves, and wildlife management areas. These places are valued not only by birders, but also by walkers, paddlers, families, and students who enjoy spending time outdoors. Together, they highlight Denton’s close connection to the natural world and the role local landscapes play in supporting birds across the seasons.
Bird Cities are required to complete at least 10 action points, including committing to an annual celebration of World Migratory Bird Day which will be celebrated at Summerfest. World Migratory Bird Day has an annual conservation action theme and is sponsored by the Environment for the Americas, a Western Hemispheric organization that connects diverse people to birds and nature. This year’s theme is “Every Bird Counts: Your Observation Matters”.
The application is divided into four categories: Habitat, Threats to Birds, Education and Engagement and Sustainability. Each category has multiple possible actions that cities can complete. Communities must complete 3 actions in the Habitat category and at least 1 action each in the other 3 categories as well as passing a resolution committing to becoming a Bird City. Denton will be recognized at the High Flyer level with over 20 points.
Highlights from the Town of Denton’s application include:
An ornamental and edible native plants garden at the Caroline Culinary Arts Center that replaced the lawn.
A town newsletter addressing invasive plants, window collisions and how to address them and the importance of keeping cats indoors.
A gazebo at the Wharves of Choptank J.O.K. Walsh Visitor and Heritage Center displays a permanent set of art panels featuring a variety of native birds.
The Caroline County Bird Club supports the Advanced Manufacturing Program (AMP) at the Caroline County Career and Technology Center at North Caroline High School. As part of the program, the students design, create and build bird boxes to sell to the community. The students will research various species of birds and then design a bird box for their particular species. The class and advisors will vote on which bird box the students will promote each year. The students will then build the boxes and present and sell them to various groups in the community.
The Town of Denton entered into an agreement, approximately 15 years ago, with a
solar company to build a panel array at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which offsets
the energy demands from the power grid. In addition, the Town has partnered with an
additional solar provider to promote solar credits for town residents who are connected
to Delmarva Power.
The Town of Denton’s full achievements can be found on their webpage: