Delaware Ornithological Society

Youth Birders: Rushton Woods Owl Banding
2024-10-25 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
*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.

911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square PA 19073

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

"A Fascination with Finches" by Matthew Young
2024-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
NOTE THIS TALK IS A WEEK LATER THAN USUAL.

Summary: From backyards to wilderness peaks, finches are some of the most exciting, mysterious, and popular group of songbirds. In this information-packed presentation, finch expert Matthew Young will introduce you to the 43 finches of the United States and Canada from feeder-favorite goldfinches to Red Crossbill tribes, to poorly known mountain-top Black Rosy-Finches to endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers. Matt has co-authored with Judy Stokes The Stokes Guide to Finches of the United States and Canada which covers detailed finch identification, language, behavior, irruptions, specialized maps and foraging charts on crossbills, conservation, and much more. There will be an opportunity for book signing at the meeting as well. Books will be for sale at the meeting for $20. Profits to benefit DOS programs.

Matthew Young is the Founder and Board President of the Finch Research Network. Matthew has also worked in the field of social work with special needs populations at the William George Agency for 12 years. Additionally, Matthew worked at the Cornell Lab across 15 years where he worked on Golden-winged Warblers, Voices of Hawaii’s Birds, Merlin Bird ID, and was Project Lead on Lab’s first Irruptive Finch Survey in 1999. Widely known as a preeminent authority on finches of North America, Matthew has written finch species accounts for breeding bird atlases, Birds of the World accounts, and published several papers on finches and the Red Crossbill vocal complex.

This talk is in person, but live streaming of this talk will be available to members of DOS who can’t make it. Link to be provided by email to members a couple days before the talk. A recording of the talk will also be available to DOS members who will receive an link via email after the talk. Join now if you want these links!

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2024-10-20 16:00 - 18:15
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Carolyn Holland

Explore Delaware’s Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge!

End the week on a positive note with a leisurely walk at the Russell W. Peterson Refuge. These walks will begin roughly 2 hours before sunset, allowing opportunity to check out roosting waterfowl, shorebirds, rails, wrens and blackbirds. Crepuscular sightings of muskrat, beaver and river otter are possible. We will walk about two miles, mostly on boardwalk. Beginners are welcome, so bring a friend who is new to birding. Thanks to regular pedestrian traffic and security patrols from the Wilmington Riverfront, this has been a safe area even after dark.

Next Walk: November 17, 3pm~4:45pm

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.

Youth Birders: Ashland Nature Center
2024-10-20 08:00 - 10:00
Peregrine Falcon by David Brown

One of the great things about fall migration is how much slower it is than the spring. This givesus lots of time to search out later migrants like sparrows, finches, and kinglets. We’ll end thetrip with some time at the hawk watch to look for falcons, hawks, and eagles.

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

3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin DE 19707

Searching for Sparrows at Burrows Run with Andy Ednie
2024-10-13 08:00 - 11:00
Field Sparrow by Michael Moore

Explore Burrows Run while 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. Bring bug spray, wear boots and prepare for some hill climbing!

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

Cape Henlopen State Park with Chris Bennett
2024-10-12 08:00 - 12:00
Marsh along Walking Dunes Trail by Chris Bennett

Raptors, shorebirds, terns, gulls & late migrant songbirds at Cape Henlopen!

Cape Henlopen’s location at the mouth of Delaware Bay along the mid-Atlantic coast makes it a magnet for migrating and overwintering birds of all kinds. Birds that might be encountered at Cape Henlopen in early October include late migrant songbirds, raptors (this time of year features the greatest diversity of migrant raptors), shorebirds, terns and gulls. The park also provides a wide variety of habitats from nearshore ocean, Delaware Bay, beach and dunes, maritime forest and tidal and non-tidal wetlands that are easily accessible to birders. Park entry fees are in effect.

Peregrine Falcon by C. Bennett

Lesser Black-backed Gull by C. Bennett

Brown-headed Nuthatch by C. Bennett

Meet at the Fishing Pier Parking Lot.

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

Ashland Migrant Walk with Jim White
2024-10-09 08:00 - 11:00
Canada Warbler by Mike Moore

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 8:00 am.

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

University of Delaware Farm & Ecology Woods with Blue Hen Birding
2024-10-06 08:00 - 11:00
Pond at UD Farm by Samantha Melanson, President of Blue Hen Birding

Explore the UD Farm & Ecology Woods!

Pectoral Sandpiper 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).

Swift Night Out
2024-09-29 18:30 - 19:25
Chimney Swifts entering 1300 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE by Carolyn Holland

Watch the “Swift Tornado!”

﻿Join Sally O’Byrne, Walt Blackwell, and Joe Francis at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Franklin Streets in Wilmington on Sunday night, between 6:30 and 7:25 pm, to watch migrating Chimney Swifts. A “Swift Night Out” is a continent-wide effort to raise awareness of these amazing birds, whose annual migration of 6000 miles between North and South America is as impressive as any on Earth. Come and visit the “Swift Tornado” as they plunge into their nighttime roost in a nearby chimney at sundown. Nearly 1000 birds have been observed entering the roost in recent days; last year, a peak count of 3000 occurred on the same date as this field trip.

If you are not familiar with the amazing life history of Chimney Swifts, check out this video by Chris Eberly of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcRBcK6brLI

Such events are, by nature, unpredictable. If you plan to attend, email Joe at President@dosbirds.org so you can receive any last minute updates.

Youth Birders: White Clay Creek State Park
2024-09-29 08:00 - 10:00
Pine Warbler by Michael Moore

On this trip, we will be exploring fall migration in the piedmont. We will look for migratingwarblers, flycatchers, thrushes, and raptors as they move through the region on their way south totheir wintering grounds in Central and South America.*Annual parks pass or daily pass required

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

Meet at the Chambers House Nature Center- 1475 Creek Road, Newark DE 19711

Cape May with Declan O'Neil
2024-09-27 17:30 - 19:00
September 28 @ 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.

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

Meet at South Cape May Meadows Friday evening.

Meet at Higbee Beach WMA Saturday morning.

First State National Historic Park with Declan O'Neil
2024-09-25 08:00 - 11:00
***Bring your raingear! With rain in the forecast Declan plans to go forward with this walk making it short if the rain becomes steady. ***

Connecticut Warbler by Declan O’Neil

Lincoln’s Sparrow by Declan O’Neil

Explore the Brandywine Valley!

Explore the exquisite Brandywine Valley tract of First State National Historical Park in search of some delightfully confusing fall warblers and sparrows.

As the morning sun first hits the trees, we’ll take a slow stroll along the creekside trail. Afterwards, we will cross the new bridge and loop back around through the woods.

In addition to the usual suspects, specialty targets seen in past seasons include Lincoln’s Sparrow and Connecticut Warbler.

Tennessee Warbler by Declan O’Neil

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

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

Evening Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2024-09-22 17:00 - 19:00
Common Nighthawk by David Brown

Explore Delaware’s Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge!

End the week on a positive note with a leisurely walk at the Russell W. Peterson Refuge. These walks will begin roughly 2 hours before sunset, allowing opportunity to check out roosting waterfowl, shorebirds, rails, wrens and blackbirds and perhaps spot a migrating nighthawk. Crepuscular sightings of muskrat, beaver and river otter are possible. We will walk about two miles, mostly on boardwalk. Beginners are welcome, so bring a friend who is new to birding. Thanks to regular pedestrian traffic and security patrols from the Wilmington Riverfront, this has been a safe area even after dark.

Future Dates for Walks:

October 20, 2024 4pm~6:15pm

November 17, 3pm~4:45pm

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.

DOS September Meeting: "Unconfusing Fall Warblers" by Michael Moore
2024-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
Summary: In his classic A Field Guide to the Birds, Roger Tory Peterson labelled two plates “Confusing Fall Warblers” forever condemning birders to thinking these birds are nearly impossible to identify. Mike enjoys identification challenges and, as with his previous DOS talk on Sparrow identification, he will attempt to break down and demystify the identification of warblers in the fall. All of the regularly occurring warblers in Delaware will be covered. One of the main points is that fall warblers are more similar than not to their spring selves. Yes, there are few confusing ones and those will be covered in detail, but there are also many easy ones. The goal is to have you emerge from this talk with greater confidence in tackling the joys of fall warblering.

Mike is a retired Biology Professor and a past president of DOS. He currently serves as the Publications Chair on the DOS Council. He started birding in middle school in Massachusetts and has had a life long passion for birds. He completed his PhD at the University of Washington on the field endocrinology of White-crowned Sparrows. After doing a postdoc at the University of Texas in Austin, he served on the Biology Faculty at Arizona State University for 27 years, finally moving to the University of Delaware in in 2009 where he retired after 11 years. He has been funded throughout his career by the National Science Foundation and the Nation Institutes of Health and has published nearly 100 papers in scientific journals. He also has a passion for dragonflies and serves as a Vice President for the Dragonfly Society of the Americas.

Youth Birders: Delaware Coastal Cleanup
2024-09-14 09:00 - 12:00
Help make Delaware a cleaner place for the birds to live! DOS and the Red Knot Youth Birderswill spend the morning cleaning up trash along the state’s waterways and discovering the birdsthat benefit from our efforts. http://dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal-cleanup/

Spaces are limited, so pre-registration is required! Please RSVP to Jessica at redknotyouthbirders@gmail.com.

Broad Dyke Wetlands Natural Area, 304 2nd Street, New Castle DE 19720

Little Creek Wildlife Area with Chris Bennett
2024-09-07 08:00 - 12:00
Pine Warbler by Chris Bennett

Find many species at Little Creek!

We will bird the main tract of Little Creek Wildlife area from the Hunter Education Building north to the Observation Tower overlooking the main impoundment. With luck we should find migrant songbirds in the forested areas along the wildlife area road and early waterfowl, migrating shorebirds, wading birds, gulls and terns in the main and west impoundments. If time allows we will end the trip scoping the Port Mahon Impoundment for additional migrant shorebirds, early waterfowl and other waterbirds. We will be driving and walking on well-maintained wildlife area roads.

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

Meet at the Little Creek Boat Ramp just north of the intersection of Route 9 (Bayside Drive) and South Little Creek Road.

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

46th Annual Beginner's Shorebird Field Trip!
2024-07-20 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 20th, at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna, Delaware. This will be a Half Day trip – tailored for beginners, and is the 46th 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 will 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 2023-2024 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 the 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/

American Avocets, Short-billed Dowitchers & Semipalmated Sandpiper by Carolyn Holland

Annual DOS Picnic and Bird-a-thon Awards
2024-06-29 13:00 - 17:00 | Delaware Wildlands Headquarters, 315 Taylors Bridge Rd, Townsend, Delaware, 19734, United States
Annual DOS Picnic & Bird-A-Thon Awards

June 29th; 1-5 pm at the Delaware Wildlands Headquarters

Fun, friends and free food in a beautiful setting. What more could you want? Come join us the annual DOS picnic for all of the above and more.

We are happy to announce that the Annual Delaware Ornithological Society picnic with Bird-A-Thon results and awards announcements, will be on June 29th from 1-5 pm at the Delaware Wildlands Headquarters, Roberts Farm, 315 Taylors Bridge Rd, Townsend, DE 19734 (map below). We are, once again, very grateful to our friends at Delaware Wildlands for opening up their space for us!

This year’s picnic features a food truck from Uncle John’s award-winning Barbeque. The menu includes vegetarian options. See the menu here. All food is provided free by DOS. The food truck will have soft drinks, but you may want to bring your own if you prefer something else. Bringing a lawn chair might not be a bad idea either.

There is enough space indoors if it rains, so the party is on rain or shine.

Reminder: all Bird-A-Thon funds and checklists must be submitted by June 17th to be counted; if you haven’t finished collecting your materials yet, you still have time to get them in!

We look forward to seeing you at the picnic!

***Cancelled***Evening Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2024-06-23 17:00 - 20:00
This walk has been cancelled due to the near record high temperatures in the forecast & few shady places at this location.

Marsh Wren by Carolyn Holland

Explore Delaware’s Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge!

End the week on a positive note with a leisurely walk at the Russell W. Peterson Refuge. These walks will begin roughly 2 hours before sunset, allowing opportunity to check out roosting waterfowl, shorebirds, rails, wrens and blackbirds. Crepuscular sightings of muskrat, beaver and river otter are possible. We will walk about two miles, mostly on boardwalk. Beginners are welcome, so bring a friend who is new to birding. Thanks to regular pedestrian traffic and security patrols from the Wilmington Riverfront, this has been a safe area even after dark.

For the June walk we will be spending more time “taking a seat” at various spots along the way, waiting for shy birds to come out and show themselves. Folks are encouraged to bring a folding camp stool or other lightweight seat or ground cover. The temperature may be warm so also bring plenty of water

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.

Fair Hill Bobolinks & Blueberries with Ian Stewart
2024-06-22 08:00 - 11:00
Bobolink by Ian Stewart

See Bobolinks up close!

We will explore the rolling grasslands of Fair Hill NRMA just over the Maryland border in search of breeding Bobolinks and Meadowlarks, then head into the woods in search of other breeding birds. Fair Hill is an excellent place to see these declining grassland birds thanks to local conservation efforts. We will then drive 5 minutes to the nature center to look for warblers and other songbirds along Big Elk Creek. Participants are welcome to end the day at a nearby U-pick blueberry farm, which is a great place to watch Gray Catbirds!

Bobolinks by Ian Stewart

NRMA Daily Pass in effect ($5 for non-residents) so bring cash. We will meet at Parking lot #3 at the intersection of Appleton Road and Black Bridge Rd (aka North Appleton Parking lot).

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

Pea Patch Island with Declan O’Neil
2024-06-16 10:00 - 12:00
Great Blue Herons by Declan O’Neil

Greater Yellowlegs by Declan O’Neil

Pea Patch Island, a small island located in the middle of the Delaware River, is well known for its rookery of wading birds including Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Glossy Ibis, and more! On this trip, take a ferry ride to the island and see the rookery for yourself from the new viewing platform. Other expected species are Bald Eagles, Osprey, gulls, terns, and various shorebirds and songbirds.

After the walk has concluded, you may feel free to explore Fort Delaware, the Civil War-era fort on the island, which is included in the cost of your ferry ticket! You might also consider packing a picnic lunch.

Ferry tickets can be purchased from the link below. Be sure to select the correct date and time (Sunday June 16, 10:00am ferry) so we can all ride over as a group: https://delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com/tourDetails.do?contractCode=DE&parkId=360113&tourId=6449&tourDate=Sun+Jun+16+2024&numberOfTicketsSearched=2&cat=1

Great Egrets by Declan O’Neil

Please contact Declan at Declan@dosbirds.org providing your name & contact information to let us know if you plan to attend.

Meet at the ferry dock at 45 Clinton Street in Delaware City and remember that the ferry leaves promptly at 10:00am, so please arrive a few minutes early.

Pea Patch Island with Declan O’Neil
2024-05-26 10:00 - 12:00
Great Blue Herons by Declan O’Neil

Greater Yellowlegs by Declan O’Neil

Pea Patch Island, a small island located in the middle of the Delaware River, is well known for its rookery of wading birds including Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Glossy Ibis, and more! On this trip, take a ferry ride to the island and see the rookery for yourself from the new viewing platform. Other expected species are Bald Eagles, Osprey, gulls, terns, and various shorebirds and songbirds.

After the walk has concluded, you may feel free to explore Fort Delaware, the Civil War-era fort on the island, which is included in the cost of your ferry ticket! You might also consider packing a picnic lunch.

Ferry tickets can be purchased from the link below. Be sure to select the correct date and time (Sunday May 26th, 10:00am ferry) so we can all ride over as a group: https://delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com/tourDetails.do?contractCode=DE&parkId=360113&tourId=6449&tourDate=Sun+May+26+2024&numberOfTicketsSearched=2&cat=1

Great Egrets by Declan O’Neil

Please contact Declan at Declan@dosbirds.org providing your name & contact information to let us know if you plan to attend.

Meet at the ferry dock at 45 Clinton Street in Delaware City and remember that the ferry leaves promptly at 10:00am, so please arrive a few minutes early.

Youth Birders: White Clay Creek State Park - Mill Race Trail
2024-05-19 08:00 - 10:00
White-eyed Vireo by Carolyn Holland

It’s time for migration mania! May is the peak time to see warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, vireos andmore. On this trip, we will explore the Mill Race trail that travels past several impoundments anddown along the creek to spot as many migrating birds as we can find. We supply loaner binoculars. Previous birding experience is not necessary!

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

Meet at Curtis Mill Park- 299 Paper Mill Road, Newark DE 19711

DOS May Meeting: "UD Student Presentations"
2024-05-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
Four students from the University of Delaware in Jeff Buler’s lab will be give short presentations on their bird related research projects. See below for more details.

Claire Bernard is an undergraduate student doing her senior thesis. Her talk is “Identifying Purple Martin Diet and its Effect on Nestling Development”. This is research that she’s been working on at Longwood Gardens.

Meredith Lewis is a PhD student at UD. She will be speaking on “Secret Journeys: Following an Elusive Rail (Porzana carolina) out of the Marsh and into the Air”

Annis Hidayati is a PhD student and a Fulbright Fellow from Indonesia. Her talk is “Species composition in mixed-flocks in the Mid-Atlantic and Mississippi during migratory seasons”.

Shelly Eshleman is a PhD student in my lab. Her talk is “Dela-where the birds go: Motus bird movements in the Delmarva Peninsula”. She will talk about the importance of the Delmarva peninsula for avian species as reflected in telemetry data from the Motus Wildlife Tracking System.

Annis Hidayati

Shelly Eastman

Claire Bernard

Meredith Lewis

In person only at Ashland Nature Center.

Mother's Day Walk at White Clay Creek
2024-05-12 08:00 - 12:00
Pileated Woodpecker by Michael Moore

The Traditional DOS Mother’s Day Walk

Join Judy Montgomery & friends on Mother’s Day for a walk 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)

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

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

Ted Harvey Wildlife Area with Chris Bennett
2024-05-11 08:00 - 12:00
Red Knot by Chris Bennett

Black-throated Blue Warbler by Chris Bennett

Explore Ted Harvey WLA!

Ted Harvey offers a variety of habitats along the Bayshore near the mouth of the St. Jones River. With luck we should find both migrating songbirds in forest and field habitats and shorebirds in the impoundments and bay beach. Conservation Access Pass required.

Ruddy Turnstone by Chris Bennett

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

Meet at the Handicapped Fishing Pond parking lot. From Kitts Hummock Road turn right into the Wildlife Area and continue to the second dirt road on the left. Turn left – the parking lot is about 0.2 miles on the left.

Alapocas Woods with Joe Francis
2024-05-11 07:30 - 10:30
Louisiana Waterthrush by Mary Braun

Explore Alapocas Woods

Visit an oasis within the city of Wilmington with good successional field habitat, mature woodlands and the Brandywine River. Target birds include migrating warblers and thrushes as well as the many summer and year-round residents. Helpfully offered during the week of the Delaware Bird-A-Thon for folks out for the count!

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.

Blackbird State Forest with Ian Stewart
2024-05-05 08:00 - 11:00
Northern Parula by Michael Moore

Explore Blackbird State Forest!

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 its lesser known corners in search of specialty birds and fresh experiences! Helpfully offered during the week of the Delaware 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). There is no charge for admission to the state forest.

First State National Historic Park with Declan O'Neil
2024-05-04 08:00 - 11:00
Blackburnian Warbler by Declan O’Neil

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

Please note that these trails can be muddy at times, 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 Declan at dobirding@gmail.com if you have any questions about this trip.

Evening Rail Trip with Andy Ednie Canceled
2024-04-27 21:00 - 2024-04-28 01:00
***Canceled due to a family emergency. We hope to be able to reschedule this trip in a couple of weeks.***

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.

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