Delaware Ornithological Society

DOS January Meeting: Annual Christmas Count Recap
2022-01-19 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | DE
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

Midwinter Bird Walk at Alapocas with Sally O'Byrne
2022-01-15 08:30 - 12:00
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 December Meeting: Annual "For DOS, by DOS" short presentations by DOS members
2021-12-15 19:00 - 21:00
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

DOS November Meeting: "Use of a Delaware Bayshore marsh hummock by songbirds during migration" by Kitt Heckscher
2021-11-17 19:00 - 21:00
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

First Sea Watch for 2021-2022
2021-11-14 08:00 - 12:00
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

Youth Birders: Conowingo Park and Octoraro Creek Trail
2021-11-13 08:30 - 10:30
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

DOS October Meeting: Kate Hackett will speak on "Restoring Delaware's Forests"
2021-10-20 19:00 - 21:00
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

Little Creek Wildlife Area
2021-10-16 08:00 - 12:00
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

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

The Annual Ticking Tomb Bird Stroll
2021-10-02 08:00 - 10:30
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

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

Ashland Migrant Walk
2021-09-08 07:30 - 11:30
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

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

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

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
