Delaware Ornithological Society

DOS May Meeting: "Crash Course in Wildlife Photography" by Josh Ward
2021-05-19 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | DE
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

May Pea Patch Island Heron Survey
2021-05-26 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.

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

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

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 UTC
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

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

43rd Annual Beginner's Shorebird Field Trip!
2021-07-24 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
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

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

August Pea Patch Island Heron Survey
2021-08-25 16:00 - 21:00 UTC

Ashland Migrant Walk
2021-09-08 07:30 - 11:30 UTC
Half Day walk at Ashland!

Join Jim White for a half day ramble along the Red Clay Creek at Ashland Nature Center in search of warblers and other neotropical migrants! Bring your binoculars and spotting skills along with a mask if you’re not vaccinated yet please.

Meet in parking lot of Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin DE at 7:30 AM

Trip leader is Jim White, hylawhite@aol.com – if you have questions More information on DOS is available at the society’s website – DOSBirds.org

Milford Neck Fall Migrants
2021-09-18 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Migrants at Milford Neck!

Milford Neck is one of the best, least-birded areas of the state! More than 10,000 acres of the forest, fields and wetlands are permanently protected by the State of Delaware, The Nature Conservancy, and Delaware Wild Lands. The mosaic of habitats, easily accessed by an excellent road network, provide excellent birding opportunities. We will look for migrating songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors.

Meet at the Thompsonville Fire Hall. Exit Rt 1 at the Thompsonville Road Ext #79, follow Thompsonville Road east approximately 3.4 miles to Scotts Corner and Bennetts Pier Roads. The Firehall is on the right – meet at the far end of the lot.

Please note, DE Conservation Access Pass is required*

Trip leader is Chris Bennett, contact at cpb2564@gmail.com – if you have questions about the tripMore information on DOS is available at the society’s website – DOSBirds.org

The Annual Ticking Tomb Bird Stroll
2021-10-02 08:00 - 10:30 UTC
Ye Gods! Abandon all hope, ye who enter here……!

This DOS bird walk heads through White Clay Creek State Park near the London Tract Meeting House and Cemetery, home of the infamous “Ticking Tomb”. We will start off quaking with terror near the tomb then find serenity by heading into the woods to search for late warblers, thrushes, sparrows, and…..who knows what else!

Meet at the London Tract Meeting House parking lot, at the intersection of London Tract Rd, Sharpless Rd, and South Bank Rd, Landenberg, PA at 8AM

Trip leader is Ian Stewart, contact via itsacharliebrownchristmas@hotmail.com if you have questions!More information on DOS is available at the society’s website – DOSBirds.org

Searching for Sparrows
2021-10-10 07:30 - 10:30 UTC
Searching for Sparrows

Join Andy Ednie to search for sparrows in beautiful Burrow’s Run! October is the perfect time to find migrating sparrows, welcome back our winter birds, and study our year-round residents too! We’ll look for White-throated, White-crowned, Lincoln’s, and others on this pristine private property in the Red Clay Valley.

Meet at Burrow’s Run gated entrance off of Ashland-Clinton School Rd, just uphill from Center Mill Rd. Wear boots and prepare for some hill climbing! *** Please note, Covid19 vaccination is required to attend this trip per leaders’ request***

Trip leader is Andy Ednie, contact at ednieap@verizon.net if you have questions More information on DOS is available at the society’s website – DOSBirds.org

Little Creek Wildlife Area
2021-10-16 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Find a lot at Little Creek!

Join Chris Bennett on a search for Fall migrants in and around the Little Creek Wildlife Area. We will be driving and walking the Wildlife Area roads, and, depending on time and group size, driving to Port Mahon or Pickering Beach for a little bonus birding!

Meet at the Fish and Wildlife Boat Ramp at the south end of the town of Little Creek, DE

Please note, DE Conservation Access Pass is required to enter the Wildlife Area, boat ramp is open access*

Trip leader is Chris Bennett, contact at cpb2564@gmail.com – if you have questions about the tripMore information on DOS is available at the society’s website – DOSBirds.org

DOS October Meeting: Kate Hackett will speak on "Restoring Delaware's Forests"
2021-10-20 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Kate will be talking about DWL’s forest acquisition and reforestation projects and new work on the sustainable forestry program at the Great Cypress Swamp. This will include updates about plans and existing projects at the Passmore Farm, Fortner Farm, and Great Cypress Swamp….as well as a new project she hopes to announce! There are also four volunteer tree planting events coming up so information will be provided about those as well.

Prothonotary Warbler

Kate Hackett, Executive Director, Delaware Wild Lands Ms. Hackett has more than 25 years of leadership experience in land and water conservation and management including land acquisition, protection of water resources, public policy, government relations, fundraising, grant writing, strategic communications, and constituency building She works with a broad range of stakeholders, including: local residents; landowners; non-profits; advisory boards; local, regional, state, and Federal governments; for-profit companies; public-private collaborations; and environmental organizations. She served as the Executive Director of Delaware Wild Lands and has worked there for 10 years. Prior to joining Delaware Wild Lands, she worked for The Nature Conservancy in Delaware, the United States Forest Service, UNICEF, the Eritrean Ministry of Water Works, and Tompkins County Planning Department (in upstate New York), among other organizations.

Kate has degrees from Yale University and the University of Michigan School of Public Policy. She presently resides in Wilmington, DE with her husband Dr. Kent Messer. In her spare time, she’s an avid hiker, paddler, and fairly unsuccessful beekeeper!

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

Youth Birders: Conowingo Park and Octoraro Creek Trail
2021-11-13 08:30 - 10:30 UTC
Join the Red Knot Youth Birders for a trip to Conowingo Park on the opposite side of the Susquehanna from Conowingo Dam. We will explore the forested trail along Octoraro Creek and enjoy some Bald Eagle watching at the base of the dam. Loaner binoculars will be available but please feel free to bring your own if you have them!

Please RSVP to Jessica at redknotyouthbirders@gmail.com so we know to expect you.

19 Ratledge Ln, Conowingo MD 21918

First Sea Watch for 2021-2022
2021-11-14 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Join Anthony Gonzon and Chris Bennett for 3 brisk birding adventures at the Indian River Inlet this winter!

Sea Watch I – November 14 (Sunday) 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM

Sea Watch II – January 23 (Sunday) 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM

Sea Watch III – March 13 (Sunday) 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM

To be enjoyed at the Southside Day Use Area (lot on the south side of Indian River Inlet along ocean). 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.

Participants should monitor the DOS website and social media for last minute changes due to weather or other conditions.

Contact information to follow

DOS November Meeting: "Use of a Delaware Bayshore marsh hummock by songbirds during migration" by Kitt Heckscher
2021-11-17 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
A citizen science project in the early 1990s identified the Delaware Bayshore marsh hummocks and barrier islands as an important stopover region for migratory songbirds. No further study of songbird stopover ecology has taken place along the Delaware Bayshore. In 2020, the Heckscher Lab at Delaware State University initiated a two-year pilot study to further investigate songbird stopover ecology along the Delaware Bayshore. DOS member Kitt Heckscher will discuss preliminary results of this ongoing investigation and will reveal the bayshore’s potential role as a critical migratory stopover region for north and southbound migrants.

Dr. Christopher (Kitt) Heckscher is Associate Professor of Environmental Science & Ecology at Delaware State University and the Institutional Project Director of the NOAA EPP Environmental Cooperative Science Center at DSU.

His lab’s research includes the effect of sea level rise and climate change on coastal stopover sites for migratory birds, as well as long-term studies of the behavioral ecology and migratory connectivity of Veerys. Dr. Heckscher is also an expert on the inventory and conservation of rare terrestrial and wetland-associated invertebrates especially Lampyridae (fireflies), Odonata (damselflies and dragonflies), and Lepidoptera (butterflies, skippers, moths [esp. Catocalaand Papaipema]). He has extensive experience in zoological assessments of Mid-Atlantic natural areas and in conducting field research specifically aimed at providing data for informed land management decisions.

Previously, he served as Delaware’s State Zoologist for 12 years for The Nature Conservancy and Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, where he initiated, developed, and maintained the Delaware state zoological database and conducted field inventories of rare species. Kitt also has 9 years of experience as a zoologist for The Nature Conservancy.

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
2021-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
The traditional DOS December meeting in which DOS members make short presentations.

Ian Stewart, of Newark, DE, longtime DOS member and former DOS Council member will be joining us to discuss some of our most charismatic—and also toughest—winter visitors: kinglets.

Jessica Shahan, of Newark, DE has been a DOS member for eight years and currently chairs the DOS Youth Birding committee. She will be joining us to talk about her work with the Bird Conservation Program at Rushton Woods Preserve and the significance of the bird banding done there.

Jerald Reb, who splits his time between Kent County, DE and Cape May, NJ, has been a DOS member since he was a kid. He will recap and highlight several of our region’s most memorable and exciting rarities of the last year.

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

Midwinter Bird Walk at Alapocas with Sally O'Byrne
2022-01-15 08:30 - 12:00 UTC
Explore Alapocas Woods for wintering birds

Come out and get to know some of the birds that are at home in the woods and fields during winter!

Sally O’Byrne – salobyrne@gmail.com

Meet at the Blue Ball Barn near traffic circle on Rt 141.

Blue Ball Barn, 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803

DOS January Meeting: Annual Christmas Count Recap
2022-01-19 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Join host Jim White and other Christmas Count compilers for a recap of all the exciting discoveries during the 2021-2022 Christmas Counts. Each compiler will summarize the highlights of their count and discuss recent trends in bird populations.

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

Second Sea Watch for 2021-2022
2022-01-23 08:00 - 12:00 UTC

Owl Walk with Jim White (DOS Members Only)
2022-02-13 08:00 UTC
Register now for Jim’s Owl Prowl!

Sunday Feb 13, start time 8 AM, location to be determined – Owl Walk with Jim White

Full day search in various locations for as many species of owls as possible, and other raptors along the way! Bring snacks, lunch etc, although there is typically a stop around lunchtime at Wawa/Royal Farms/etc to refuel. Be sure to dress appropriately for extended periods of time in the mid-winter elements!

DOS members only – MUST contact Jim if you’d like to attend, registration is required (302) 593-9622

DOS February Meeting: "A Summer With the Boreal Birds of Maine" by Oliver Patrick
2022-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Oliver spent this past summer working for Maine Breeding Bird Atlas; his work with them involved surveying remote and difficult-to-access regions of the state and focusing on finding scarce and declining species. This presentation will take us to the world of dedicated “Atlasing” and introduce us to the wonderful cast of species nesting in the northern woods.

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

Third Sea Watch for 2021-2022
2022-03-13 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)

DOS March Meeting: "Birds and Birding on the Southern Continent" by Brendan Murtha
2022-03-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Adventures birding and guiding in the Antarctic.

Brendan Murtha

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

Delaware Waterfowl
2022-03-27 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Delaware Waterfowl, Who’s Back?

Sunday March 27, 2022

This trip with Anthony Gonzon will focus on finding and identifying as many waterfowl species as can be found in Delaware. Participants should anticipate stops at waterfowl hotspots such as Augustine WA, Bombay Hook NWR, Little Creek WA, Ted Harvey CA, Cape Henlopen SP, and Delaware Seashore SP. Exact stops will be determined prior to the trip based on current waterfowl reports.

Meet at Boyd’s Corner Park & Ride at 8 AM. Participants driving should have a Conservation Access Pass for state wildlife areas, State Park Pass or entry fee for State Parks, and a pass or entry fee for Bombay Hook NWR.

The trip will make a lunch stop at Little Creek Deli mid day. Be sure to dress appropriately for the days’ weather and be prepared for wet conditions!

Please contact Anthony with questions regarding the trip at atgonzon@verizon.net

39.501532161081236, -75.64356799103976

DOS April Meeting: Jason Kitting "Understanding the Bird Life of New Mexico’s Rio Grande"
2022-04-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Jason will present about the research and education programs carried out by Rio Grande Bird Research and how these projects support the conservation of New Mexico’s unique avifauna

Jason grew up in the mountains of central New Mexico where he spent his childhood exploring and enjoying nature. His fascination with birds started when his mother put out a bird bath on the front porch and a flock of Western Bluebirds decided to pay a visit. About a month later Jason put up a birdhouse and had a pair of these beautiful birds setting up home. That summer he then started volunteering at Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico and that was the start of many bird filled years to come.

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

Evening Rail Trip with Andy Ednie
2022-04-30 21:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York)
Listen for rails after dark!

This may be the only field trip all year where no birds are seen….only heard! A four hour Rail bonanza (in the middle of the night!) targeting 7 species. Bring long boots and bug spray.

Andy Ednie – ednieap@verizon.net

*All participants must be vaccinated to attend per request of the trip leader

Meet at the Park & Ride at routes 299 & 1 in Middletown, opposite the Wawa

Mother's Day Walk at White Clay Creek with Judy Montgomery
2022-05-08 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The traditional DOS Mother’s Day walk

Come spend Mother’s Day at beautiful White Clay Creek State Park looking for local breeding birds and late migrants still passing through. Offered during the DE Bird-A-Thon (DBAT)

Judy Montgomery – judy.montgomery01@gmail.com

Meet at the Chambers House Nature Center off of Hopkins Road in Newark; State Park Fee/Pass required
