Delaware Ornithological Society

July Pea Patch Island Heron Survey
2021-07-28 16:00 - 21:00 UTC
Pea Patch Island Heron Survey

Pea Patch Island, located just off Delaware City, hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of herons and egrets in the mid-Atlantic region.

The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation takes a monthly census of birds using the colony. Led by counter Chris Bennett, herons, egrets, and ibis leaving and returning to the colony are counted in the evening to estimate the size of the colony.

Please join Chris and the other volunteer counters for the monthly census. This is a great opportunity to learn how to identify these beautiful birds- beginners are welcome. A number of other species are often seen during the survey including Osprey and Bald Eagle.

When?

The surveys run from February to August and they are scheduled for the last Wednesday of the month. They always begin 2 hours before sunset and end 30 minutes after sunset. It is possible that the date can change due to weather or be cancelled outright if there is not a rain-free day during the week the survey is scheduled.

During the COVID19 public health emergency, please note that anyone attending the survey is required to wear a mask and must maintain safe physical distancing from other participants at all times.

43rd Annual Beginner's Shorebird Field Trip!
2021-07-24 08:00 - 12:00
Shorebirds for Beginners at Bombay Hook!

Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS) is sponsoring a Beginner’s Shorebird Field Trip on Saturday, July 24, at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna, Delaware. This will be a Half Day trip – tailored for beginners, and is the 43rd consecutive outing for this popular field trip. “Par” is 15 species of shorebirds, usually a challenging goal, because arrival dates, water levels and weather conditions all change year to year. Emphasis is on basics of shorebird identification for beginners, although there are always several experienced birders to assist. Pace is slow – everyone should see each shorebird species satisfactorily. While this is not a photography workshop, our slow pace allows for photographic experimentation and networking. There will be some “prizes” awarded for categories not yet determined! Drinks and snacks advised, as well as sunscreen, bug spray and a hat. An optional, informal tally luncheon is usually held following the trip at a local eatery.

We meet in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center parking lot in Smyrna, DE at 8 a.m. and wrap up by noon.

Refuge fees are in effect – $4 per car, or free entry with a 2021-2022 season duck stamp (or other special passes). This would be a fine opportunity to recycle your lightly used, expired prior season duck stamp(s) – Donate it/them to support DOS Bird-a-Thon!

Trip leader is Bob Rufe – rrufe1@aol.com – if you have questions. A few “loaner” binoculars will be available, please contact leader to request if needed.More information on DOS is available at the society’s website – DOSBirds.orgMore information on Bombay Hook NWR is available at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook/

https://tinyurl.com/sz4bt9cx

June Pea Patch Island Heron Survey
2021-06-30 16:00 - 21:00

DOS June Meeting: "What's new about birds on the move? Recent research from the Aeroecology Program at the University of Delaware" by Jeff Buler
2021-06-16 19:00 - 21:00
Dr. Buler will share highlights of recent and ongoing research by his lab and colleagues in the field of aeroecology; the study of the ecology of flying animals aloft. He will talk about how he uses radar and telemetry technologies to make new discoveries into 1) why and where birds stopover when migrating through the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes regions, 2) how waterfowl in the Delmarva peninsula may play a role for avian influenza transmission risk to poultry, and 3) the movement and roosting ecology of Purple Martins in our region.

Dr. Jeff Buler was recently elected to the DOS Council. He received his B.A. from St. Mary’s College where he studied biology. He went on to study nesting songbirds for his M.S. research at Louisiana State University and stopover ecology of songbirds using a variety of methods including weather surveillance radar for his dissertation research at The University of Southern Mississippi. In 2011, he joined the faculty at the University of Delaware. Jeff is an international leader in the discovery of novel methods to expand scientific knowledge within the young field of aeroecology focused on the basic and applied ecology of organisms that inhabit the atmosphere. His current research focuses on radar biology, avian ecology and migration, landscape ecology, and conservation biology.

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

Bobolinks, Meadowlarks and more at Fair Hill
2021-06-12 08:00
Bobolinks, Meadowlarks and more!

Join Ian Stewart at Fair Hill NRMA in nearby Maryland and enjoy close-up views of breeding Bobolinks, Grasshopper & Savannah Sparrows and Meadowlarks from numerous groomed trails throughout their grassland habitats. Excellent photographic opportunities abound just a short walk from the parking area where we’ll meet at 8AM! The 5,656 acres at Fair Hill are subject to multiple management practices and our stroll should produce a very respectable 60+ species list. Much of the time will be spent enjoying the Bobolinks and sparrows tending to fledglings with additional exploration of adjacent woodlands along Big Elk Creek.

NRMA Daily Pass in effect ; meet at Parking lot #3, Appleton Rd (aka North Appleton Parking lot)

Limited to 15 participants – RSVP directly to Ian at itsacharliebrownchristmas@hotmail.com

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6876219,-75.6691503/39.7143322,-75.8221883/@39.714278,-75.8222192,107m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!4m4!1m1!4e1!1m0!3e0?hl=en&authuser=0

Pedals, Pewees, and Peregrines
2021-06-04 17:30 - 19:30
Pedals, Pewees, and Peregrines

Birds fly, feed, and raise young alongside humans in the city and on this ride we’ll discover what’s living nearby! DOS is teaming up with Urban Bike Project to help riders find some of the birds close to us – from the ducks in the Brandywine to the small birds singing from the tree tops, to the raptors that nest in Downtown Wilmington. Binoculars will be provided, but supplies are limited, so please bring your own if you have them! This ride will focus on using your eyes and ears as you ride, rather than speed, and is a family-friendly program.

A 5.5 mile ride beginning and ending at Urban Bike Project, 1500 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington DE 19801 – see below for a sample of our ride (may change at leaders’ discretion)

Limited to 20 participants – RSVP: Register by visiting www.urbanbikeproject.com/bike-tours/ (preferred) or email urbanbikeproject@gmail.com

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ZF5a16FJ9ur_8tp0VswisyUT1yZ85AUS&usp=sharing

May Pea Patch Island Heron Survey
2021-05-26 16:00 - 21:00

DOS May Meeting: "Crash Course in Wildlife Photography" by Josh Ward
2021-05-19 19:00 - 21:00
Program Description:Have you ever looked at the work of the famous National Geographic photographers and wondered just how on Earth they manage to do what they do? Well, I don’t claim to be NatGeo caliber, but in this program we will take a look at all the general themes, tips, and tricks of being a wildlife photographer. We will jump into a rapid crash course about wildlife photography, covering the ways to find and observe wildlife, techniques for photography, and how to use camera settings properly. Photography is a wonderful way to record what you might come across when you’re outdoors, and it’s far easier to get into it than you might think!

Josh is currently a rising senior in Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech. He has been obsessed with the natural world since he could first walk and talk — everything from birds to bugs and frogs to bats. He has become an avid birder, herper, and all-around naturalist in the past several years Five years ago he began his path into the world of photography and hasn’t looked back since. He plans on pursuing a career in either writing about his experiences in nature or becoming a wildlife photographer full time.

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

Mother's Day Walk
2021-05-09 08:00 - 10:00
Join fellow birding Moms for a Mother’s Day stroll in lovely White Clay Creek searching for nesting local breeding birds and migrants passing through! Timed for the final day to partake in the DE Bird-A-Thon (DBAT)! State Park Fee in effect.

Sunday, May 9th 2021 – Please RSVP to email listed below!

Meet at 8 AM in the Chambers House Nature Center parking lot off Hopkins Rd

Be sure to bring binoculars, a mask, and good humor as we apply social distancing to our travel along the trails

Contact information: carolyndamico@gmail.com

*All New* DE Wild Lands' Fortner Property!
2021-05-08 07:30 - 12:00
Explore the newly acquired DE Wild Lands’ Fortner Property! Offered as the DBAT is winding down, this promising habitat for nesting and migrating birds will undoubtedly add interest to your list.

7:30 AM start time, 12 participant limit, DOS members only. Please RSVP to email listed below for confirmation and meeting location/directions.

Be sure to bring binoculars, a mask, and good humor as we apply social distancing to our travel along the trails

Contact information: mike.p.hudson@gmail.com

Blackbird State Forest Blowout!
2021-05-02 08:00 - 11:00
Blackbird State Forest Blowout!

In this twist on an old walk, we will explore the area around the headquarters of Blackbird State Forest followed by a convoy to some of it’s lesser known corners in search of specialty bird and fresh experiences! Helpfully offered during the week of the DE Bird-A-Thon for folks out for the count!

Meet in the main parking lot by the pavilion (there is a parking lot by the office as you enter but keep on going past that), accessed by the entrance along Rt 471 Blackbird Forest Rd (if you are coming from US 13 the entrance is on your left just after you pass the turn for Oliver Guessford Rd). Don’t forget your binoculars, a mask, and good humor as we socially distance our way along the trails….

Limited to 20 participants so please let us know you’re coming with an RSVP to the email listed below!

Contact: itsacharliebrownchristmas@hotmail.com

39.34803243229926, -75.67710760438707

Great Cypress Swamp
2021-05-02 07:30 - 12:00
DBAT-ters Rejoice! A Delaware Wild Lands trek to the Great Cypress Swamp in search of migrants and resident birds nesting in this unique environment.

7:30 AM start time, 12 participant limit, DOS members only. Please RSVP to email listed below for confirmation and meeting location/directions.

Be sure to bring binoculars, a mask, and good humor as we apply social distancing to our travels through the swamp!

Contact information: mike.p.hudson@gmail.com

April Pea Patch Island Heron Survey
2021-04-28 16:00 - 21:00

Ashton-Coopers Cross-Warren Tracts
2021-04-24 07:00 - 12:00
Half Day adventure exploring DNREC holdings in the 1,000 Acre Marsh DBAT funds have helped to procure. Migrating warblers, egrets, herons and more can be found in a variety of habitats including bay, brackish and fresh water wetlands as well as pine and hardwood forests.

Meet at the Ashton Tract parking lot at 7AM – Please note, Conservation Access Pass is required!

Please bring your binoculars, bug spray, a mask, and a sense of humor to practice social distancing as we travel about! In accordance with suggested Covid protocol practices, no carpooling between non-household folks.

Contact: jsbirders@verizon.net

39.52941025802514, -75.58565914616784

DOS April Meeting: An Introduction to Nocturnal Migration by Jerald Reb
2021-04-21 19:00 - 21:00
On spring and fall nights with good migration conditions, thousands of birds can be heard calling as they move overhead. Come learn about identifying these nocturnal flight calls (NFCs), techniques used in monitoring nocturnal migration, and more, as Jerald takes us on a journey through the night skies!

Jerald Reb grew up in Delaware, where he started birding at the age of six. He started monitoring nocturnal flight calls in 2014 and has continued to do so ever since. After graduating from High School, Jerald worked as a migration counter in Cape May, NJ, and a point count technician in New York. He now lives in Columbus, Ohio, where he is attending college.

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

March Pea Patch Island Heron Survey
2021-03-31 16:00 - 21:00

Third Sea Watch for 2020-2021
2021-03-20 08:00 - 12:00
Join Anthony Gonzon and Chris Bennett for 3 brisk birding adventures at the Indian River Inlet this winter!

Dec 13 – 8am until 12pm (Sunday)Feb 6 – 8am until 12pm (Saturday)Mar 20 – 8am until 12pm (Saturday)

To be enjoyed at the Southside Day Use Area (lot on the south side of Indian River Inlet along ocean) with the caveat of potential tweaking of times and possibly location depending on the weather forecasts!

Come prepared for cold conditions and the seashore wind and bring your scope if you have one – as a Covid precaution there will be no scope sharing, but we will try to round up some extras.

Contact information to follow

DOS March Meeting: "Understanding Bird Loss" by CareyJo Titus
2021-03-17 19:00 - 21:00
About the presentation:

CareyJo will talk to us about the Ecology of Bird Loss Project, which looks to understand how the loss of birds affects ecosystem processes such as seed dispersal, pollination, and invertebrate abundance. Her team works to understand the relationship between Såli (Micronesian Starlings), the only remaining seed-dispersing bird on Guam, and Brown Treesnakes, invasive predators that have led to the extinction of all other native forest birds. By monitoring Såli fledgling survival before and after snake suppression efforts we can determine the most effective methods to control this prolific invasive species, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing Guam’s lost avifauna and restoring ecosystem function.

About the Speaker:

CareyJo Titus is an Avian Field Technician with Iowa State University’s Ecology of Bird Loss Project in Guam. Her interest in birds began while studying Zoology and Wildlife Biology at Malone University. This interest led her to pursue a Master’s degree at Eastern Kentucky University, where I worked with Loggerhead Shrike vocal behavior. In addition to her work, which she loves, she enjoys hiking, snorkeling, wildlife photography, and learning about new cuisines whenever she travels!

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

February Pea Patch Island Heron Survey
2021-02-24 16:00 - 21:00

DOS February Meeting: "The Emilie Snethlage Expedition: Tales from the Juruá River in Brazil" by Marky Mutchler
2021-02-17 19:00 - 21:00
About the presentation:

A group of women, partnered through LSU, inspired by the life of the courageous and adventurous ornithologist Emilie Snethlage, spent several years planning out a long and harrowing journey to investigate the Juruá River, a tributary of the Amazon. This river had never before been surveyed in modern times by ornithologists. Despite outside comments questioning the abilities of an all-women expedition, they prevailed and soon enough found themselves in the small river town of Carauari where the expedition began- and 3 weeks later, ended. Working with local people and traversing various habitats, the women proved all doubts wrong and returned with valuable memories, data, and friendships (and 400+ bird species added to their lists!). Join Marky to hear the tale of this expedition from the eyes of a newly fledged undergraduate researcher and get a taste of what birding the Amazon Basin is like!

About the Speaker:

Marky Mutchler has been a birder since the age of 4 and interested in nature and art for as long as she can remember. She is currently finishing her senior year at Louisiana State University, pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences. While attending LSU, she has had many opportunities to work in both lab and field settings in the pursuit of making her interest in ornithology a career. Continuing her dedication at LSU, she was able to be a member of an all-woman expedition to the Brazilian Amazon. Upon graduating, she plans to start her Ph.D. involving work in the field of evolutionary biology. Marky has also spent the last several years guiding at multiple birding festivals around the US. She has even had the opportunity to work with and share the conservation success story of the once-endangered Kirtland’s Warbler. Marky hopes that the coming decade will bring even more opportunities to share her passion for birds and illustration with others and inspire more people, especially women in STEM.

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info a couple of days prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

Second Sea Watch for 2020-2021
2021-02-06 08:00 - 12:00

DOS January Meeting: Annual Christmas Count Recap
2021-01-20 19:00 - 21:00
Join host Jim White and other Christmas Count compilers for a recap of all the exciting discoveries during the 2020-2021 Christmas Counts. In addition, we will catch up with Lisa Smith and hear about some of Tri-State Bird Research and Rescue’s best stories from 2020.

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

DOS December Meeting: Annual "For DOS, by DOS" short presentations by DOS members
2020-12-16 19:00 - 21:00
Tri-State Bird Rescue has had numerous interesting patients this year; join us to hear about some of the most exciting and rewarding cases from Lisa Smith, Executive Director at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research. Lisa has been an avid birdwatcher since childhood and has been a DOS member since 2012.

Aaron Reb will be sharing how birding in his yard has shaped the birder and naturalist he is today. He will also share tips for finding birds in your local area. Aaron is a sixteen year old birder, artist and insect enthusiast currently residing in southern Kent County, Delaware.

Megan Kasprzak will be sharing her most memorable sightings from 2020 at her favorite birding patch, Ashland Nature Center. She will also give some tips on the best spots to bird there. Megan started birding in 2009 as an education intern with Delaware Nature Society. She can often be found looking for warblers in New Castle County.

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login
