Delaware Ornithological Society

Harry's Pond in Autumn with Amy O'Neil***Rescheduled for Friday, 10/10 @8:00am-9:30am, due to imminent rain!***
2025-10-08 08:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York)
Harry’s Pond in Autumn by Amy O’Neil

How many species of birds visit or reside at Harry’s Pond?

Come out for a seasonal stroll around Harry’s Pond and find out what makes this little retention pond such a special and fun place to visit. It’s a small oasis amidst a busy shopping center, which makes it the perfect place for birds (and busy birders) to frequent. This fall walk will be the first in a series – we’ll drop in once each season to see what we can find. Spring migrants? Winter waterfowl? Summer nesters? They’re all here tucked away, just waiting to be found! The pace will be leisurely, and most walking will be on paved paths or flat grassy areas.

Contact Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org if you have any questions about this trip..

We’ll meet by the entrance to the pond most easily accessible from the parking lot by the security building past Tutor Time. Be careful of toddlers getting dropped off in the morning when driving in!

Harry's Pond in Autumn with Amy O'Neil ***Rescheduled from Wednesday, 10/8, due to rain***
2025-10-10 08:00 - 09:30

Cape May with Declan O'Neil
2025-10-10 17:30 - 19:00
October 11 @ 7:00 am – 3:00 pm EDT

Broad-winged Hawk by Declan O’Neil

Experience fall migration at Cape May!

Known as “the birding Mecca,” Cape May, New Jersey has a legendary status among birders for good reason! Its location at the tip of a narrow peninsula funnels in migrating birds and provides a birding experience unlike any other. Join us for this special two-day trip targeting migrant songbirds and raptors!

We will begin Friday evening with a sunset stroll around South Cape May Meadows preserve followed by a group dinner and pick up again bright and early Saturday morning to see migration in action, visiting Higbee Beach WMA, the Northwood Center of Cape May Bird Observatory and Cape May Point State Park, finishing up on the iconic Hawk Watch Platform.

Black-throated Green Warbler by Declan O’Neil

Please note that participants are responsible for their own overnight accommodations if they plan to attend both days.

Please contact Declan at Declan@dosbirds.org to sign up for this trip or if you have any questions.

Meet at South Cape May Meadows Friday evening.

Meet at Higbee Beach WMA Saturday morning.

October Meeting: "Here’s the latest poop on birds: What can we learn from our feathered friends’ feces?" by Dr. Jennifer Uehling
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
Summary: Though most people bemoan the presence of bird poop, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Dr. Jenny Uehling will explore what we can learn from bird feces, covering topics such as DNA sequencing to identify bird diet and microplastic identification and quantification. Understanding what birds are eating, and how it can expose them to potentially helpful nutrients or harmful pollutants, allows us to better understand the relationship between diet, survival, reproductive success, and bird declines.

Dr. Jenny Uehling is an assistant professor at West Chester University. She started at West Chester University as an assistant professor in Fall 2023. Before arriving at WCU, she received a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University in spring 2023 and my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Chicago in 2015. A native of the Philadelphia area, she graduated from Springfield Township High School in Montgomery County. She am passionate about teaching, mentoring students in research, and making science accessible to everyone. When not pondering bird behavior or working with students, she enjoys running and eating ice cream. She is also a diehard Phillies fan!

The meeting is held in person at Ashland Nature Center and is streamed online via YouTube Live. The in person meeting is open to everyone, but the YouTube Live presentation is for DOS members only.

Members in good standing will receive an email with the link to YouTube Live prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend virtually, please consider joining DOS.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

University of Delaware Farm & Ecology Woods with Blue Hen Birding
2025-10-19 08:00 - 11:00
Killdeer by Carolyn Holland

Explore the UD Farm & Ecology Woods!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet by Michael Moore

By special permission from the University of Delaware & hosted by Blue Hen Birding, a UD student organization, here is an opportunity for non-UD affiliated birders to explore the University of Delaware Farm & Ecology Woods to observe the many species of birds that can be found there during fall migration. Be prepared with bug spray and appropriate footwear as the areas near the wetlands can be muddy especially if we have rain prior to the trip.

Yellow-rumped Warbler by Michael Moore

This trip will be limited to 12 participants. Please email Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org providing contact information to sign up for this trip or if you have any questions.

Meet at the UDairy Creamery, 535 S College Ave, Newark DE & perhaps enjoy some ice cream after our walk! Parking must be paid by the hour using the Passport Parking App in Zone 755 (Lot 1 in front of the Fred Rust Ice Arena) or in Zone 756 (Lot 2 next to the UDairy Creamery & behind Townsend Hall).

Youth Birders: Rushton Woods Owl Banding
2025-10-24 19:00 - 20:30
*Note the evening meeting time!

Northern Saw-whet Owl by Jessica Shahan

It’s time for another fun evening with owls! Join the banding crew at Rushton Woods Preserve as they work to catch and band Northern Saw-whet Owls, to help researchers discover more about their amazing annual movements and unique nocturnal adaptations.

There will be no registration fees for this outing.

NOTE: All youth birders must be accompanied by an adult until they are old enough to drive themselves to the trip!

Spaces are limited, so pre-registration is required, please contact Jessica at redknotyouthbirders@gmail.com.

911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square PA 19073

Anson B. Nixon Park with Ian Stewart
2025-10-25 08:00 - 10:30
Blue-headed Vireo by Carolyn Holland

Explore this under-birded park to see what species we might find!

Anson B. Nixon park (www.ansonbnixonpark.org) is an attractive 100 acre site owned by the Kennett Area Park Authority. It contains two small lakes and a mix of woodland and dense forest with creeks. It is free to enter, there is ample parking and the trails are good. We will search the woods and edges for late migrants, winter visitors and residents. This well-maintained park is under-birded yet the mix of habitats holds great promise of us adding some new species to the site list! Bring bug spray and wear appropriate shoes for walking.

Contact Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org if you have any questions about this trip..

The entrance to the park is on N Walnut Street in Kennett Square. The GPS coordinates on the map below will take you to the park entrance where there is a sign at the end of the driveway. Follow the driveway and soon you will come to a good size parking lot on the right where we will meet. If this lot is full there is a spillover lot further down the driveway.

Youth Birders: Chambers Works Natural Area
2025-10-26 08:00 - 10:00
Mallard by Carolyn Holland

Since Mother Nature had other ideas the first two times we tried this trip, we’ve moved it to afall date! Youth birding committee member Scott Northey will show us around Chemours’Chambers Works site’s 500 acres of freshwater impoundments, grasslands and forestedwetlands to see resident and migrant birds, including waterfowl!There are no entrance fees for this site.

Penns Grove NJ, meeting address will be forwarded with RSVP- Please email SCOTT.T.NORTHEY@chemours.com

NOTE: All youth birders must be accompanied by an adult until they areold enough to drive themselves to the trip!

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2025-10-26 16:00 - 18:00
Swamp Sparrow by Carolyn Holland

Lazy Birder Walks with Joe are back!

Close the week with an easy walk along the Jack A Markell Trail at the Peterson Refuge near the Wilmington Riverfront. We will begin about 2 hours before sundown and cover about 2 miles, mostly on boardwalk with a bit of woodland trail thrown in. The sights and sounds of a freshwater marsh in evening are a great stress-reliever and will fortify you for the week ahead.

Next walk: Noevember 23 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Meet by the Russell Peterson statue in the parking area for the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Those interested in more information may contact Joe at jfrancismd@verizon.net.

Evening Saw-whet Owl Banding at Rushton Woods
2025-11-14 19:00 - 20:30
***This event is full***

Northern Saw-whet Owl courtesy of Rushton Woods Preserve

A visit to Rushton Woods owl banding for adults!

Join the banding crew at Rushton Woods Preserve as they work to catch and band Northern Saw-whet Owls to help researchers discover more about their amazing annual movements and unique nocturnal adaptations. Please be aware that this is expected to be a light year for the owls so while participants may not see an owl, they will learn about the research being done, the techniques used and the value of the collected data.

This trip is limited to 20 participants, DOS members only. Please email Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org providing contact information to sign up for this trip or if you have any questions. Since there was a lot of interest last year and the trip filled quickly, I will be giving priority to those who did not have the opportunity to go last year. I will keep a waiting list for people who attended last year and would like to go again in the event that the trip does not fill.

911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square PA 19073

Youth Birders: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
2025-11-16 08:30 - 10:30
Blue-winged Teal by Michael Moore

This trip is all about waterfowl! Join us to explore the diversity of duck and goose species that move into the Mid-Atlantic region for the winter each year. We’ll be bringing scopes to make sure we get great looks, so don’t miss out!

*Annual Duck Stamp or Daily Pass required

NOTE: All youth birders must be accompanied by an adult until they are old enough to drive themselves to the trip!

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

2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE 19977

November Meeting via Zoom: "Introduction to Gull Identification" by Amar Ayyash
2025-11-19 19:00 - 21:00
Summary: Often approached with apprehension, gulls have gained a love-hate relationship with many birders. Among these larids are some of the most coveted bird species in the world. Amar will highlight key identification field marks for separating our most common gull species, and he will also touch on some of the often-ignored topics in gull-study such as the aging process, plumage and molt. Learn why an increasing number of people are being drawn to this family of birds and are eagerly calling themselves “larophiles”.

Amar Ayyash is both an expert on the gulls of North America and an evangelist for “gull recreation”. He coordinates the IOS Annual Gull Frolic on Lake Michigan, hosts the popular website anythinglarus.com, and is often found speaking at birding events throughout the continent. Much of his free time is dedicated to traveling the world to photograph and study gulls. Ayyash has published a number of papers and articles on gull identification, distribution, and molt, and he is the author of the authoritative guide to North American Gulls, The Gull Guide. Amar lives in northern Illinois where he teaches mathematics.

The meeting is held online via Zoom. The Zoom link has been sent to members.

The meeting is open to everyone. If you did not get a Zoom link, please click the button below to send an email to request the Zoom link be emailed to you:

Click to request Zoom Link

Sea Watch with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon ***Chris & Anthony plan to give this trip a go & will adjust timing when there if needed due to rain***
2025-11-22 08:00 - 12:00
Bufflehead by Carolyn Holland

Join Anthony and Chris for a brisk birding adventure at the Indian River Inlet!

To be enjoyed at the Southside Day Use Area (parking lot on the south side of Indian River Inlet along the ocean). Come prepared for cold conditions and the seashore wind and bring your scope if you have one.

State Park entrance fees will be in effect. Participants should monitor the DOS website and social media for last minute changes due to weather or other conditions.

Contact Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org if you have any questions about this trip.

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2025-11-23 15:00 - 17:00
Rusty Blackbird by Carolyn Holland

Explore Delaware’s Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge!

Close the week with an easy walk along the Jack A Markell Trail at the Peterson Refuge near the Wilmington Riverfront. We will begin about 2 hours before sundown and cover about 2 miles, mostly on boardwalk with a bit of woodland trail thrown in. The sights and sounds of a freshwater marsh in evening are a great stress-reliever and will fortify you for the week ahead.

Next walk: January 25, 2026 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Meet by the Russell Peterson statue in the parking area for the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Those interested in more information may contact Joe at jfrancismd@verizon.net.

Delaware Bayshore: Pickering Beach to Port Mahon with Anthony Gonzon
2025-12-06 12:00 - 17:00
Sunset along Port Mahon Road by Chris Bennett

Observation Tower at Little Creek Wildlife Area by C. Bennett

Spend the afternoon on the Delaware Bay!

The Delaware Bay and the public lands along its shores attract a wide range of migrant and winter resident birds. We will start the trip at the Main Tract of Little Creek Wildlife area looking for forest songbirds, raptors and waterfowl. We will head south from there to Pickering Beach to search for diving ducks on the bay and check the tidal flats for winter gulls. The trip will end on the fishing pier at Port Mahon where we will scan the marsh for American Bittern, Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Owls. Conservation Access Pass required.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls, immature & adult by C. Bennett

American Bittern by C. Bennett

Short-eared Owl by C. Bennett

Contact Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org if you have any questions about this trip.

Meet at the Hunter Education Building at Little Creek Wildlife Area, 3018 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901.

DOS December Meeting: Annual "For DOS, by DOS" short presentations by DOS members
2025-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
The December member meeting will feature several short talks by DOS members on activities managed, coordinated and implemented by DOS members and partner organizations. The talks will generally be 10-15 minute overviews of activities implemented over the past year. See below for speaker list.

Will Krohn, University of Delaware

“Investigating Natal Dispersal and Artificial Colony Use in Purple Martins (Progne subis)”

Grace Muench, University of Delaware

“Managed Early Successional Habitat: Quail and Passerine Survival, Movement, and Activity”

Matthew Halley, Delaware Museum of Science and Nature

“Alexander Wilson’s House in Philadelphia”

Andy Ednie, Delaware Ornithological Society

“First State National Historical Park – Summary of a Year of Bird Surveys”

This meeting will be in person at Ashland Nature Centerl.

Members in good standing will receive an email with the link to the online presentation prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend virtually, please consider joining DOS.

Youth Birders: Wilmington Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-20 08:30 - 10:30
Snow Geese by Carolyn Holland

Join us for the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count! We will be counting all of the birds we can see and hear to help track continent-wide trends in bird diversity and abundance. The data collected is used by scientists working to protect bird habitats and populations.

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

Meet at the Alapocas Ball Fields

First State National Historical Park Bird Survey
2025-12-26 08:00 - 11:00
Red-headed Woodpecker by Jean-Marie Gauthier

Birders at Hot Triangle L to R: Carol Majors, Jean-Marie Gauthier, Ron Majors, Walt Blackwell, Karen Hochgraf. Photo by Melissa Lafferty

Last day for this survey!

DOS with the cooperation with the National Park Service is embarking on a comprehensive transect survey of the avifauna of the Brandywine Valley (formerly Woodlawn) Tract of First State National Historical Park. The property was preserved for prosperity by William Poole Bancroft with “the vision of open space accessible to the public for their health and well being.” The goal is to determine the park’s avian population and locate prime birding areas. This is the 10th anniversary of an initial survey done by Delaware Nature Society prior to transfer of the property to the National Park Service and will set a baseline as improvements are made to the area.

Young Red-headed Woodpecker by Jean-Marie Gauthier

DOS is looking for leaders and participants to help with the census. We’ll start by meeting at the Ramsey Road parking lot at 7:30 am. If interested, please contact Andy Ednie at 302-463-0113 or email ednieap@verizon.net.

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2025-12-28 15:00 - 17:00
Hermit Thrush by Carolyn Holland

Explore Delaware’s Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge!

There will be a chance to work off those extra holiday calories and bird at a slower, more relaxing pace than the recent CBCs with a walk along the Jack A Markell Trail at the Peterson Refuge near the Wilmington Riverfront. We will begin about 2 hours before sundown and cover about 2 miles, mostly on boardwalk with a bit of woodland trail thrown in. The sights and sounds of a freshwater marsh in evening are a great stress-reliever and will fortify you for the week ahead. Afterwards, we can enjoy the holiday lights on the Riverwalk.

Next walk: January 25, 2026 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Meet by the Russell Peterson statue in the parking area for the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Those interested in more information may contact Joe at jfrancismd@verizon.net.

January Meeting: "Update on the Delaware Shorebird Project" by Kat Christie
2026-01-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
Summary: Shorebirds are an important part of the ecology of Delaware’s shorelines. But they are under threat; populations are declining. DNREC’s Delaware Shorebird Project works to mitigate that threat, through research and monitoring, habitat protection, and management planning. The Shorebird Project team has conducted research and monitoring since 1997. They have studied the health and status of several shorebird populations. These include the Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpiper and the federally threatened rufa subspecies of the Red Knot. The professional staff and dedicated volunteers of the Project are part of a team that includes state and federal scientists, local and international researchers, local volunteers and birders who collect high-quality data.

Kat Christie is the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s coastal waterbird biologist and project leader for the Delaware Shorebird Project, a long-term study centered on the stopover of tens of thousands of long-distance migrant shorebirds in the Delaware Bay each spring. She has a background in avian conservation and earned a Masters degree from the University of Georgia studying wading bird pathogen dynamics, working in novel urban breeding colonies of white ibis in Florida. She moved to Delaware to join DNREC in July of 2023 and is now preparing for her third full field season here, managing the planning, field work, and data analysis related to migratory shorebirds, colonial waterbirds, and other breeding coastal species of conservation concern such as American Oystercatcher and Piping Plover.

The meeting is held in person at Ashland Nature Center and is streamed online via YouTube Live. The in person meeting is open to everyone, but the YouTube Live presentation is for DOS members only.

Members in good standing will receive an email with the link to YouTube Live prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend virtually, please consider joining DOS.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Youth Birders: Augustine Wildlife Area - Ashton Tract***Cancelled due to impending snowstorm***
2026-01-25 08:30 - 10:30
Sandhill Cranes by Carolyn Holland

This January, we’re headed to southern New Castle County to explore Delaware’s winter waterfowl! We will start with a stop at the viewing platform overlooking Thousand Acre Marsh, then explore the adjacent forests and fields. Besides ducks, geese, and swans, we’ll also be keeping an eye out for overwintering songbirds, raptors, and maybe even a sandhill crane or two.DE Conservation Access Pass required.

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

Meet at 507 Thorntown Road, Middletown DE 19709

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis***Rescheduled to January 31 due to impending snowstorm***
2026-01-25 15:00 - 17:00
Field Sparrow by Carolyn Holland

Explore Delaware’s Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge!

Close the week with an easy walk along the Jack A Markell Trail at the Peterson Refuge near the Wilmington Riverfront. We will begin about 2 hours before sundown and cover about 2 miles, mostly on boardwalk with a bit of woodland trail thrown in. The sights and sounds of a freshwater marsh in evening are a great stress-reliever and will fortify you for the week ahead.

Meet by the Russell Peterson statue in the parking area for the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Those interested in more information may contact Joe at jfrancismd@verizon.net.

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis***Cancelled***
2026-01-31 15:00 - 17:00
***Cancelled due to sub-freezing temperatures & ice on the boardwalk***

Field Sparrow by Carolyn Holland

Explore Delaware’s Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge!

Close the week with an easy walk along the Jack A Markell Trail at the Peterson Refuge near the Wilmington Riverfront. We will begin about 2 hours before sundown and cover about 2 miles, mostly on boardwalk with a bit of woodland trail thrown in. The sights and sounds of a freshwater marsh in evening are a great stress-reliever and will fortify you for the week ahead.

Meet by the Russell Peterson statue in the parking area for the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Those interested in more information may contact Joe at jfrancismd@verizon.net.

White Clay Creek State Park Bird Survey***Note date change due to extreme cold & high winds forecast for Saturday***
2026-02-06 08:00 - 12:00
Photograph by Andy Ednie

Join the survey!

American Robins by Carolyn Holland

Delaware’s piedmont area is only 10% of the land mass, but has the largest, most diverse biodiversity in the state. The White Clay Creek State Park is the 4th highest ranked top birding spot in New Castle County and 49th largest Delaware area bird list by Cornell University’s eBird data base. This list is growing as more hours are spent birding the area. The purpose of this bird survey is to evaluate the avifauna potential in a systematic two-year study and add to the knowledge of the park. The survey takes 3-4 hours and covers about 3 miles. The park was originally surveyed in 1976-1977 with weekly surveys over 24 months. That data was published in the Delmarva Ornithologist.

Plan:Date: January 2, 2026 – December 31, 2027Frequency: Weekly, alternate Thursday/SaturdayCoverage: North and South sections split by Hopkins and Pleasant Hill Roads.Data Entry: Checklists will be recorded by eBird along with weather, observers and effort.Volunteer Hours: recorded on separate volunteer sheet.Goals:Count the total number of birds in the park over a 24-hour period weekly for 2 years.Document status and population of bird species.Locate critical areas for unusual species.Increase usage for birding activitiesMonitor volunteer hours (between 350-750 hrs./yr)

Census Dates: The dates for the weekly bird census may be modified based on the consensus of thegroup. Changes to the schedule can occur in response to weather conditions or other unforeseen factorsthat may affect census activities.

Census dates for 2026 are as follows:

Thursday, February 12Thursday, June 18Thursday, October 22Saturday, February 21Saturday, June 27Saturday, October 31Thursday, February 26Thursday, July 2Thursday, November 5Saturday, March 7Saturday, July 11Saturday, November 14Thursday, March 12Thursday, July 16Thursday, November 19Saturday, March 21Saturday, July 25Saturday, November 28Thursday, March 26Thursday, July 30Thursday, December 3Saturday, April 4Saturday, August 8Saturday, December 12Thursday, April 9Thursday, August 13Thursday, December 17Saturday, April 18Saturday, August 22Saturday, December 26Thursday, April 23Thursday, August 27Thursday, December 31Saturday, May 2Saturday, September 5 Thursday, May 7Thursday, September 10 Saturday, May 16Saturday, September 19 Thursday, May 21Thursday, September 24 Saturday, May 30Saturday, October 3 Thursday, June 4Thursday, October 8 Saturday, June 13Saturday, October 17

White Clay Creek Nature Center by Andy Ednie

Meet at the White Clay Creek Nature Center at 8:00 am

Morning Waterfowl Walk at C&D Wildlife Area Canal Pond with Will Krohn***Relocated! See Battery Park Bird Walk and Riverwatch***
2026-02-08 09:00 - 10:00
Mute Swan by Will Krohn

Due to extreme temperatures and persistence of accumulated snow and ice, the location of the morning waterfowl walk at C&D Wildlife Area–Canal Pond with Will Krohn has been changed to Battery Park in New Castle-please see Battery Park Bird Walk and Riverwatch for details.

Canal Pond is arguably one of the best locations in New Castle County for waterfowl abundance and diversity in the winter. This hotspot, located off of Cox Neck Rd. about 1 mile west of Delaware City, regularly hosts large numbers of Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Coot, and many other species of waterfowl. Less frequent species seen there include Redhead, Common Goldeneye, and rare geese. The phragmites and scrubby habitat along the edge of the pond is also typically full of uncommon winter songbirds like Gray Catbird and Swamp Sparrow. We will meet at 9 AM. Over the course of an hour, we will walk approximately 2/3 of a mile over gently sloping trails and grass, and there may be some mud. If you have one, it is recommended to bring a spotting scope, although there will be opportunities to share scopes if you do not have one. There is no restroom available on-site. If participants are interested and conditions allow, we can also visit other nearby “hotspots” such as the Augustine Wildlife Area.

We will meet in front of the gate to Canal Pond. To get there, paste 39.562708, -75.612913 into your smartphone’s mapping application, or, coming from Delaware City, follow Cox Neck Rd. west for 1 mile and turn left onto a gravel road. There are no signs for the pond at the turn-in. If you have any questions about this trip, please contact the leader, Will (wkrohn@udel.edu) for more information. In the unlikely event that the pond is completely frozen over, the event will be rescheduled.

Battery Park Bird Walk and Riverwatch with Will Krohn***Note location change from Canal Pond and later start time***
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00
Lesser Black-backed Gull by Will Krohn

Due to extreme temperatures and persistence of accumulated snow and ice, the location of the morning waterfowl walk at C&D Wildlife Area–Canal Pond with Will Krohn has been changed to Battery Park in New Castle. Because this park is on the Delaware River, it has not completely frozen over, and this offers open water for birds of all types. We can expect to see Bald Eagles, gulls of many species, along with a host of waterfowl. The continuing temperatures improve our chances of seeing rare, predominantly northern or coastal species like Iceland Gull or Long-tailed Duck, and your guide will be able to help you with difficult species identifications like those of gulls.

We will meet at Battery Park in New Castle at 10 am, walking approximately 1 mile in total over flat terrain that is potentially icy at times. We will meet at the parking lot that is at the end of Delaware Street, right next to the pier. We will stay for approximately 2 hours, or until the cold becomes unbearable. Dress warm, wear boots, and be prepared for wind. If you have one, it is recommended to bring a spotting scope, although there will be opportunities to share scopes if you do not have one. If you have any questions about this trip, please contact the leader, Will (wkrohn@udel.edu) for more information.

Harry's Pond in Winter with Amy O'Neil
2026-02-13 09:00 - 10:30
Harry’s Pond in Winter by Amy O’Neil

How many species of birds can be found at Harry’s Pond in winter?

Bundle up and come out for the second in the series of seasonal strolls around Harry’s Pond, this time for a little winter walk. In winter, there are geese aplenty, and ducks to see like Hooded Mergansers. We’ll also look for other overwintering birds like Belted Kingfisher, Fox Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers and any raptors that are lurking around the edges or flying over – perhaps the Bald Eagle that has been hanging out on the tower lately. The pace will be leisurely, and most walking will be on paved paths or flat grassy areas. If the pond is iced over, we’ll reschedule.

Contact Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org if you have any questions about this trip.

We’ll meet by the entrance to the pond most easily accessible from the parking lot by the security building past Tutor Time. Be careful of toddlers getting dropped off in the morning when driving in!

Winter Trip to Brigantine & Barnegat with Andy Ednie
2026-02-15 07:00 - 18:00
Harlequin Duck by David Lewis

Winter birding in New Jersey!

Merlin by Andy Ednie

Join Andy for an all day trip to Brigantine and Barnegat. We’ll leave from the Claymont Train Station at 7 am to drive to Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Will arrive at Forsythe around 8 am and drive the auto tour (National Wildlife Refuge pass required per car) looking for waterfowl and winter raptors. We”ll then drive an hour north to Barnegat Light on Long Beach Island to catch the afternoon sun to see Harlequin Ducks, Eiders and Alcids. Return home by 6 pm.

If you plan to attend contact Andy Ednie at ednieap@verizon.net.

Carpooling will be from the Claymont Train Station.

Youth Birders: Little Creek Wildlife Area - Port Mahon Impoundment
2026-02-15 08:30 - 10:30
Northern Shoveler by Carolyn Holland

This man-made coastal wetland serves as an important overwintering spot for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other species. For this trip, our goal is to see as many different winter raptors, diving ducks, and dabbling ducks as possible, including harriers, kestrels, mergansers, and gadwall.DE Conservation Access Pass required.

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

Meet at Port Mahon Road, Little Creek 19901- look for the turnoff to the parking area on the right justbefore the tank farm driveway; if you reach the bay you’ve gone too far!

DOS February Meeting: Annual Christmas Count Recap
2026-02-18 19:00 - 21:00
Join host Jim White and other Christmas Count compilers for a recap of all the exciting discoveries during the 2024-2025 Christmas Counts. Each compiler will summarize the highlights of their count and discuss recent trends in bird populations.

This event will be held on line via Zoom. A zoom link will be sent to all DOS members via email. If you are not a member, you can request a zoom link by clicking the button below.

Non-members click here to request Zoom link

For DOS members only, there will be a link to a recording of the talk after the meeting. If you are not a member and want to attend virtually, please consider joining.
