Delaware Ornithological Society

DOS January Meeting: "Witness to the River of Raptors in Vera Cruz, Mexico" by John Mercer
2023-01-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Note: The traditional January CBC recap has been moved to March due to a scheduling conflict.

A photographic travelogue of a trip with Hawk Mountain and ProNatura to watch the River of Raptors in Vera Cruz, Mexico. A chronological tour of what we did and what we saw, with pictures of birds , sites and interesting critters, but mostly birds. A terrific trip especially for raptor lovers, but we also did a lot of other birding and some cultural visits, making this a well rounded and delightful trip.

John Mercer has been a serious birder since January 2005 although he always had an interest in birds. He is a member of the West Chester Bird Club and the Treasurer and Field Trips Committee Chair for the club. He lead beginning and Meadow bird walks at Longwood for several years until Covid put a stop to it and would like to get back to doing that. He says he is a birder who takes pictures, not a photographer who shoots birds, so he has some nice pictures and some not so nice. He eBirds frequently, but has no real concern for his list, He is more proud of getting a picture of the birds on his life list, currently, at 91%. His eBird list is 812 birds, but does not include birds of Australia, Hong Kong and Costa Rica from before he started eBird, so the actual list is around 1000.

Midwinter Bird Walk at Alapocas with Sally O'Byrne
2023-01-18 08:30 - 12:00
Dark-eyed Junco by Michael Moore

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!

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

Meet at the Blue Ball Barn near the traffic circle on West Park Drive off Rt 141.

Youth Birders: Brandywine Creek State Park, Thompson's Bridge section
2023-01-15 08:30 - 10:30
Belted KIngfisher by Michael Moore

This is a nice forested out-and-back trail along the Brandywine. We will look for winter birds like sparrows, finches and juncoes, as well as any ducks or other water birds along the creek. No state park fees are in effect this month.

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

Meet in the parking lot at 4017 Thompson’s Bridge Road.

Youth Birders: White Clay Creek State Park
2022-12-04 08:30 - 10:30
Red-breasted Nuthatch by Michael Moore

We will meet at the Nature Center and explore the nearby trails looking for winter residents like sparrows, red-breasted nuthatches, juncos and winter finches!

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

Testing
2022-12-01 08:00 - 17:00

Youth Birders: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
2022-11-19 08:30 - 10:30
Hooded Merganser by Michael Moore

This trip is all about waterfowl! Join us to explore numerous species of ducks and geese 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!

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

DOS November Meeting: Matthew Halley "New and overlooked sources in the history of American Ornithology"
2022-11-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 19807, United States
NOTE THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE DELAWARE MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE. SEE BELOW.

Matthew R. Halley is the Interim Curator of Birds at the Delaware Museum of Natural History. Dr. Halley received his doctorate in environmental science from Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, where he primarily studied the systematics of the nightingale-thrushes (genus Catharus) and the evolution of seasonal migration. His field research spans a wide range of countries including Panama, Venezuela, Nicaragua, India, Israel, Canada, and the United States.

Dr. Halley’s interdisciplinary research focuses primarily on the systematics and social evolution of American birds, as well as analysis and reinterpretation of the work of historical American scientists from the 18th and 19th centuries. His research utilizes many different technologies including genetics, video cameras, tracking devices, and analysis of audio recordings and museum specimens. In addition to being a historian and scientist, Dr. Halley is also a lifelong musician and featured on numerous albums, including his own self-titled album Matthew Halley (2020). His broad expertise in history, science, and art allows him to continually contribute to the research of a wide multitude of subjects.

Matthew is currently the Vice President and Program Chair for DOS.

This special meeting will be held at the newly remodeled Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. Admission to the museum is free and all the exhibits will be open.

Youth Birders: Saw-whet Owl Banding at Rushton Farm Preserve
2022-11-14 19:00 - 20:30
Northern Saw-whet Owl by Jessica Shahan

By popular demand! We are booked for an evening visit to an owl banding station in Newtown Square, PA. We will get a chance to learn about this amazing owl species, learn about how and why scientists study them and hopefully get to meet an owl or two up close.

This event is currently full, please contact Jessica at redknotyouthbirders@gmail.com to be placed on a waiting list.

Sea Watch I with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
2022-11-13 08:00 - 12:00
Join Anthony Gonzon and Chris Bennett for 3 brisk birding adventures at the Indian River Inlet this winter!

November 13, 2022 – 8am until 12pmJanuary 22, 2023 – 8am until 12pmMarch 12, 2023 – 8am until 12pm

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.

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.

Augustine Wildlife Area with Anthony Gonzon
2022-11-05 08:00 - 12:00
Pine Warbler by Chris Bennett

Join Anthony for some birding in the Augustine Wildlife Area, including the Ashton Tract and other less visited spots. We will be looking for fall migrants, winter arrivals and waterfowl. Meet at the Augustine Beach Parking Lot by 8AM. A Conservation Access Pass will be required to drive into the Augustine Wildlife Area.

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

Rescheduled! - Searching for Sparrows at Burrows Run with Andy Ednie
2022-10-23 08:00 - 11:00
After having to cancel this trip on a rainy weekend in early October, we’re happy that Andy has been able to reschedule!

Searching for Sparrows

Join Andy Ednie to search for sparrows in beautiful Burrows 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 Burrows 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***

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

DOS October Meeting: Holly Merker "Ornitherapy: Why watching birds is not only fun but good for you"
2022-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
Learn why getting your daily dose of Ornitherapy is just what the doctor ordered. We’re pushed and pulled in many directions, no matter our age. If we allow birds and nature to slow us down, we are practicing “selfcare”. Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through observation, we can learn not only about birds, but gain insight into our own lives while exploring our connection to the world around us. This fosters stewardship and bolsters conservation. Within the program, we’ll delve into our connections to birds, how to practice Ornitherapy for optimal benefits, and learn about the latest research in the power of nature for overall wellbeing.

Holly Merker has a background in art therapy, but today uses birds and nature towards the same goal of wellbeing by delivering nature-based wellness programming to people of all ages.

Holly has been a professional environmental educator and birding instructor for the past two decades, working for: National Audubon, the American Birding Association, Hillstar Nature, and many other organizations. Passionate about connecting young people to birds, she co-founded the Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium, and has facilitated many young birder groups and teen birding camps. Dedicated to bird conservation, she has been state coordinator/reviewer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Pennsylvania since 2005.

Holly is lead author of the book Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul (Crossley Books, 2021) which guides readers into explorations that optimize the wellness benefits birding can provide us.

In her free time, Holly spends every possible moment practicing Ornitherapy herself, which she credits in helping her defeat breast cancer, restoring her health mentally and physically.

Holly served as an Officer on DOS Council for six years in the role of Secretary and is thrilled to present to a DOS audience.

This talk will be held in person at Ashland Nature Center starting at 7:00 pm.

The Annual Ticking Tomb Bird Stroll with Ian Stewart
2022-10-15 08:00 - 10:30
Ye gods! Abandon all hope, ye who enter here……!

This DOS bird walk heads through White Clay Creek Preserve 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, kinglets, 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

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

White Clay Creek Preserve with Matthew Halley
2022-10-13 08:30 - 10:30
Co-listed with Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

Join our vice president, Dr. Matthew Halley, Interim Curator of Birds at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, for a guided walk through the scenic White Clay Creek Preserve in southern Chester County. In addition to caring for the extensive DelMNS bird collection of more than 113,000 specimens, Matthew conducts scientific research on the evolution of seasonal migration and has a wealth of knowledge about our local species. Fall migration is underway and it’s a perfect time to get outside and explore. Who knows what exciting species we might encounter? The group will meet at the Arc Corner parking lot and walk a relatively flat loop trail. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Beginners are welcome! Free admission; for DOS and DelMNS members only.

Our leader is Matthew Halley, contact at mhalley@delmns.org if you have questions about this trip.

Fall Birding at Bombay Hook with Chris Bennett
2022-10-08 08:00 - 12:00
Herons and egrets, shorebirds, songbirds & more at Bombay Hook!

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the premier birding sites in the eastern United States and it’s a short trip from anywhere in the state of Delaware. Early fall is a great time to search the refuge for songbirds, shorebirds, herons and egrets, terns and gulls, waterfowl and raptors. We will bird the wildlife drive with short walks on flat, well-maintained trails.

We’ll meet in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center parking lot in Smyrna, DE.

Refuge fees are in effect – $4 per car, or free entry with a 2022-2023 season duck stamp (or other special passes).

Contact Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org if you have any questions about this trip.More information on Bombay Hook NWR is available at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook/

DOS September Meeting: "Following Ashland Nature Center's Purple Martins" by Katie Bird
2022-09-21 19:00 - 21:00
Katie Bird is a final year wildlife ecology Master’s student at University of Delaware. Her research involves tracking Purple Martins with radio telemetry to answer questions about when and where they go while they are in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Katie’s project involves several martin colonies located at Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Curtis Mill Park, Longwood Gardens, and Ashland Nature Center. For this presentation, she will cover the individual stories of tagged martins at Ashland Nature Center, giving DOS members a closer look at the summer lives of these charismatic birds.

Katie is pursuing her Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware under the mentorship of Dr. Jeff Buler. She has been working on Purple Martins and will be defending her thesis this fall. Katie is also the DOS Flyer editor.

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 Link

Little Creek Wildlife Area with Chris Bennett
2022-09-17 08:00 - 12:00
Please note date change, not October 17!

Find many species at Little Creek!

The Delaware Bay in fall is a great place to search for migrating songbirds, shorebirds, wading birds, terns and gulls, raptors and early migrant waterfowl. Little Creek Wildlife Area is conveniently located in the middle of this action and offers a wide variety of habitats with excellent access. Birding will be primarily roadside birding in the Main Tract and along Pickering Beach Road with limited walking on paved or dirt roads. We will also visit the accessible Observation Platform at the Main Tract of Little Creek WLA.

Meet at the Little Creek Boat Ramp near the intersection of Rt 9 and South Little Creek Road.

Please note, a DE Conservation Access Pass is required to drive onto and park at the Little Creek Wildlife Area.

Our leader is Chris Bennett, contact at cpb2564@gmail.com if you have questions about the trip.

Ashland Migrant Walk with Jim White
2022-09-07 07:30 - 10:30
Migrant Bird Walk at Ashland!

Join Jim White for a ramble along the Red Clay Creek at Ashland Nature Center in search of warblers and other neotropical migrants! Bring your binoculars and spotting skills.

Meet in the parking lot of Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin DE at 7:30 am.

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

Blackbird State Forest with Ian Stewart- Rescheduled for September!!!
2022-09-03 08:00 - 12:00
Our spring trip to Blackbird State Forest was rained out so Ian will lead a trip early this fall!

We will explore the area around the headquarters of Blackbird State Forest and if the birding is good we’ll continue to follow the birds in that tract, if not we will move to another tract of the forest mid-morning.

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

Limited to 20 participants, please contact Ian to reserve a spot: itsacharliebrownchristmas@hotmail.com

44th Annual Beginner's Shorebird Field Trip!
2022-07-23 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 23rd, at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna, Delaware. This will be a Half Day trip – tailored for beginners, and is the 44th 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 2022-2023 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 – please email Bob to let him know you’re planning to participate, or if you have any questions. A few “loaner” binoculars will be available, please contact leader to request if needed.More information on Bombay Hook NWR is available at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook/

Dunlin.

DOS June Picnic 2022
2022-06-18 14:00 - 18:00
The DOS picnic will be hosted by Delaware Wildlands on their Roberts Farm property. 315 Taylor’s Bridge Rd, Townsend, DE. The picnic will start at 2:00 PM and will feature awards presentation, Bird-a-thon Summary and opportunity for bird walks, including to the Fortner Farm which was purchased with last years Bird-a-thon funs.

Killen's Pond State Park with Chris Bennett - CANCELED
2022-06-18 08:00 - 12:00
This trip is canceled due to the leader no longer being available.

Breeding specialties of southern Delaware

We will walk the 2.6 mile pondside trail in search of summer nesting birds including Prothonotary, Yellow-throated and Kentucky warbler, Summer and Scarlet Tanager, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and other breeding birds of Delaware’s coastal plain forests.

Chris Bennett – cpb2564@gmail.com

Meet at Meet at the sports complex parking area. State Park fees in effect

Fair Hill Bobolink trip with Ian Stewart
2022-06-04 08:00 - 12:00
See Boblinks up close!

Fair Hill NRMA nearby in Maryland boasts breeding Bobolinks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Savannah Sparrows, all within easy view from numerous groomed trails throughout their grassland habitats. Excellent photographic opportunities within a short walk of the parking area where we’ll meet. Much of the time will be spent enjoying the Bobolinks and Sparrows tending their young, but we may also explore adjacent woodlands along the Big Elk Creek for additional species. The multiple management practices throughout the 5,656 acres will provide the potential for participants to note 60+ various bird species during our visit!

Ian Stewart – itsacharliebrownchristmas@hotmail.com

Meet at Parking Lot #3 (2895 Appleton Road) aka the North Appleton Parking Lot – Day fee in effect

DOS May Meeting: CANCELED AGAIN - SORRY
2022-05-25 19:00 - 21:00
This talk was originally scheduled for 18 May and then was rescheduled for 25 May but had to be cancelled again due to ongoing health problems with the speaker. The talk will be rescheduled for next fall.

Patricia Gonzalez is a field ornithologist from Argentina who studies migration of Red Knots throughout the Americas. She is known as “Red Knot Woman” and “Mother of Moonbird”. She currently works at the University of Buenos Aires and has been studying shorebird conservation for more than 20 years.

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

DE Bay Horseshoe Crabs & Shorebirds with Chris Bennett
2022-05-15 08:00 - 12:00
Bayshore Shorebirds

We will scan the harbor for birds near high tide and then head south to Slaughter Beach and Prime Hook Beach Road in search of migratory shorebirds and other coastal water birds.

Chris Bennett – cpb2564@gmail.com

Meet at the DuPont Nature Center in Mispillion Harbor

Mother's Day Walk at White Clay Creek with Judy Montgomery
2022-05-08 08:00 - 12:00
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

Evening Rail Trip with Andy Ednie
2022-04-30 21:00 - 23:30
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

DOS April Meeting: Jason Kitting "Understanding the Bird Life of New Mexico’s Rio Grande"
2022-04-20 19:00 - 21:00
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

Delaware Waterfowl
2022-03-27 08:00 - 16:00
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 March Meeting: "Birds and Birding on the Southern Continent" by Brendan Murtha
2022-03-16 19:00 - 21:00
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
