Delaware Ornithological Society

Cataldi Bird and Nature Walk with Matt Sarver
2023-05-06 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Photo by Matt Sarver

Join Matt Sarver for a sneak preview nature walk to our 2022 Bird-a-thon property, the Cataldi Tract, soon to be part of Woodland Beach Wildlife Management Area. This property is not yet open to the public. We should expect to see a nice combination of marsh, forested wetlands, and wildflowers. Rubber boots are recommended. Come help us document the biodiversity on this new parcel!

Contact Matt at conservation@dos.org if you have any questions about this trip.

Meet at the parking lot across the street.

First State National Historic Park with Declan O'Neil
2023-05-03 07:30 - 11:00
Blackburnian Warbler by Declan O’Neil

Explore the Woodlawn Tract of First State National Historic Park, a lesser-known gem of northern New Castle County. With spring in full swing, we’ll be looking and listening for over 20 possible warbler species on our walk along the Brandywine, in addition to vireos, thrushes, sparrows and anything else migration has to offer us!

Please note that these trails can be muddy and there is a small stream crossing along the trail, so dress appropriately.

Meet in the parking lot on Ramsey Road across from Ramsey’s Farm. There is overflow parking (if necessary) in the lot down the road on Brandywine Creek Road.

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

Evening Rail Trip with Andy Ednie
2023-04-29 21:00 - 2023-04-30 01:00
**Please note weather advisory!! As of 7am on 4/29 this trip is a go!!! However, it could be rescheduled at the last minute if conditions change so make sure to let Andy know if you are planning to attend, you can contact him at the email address below.

Salt Marsh at Sunrise by Tim Freiday

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.

Our leader is Andy Ednie, please contact at ednieap@verizon.net if you plan to attend or have questions about this trip.

*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.

University of Delaware Farm & Ecology Woods with Blue Hen Birding
2023-04-23 08:00 - 11:00
Little Blue Heron by Katie Bird, 4/23/2017, at UD Farm Wetlands

Green Heron by Katie Bird

Meet the Blue Hen Birders!

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. Be prepared with appropriate footwear as the areas near the wetlands can be muddy especially if we have rain prior to the trip.

This trip will be limited to 24 participants. You must fill out and submit the registration form by clicking the button below. Each form registers one participant so each participant must fill out a form. If the trip is full, the form will not be displayed.

Registration Form

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

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: Bucktoe Creek Preserve
2023-04-23 08:00 - 11:00
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher by Michael Moore

This trip kicks off our exploration of spring migration! We will explore the trails searching for early migrant songbirds like phoebes, gnatcatchers and hopefully some warblers. Binoculars will be available for participants to borrow.

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

Meet at the parking area. 432 Sharp Rd, Avondale PA 19311

DOS April Meeting: "For DOS by DOS" short presentations by DOS members
2023-04-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
Rescheduled talk from earlier cancelation.

A DOS tradition. An opportunity for DOS members to make short presentations on any topic of their choice. We are still looking for additional speakers. Let us know if you are interested.

Featured Speakers:

Anthony Gonzon will speak on the role of the Delaware Bird Records Committee and its function in maintaining the official Delaware bird list. In addition, he will talk about how you can contribute bird sightings to help the committee.

Ian Stewart will speak about the MOTUS system for tracking the migration of tagged birds and how this has advanced our understanding of bird migration.

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

Nanticoke Wildlife Area - Phillips Landing with Anthony Gonzon
2023-04-16 08:00 - 12:00
Barred Owl by Chris Bennett

Nanticoke Wildlife Area – Phillips Landing, note two meeting times & places!

Join Anthony for a visit to the southwest corner of Delaware along the Nanticoke River and Broad Creek. Search for newly arrived migrants and summer residents, including Prothonotary and Worm-eating Warblers, and for year-round specialties like Barred Owls. Northern participants can meet Anthony at the Odessa Park & Ride at Routes 1 and 299 at 6:00 am. Southern participants can meet the group at Phillips Landing at 8:00 am. A Conservation Access Pass may be necessary for some locations.

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

Northern participants, meet at 6:00am

Southern participants meet at 8:00am

Youth Birders: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
2023-03-19 08:30 - 10:30
Northern Pintail by Michael Moore

Tinicum Marsh is the largest remaining tidal freshwater marsh in Pennsylvania and on this field trip we will explore all that this fascinating urban wildlife refuge has to offer! Raptors, waterfowl, wading birds and other water birds are all possibilities for us to observe. We will bring scopes and binoculars for participants to borrow. There are no entrance fees for this refuge.

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

Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot. 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153

DOS March Meeting: Annual Christmas Count Recap
2023-03-15 19:00 - 21:00
Usually held in January, this meeting was moved to March due to a scheduling conflict. Join host Jim White and other Christmas Count compilers for a recap of all the exciting discoveries during the 2022-2023 Christmas Counts. Each compiler will summarize the highlights of their count and discuss recent trends in bird populations.

This event will be held at Ashland Nature Center.

Sea Watch III with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
2023-03-12 08:00 - 12:00
Long-tailed Duck by Michael Moore

Last chance to join Anthony Gonzon and Chris Bennett for a brisk birding adventure at the Indian River Inlet this winter!

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.

Waterfowl on the Susquehanna Flats with Andy Ednie
2023-02-26 08:00 - 12:00
Redheads by Michael Moore

New this Winter, Waterfowl at Perryville Community Park!

Join Andy Ednie for an opportunity to observe hundreds of Tundra Swans & ducks while studying a diversity of species. We’ll look for Canvasbacks & Redheads, Greater & Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, Hooded & Common Mergansers, Buffleheads & Ruddy Ducks just to name a few! If you have a spotting scope, bring it along.

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

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

Meet at the Rodger’s Tavern Museum parking lot, 259 Broad Street, Perryville, MD.

Youth Birders: Bombay Hook NWR Take Two
2023-02-19 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.

2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE 19977

DOS February Meeting: "Species limits and conservation of the Sharp-shinned Hawk complex" by Therese A. Catanach
2023-02-15 19:00 - 21:00
The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) complex is widely distributed across the New World, breeding from western Alaska to Argentina. Although currently treated as a single species, based on size and plumage variation some authorities have suggested there may be multiple species of “Sharpie”. Using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences from over 50 samples, from across the geographic distribution of the group, we reconstructed an evolutionary tree (phylogeny) to test species limits in the A. striatus complex. In particular, we densely sampled across the Caribbean and the Neotropics, where 8 of the 10 recognized subspecies are breeding residents. Our findings confirm that Sharp-shinned Hawk is a complex of multiple species, including several unique and geographically restricted lineages with small populations, which are of special conservation concern.

Dr. Therese Catanach is an ornithologist and entomologist who studies the evolutionary biology of hawks and eagles (Accipitridae) and their associated feather lice. They hold two doctoral degrees, one in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (University of Illinois), and the other in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (Texas A&M University). They have been a Research Associate at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) since January 2016, and have conducted fieldwork around the world including in the United States, Philippines, Tanzania, Kenya, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, South Africa, Swaziland, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Argentina, and the islands of Dominica (West Indies) and Ascension (South Atlantic).

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

Raptors in Winter with Jim White (DOS Members Only)
2023-02-12 08:00 - 16:00
Northern Harrier by Michael Moore

New this year, a quest for Raptors in Winter!

A full day quest for raptors that may be found in our area during the winter months. We will visit several areas in Delaware and while we will include owls in our search, no tape recordings will be used to call them in. Bring snacks, lunch etc. 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

Meet in the parking lot at Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, DE.

Youth Birders: DOS Sea Watch, Indian River Inlet-Southside Day Use Area
2023-01-22 08:00 - 12:00
Long-tailed Duck by Michael Moore

This is a great opportunity to see sea ducks, loons, gulls and other fun ocean-going species. There might even be a seal sighting! This trip is in conjunction with the full DOS membership. Youth birding leaders will be present for the whole morning, but feel free to stop by for only an hour or two if that is what your schedule allows. We will have loaner scopes and binoculars available.

More details here: Sea Watch II with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon – Delaware Ornithological Society (dosbirds.org)

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

Sea Watch II with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
2023-01-22 08:00 - 12:00
Long-tailed Duck by Michael Moore

Two more opportunities remain to join Anthony Gonzon and Chris Bennett for brisk birding adventures at the Indian River Inlet this winter! January 22, 2023 – 8am until 12pm March 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). Participants should monitor the DOS website and social media for last minute changes due to weather or other conditions.

Come prepared for cold conditions and the seashore wind and bring your scope if you have one.

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

DOS January Meeting: "Witness to the River of Raptors in Vera Cruz, Mexico" by John Mercer
2023-01-18 19:00 - 21:00
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.
