Delaware Ornithological Society

Youth Birders: John Heinz National Wildlife Area
2024-02-18 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Great Egret by Michael Moore

On this field trip, we will explore all that this fascinating urban wildlife refuge has to offer, which isalso the largest remaining tidal freshwater marsh in Pennsylvania! Raptors, waterfowl, wading birds,and other water birds are all possibilities. We will bring scopes and binoculars for birders to borrow. There areno 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

Late Afternoon Bird Walks at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2024-02-18 16:00 - 17:41
Fox Sparrow by Michael Moore

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 as well as early spring migrants. 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.

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.

Dates for Winter & Spring 2024:

February 18, 2024. Walk begins at 4 pm (sunset at 5:41 pm)

March 24, 2024. Walk begins at 5 pm (sunset at 7:18 pm)

April 21, 2024. Walk begins at 5 pm (sunset at 7:46 pm)

DOS February Meeting: "Behind the eBird Curtain: The eBird review process and being a better eBirder" by Michael Moore
2024-02-21 19:00 - 21:00
Zoom only.

The originally scheduled talk, “RaptorQuest, Chasing’s America’s Raptors” by Scott Harris had to be canceled at the last minute. It will be rescheduled.

Michael Moore will instead present “Behind the eBird Curtain: The eBird review process and being a better eBirder”. This talk will pull back the curtain and show you how the eBird review process works, why certain records are flagged rare or high count and what to do about them, how to respond to reviewer emails and how to make your reports more valuable to eBird.

Mike is the current DOS president and eBird reviewer for Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware. He is a retired Biology professor who taught for 38 years. He was on the faculty at Arizona State University for 27 years, but moved to the University of Delaware in 2009 and retired from there in 2020. He learned a love of the outdoors from his father who was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman. He started birding in Massachusetts when he was 11 years old. He worked at Manomet Bird Observatory in Massachusetts in college and then completed a PhD in Zoology at the University of Washington on White-crowned Sparrow breeding behavior and endocrinology. He has done research on birds, reptiles and dragonflies and has published nearly a 100 papers in scientific journals.

The meeting is held online via Zoom software. Zoom only.

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

Waterfowl on the Susquehanna Flats with Andy Ednie
2024-02-25 08:00 - 12:00
Redheads by Michael Moore

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.

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

Auburn Valley State Park with Declan O'Neil ***Remember to set your clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time the night before to arrive in time for this walk!***
2024-03-10 08:00 - 11:00
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Declan O’Neil

Join us for a morning walk at Auburn Valley. This scenic park provides great habitat for many overwintering species, from woodpeckers to raptors to sparrows. Bring comfortable hiking shoes and a sense of adventure.

Contact Declan at dobirding@gmail.com if you have any questions about this trip.

Meet at the Yorklyn Bridge Trail Parking Lot by the pavilion.

[This trip is co-listed with Delaware State Parks]

Youth Birders: Augustine Wildlife Area - Ashton Tract
2024-03-17 08:00 - 10:00
Wood Ducks with Ring-necked Ducks by Carolyn Holland

Join us for a great morning of birding at the Augustine Wildlife Area. We will visit theimpoundments to look for ducks and wading birds, plus explore woods and fields for woodpeckers,sparrows, and whatever late-winter birds might be around. We supply loaner binoculars and spotting scopes. Previous birding experience is not necessary!

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

Meet at the Ashton Tract parking area- 507 Thorntown Road, Middletown DE 19709

*Delaware Conservation Access Pass required

Sea Watch III with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
2024-03-17 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.

DOS March Meeting: "Bird Banding at Rushton Woods: Reading Feathers to Advance Bird Conservation" by Blake Goll
2024-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
To an ornithologist, monitoring the populations of birds is — quite literally — taking the pulse of the environment. The primary way to study bird populations today is through a traditional mark-release-recapture technique known as bird banding. The Willistown Conservation Trust began a federally licensed banding station in 2009 at Rushton Woods Preserve and Farm (RWPR) and has since banded over 18,000 birds of 103 species, from songbirds to owls. In addition to revealing important information about species abundance and diversity found on our conserved land, bird banding at RWPR has helped us evaluate the impact of our land management initiatives as well as the value of preserving open space.

Learn about bird banding, listen to some of the stories of what we’ve discovered, and hear how our bird banding program has grown to include the latest in wildlife tracking technology.

Blake Goll is the Education Programs Manager at the Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) since 2010. She has developed the Trust’s Rushton Nature Keepers program and curriculum for children, and provides other nature education and outreach programs for all ages. She also assists with the daily operations of WCT’s songbird banding and owl banding stations throughout banding season. Blake is a North American Banding Council (NABC) certified bird bander, a frequent contributor to the Trust’s digital content channels, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Pennsylvania State University.

Late Afternoon Bird Walks at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2024-03-24 17:00 - 19:18
Wood Ducks 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 as well as early spring migrants. 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.

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.

Dates for Winter & Spring 2024:

March 24, 2024. Walk begins at 5 pm (sunset at 7:18 pm)

April 21, 2024. Walk begins at 5 pm (sunset at 7:46 pm)

DOS April Meeting: "A lifetime quest to see all the Hummingbirds" by Hank Davis
2024-04-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
I became passionate about Hummingbirds on a trip to Cuba with the Delaware Nature Society in 2013. Since then, I have traveled to Ecuador 3 times, Costa Rica 2 times, Brazil 4 times, Mexico once, Trinidad & Tobago once, and Peru once. I still have many more countries to go to. I would love to see all 360+ species but realize that will not happen. There are places where one just does not go to see Hummingbirds. So far, my life list is 160 species, of which I have photographed 149. This presentation is primarily a photographic journey of my quest to see Hummingbirds.

Velvet-purple Coronet by Hank Davis

Hank Davis is originally from New York City, but has lived in the Delaware Valley for 47 years. When he moved to the area, he gained an appreciation for nature and open space. Ultimately, this led to a career in horticulture that lasted many years. Since his retirement, he has decided to pursue his lifelong passion in photography. While his primary photographs are of horticulture, he has recently included birds, dragonflies and butterflies to his portfolio.

Hank also serves the community by volunteering to take photographs for the Delaware Nature Society, Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Longwood Gardens and the Delaware Center for Horticulture.

His photography can be found on his website: www.harolddavisphotography.smugmug.com.

In person only at the Ashland Nature Center.

Youth Birders: University of Delaware Farm with Blue Hen Birders
2024-04-21 08:00 - 10:00
Killdeer by Michael Moore

UD’s Blue Hen Birders will give us a special-access tour of the UD Farm so we can say goodbye towinter birds and hello to early spring migrants! While there, we will keep an eye out for recently-returned kestrels and swallows plus shorebirds just passing through. We supply loaner binoculars. At the end of the trip, we can celebrate our sightings with a stop at the UDairy Creamery next door!

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

Meet at the UDairy Creamery- 535 South College Avenue, Newark DE 19716.

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).

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2024-04-21 17:00 - 19:46
Palm Warbler by Michael Moore

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 as well as early spring migrants. 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.

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.

Paddle the Augustine Creek!
2024-04-27 07:30 - 12:00
Aerial view of the Augustine Creek, courtesy of Delaware Wild Lands

Please join DOS and DWL for a quiet birding and wildlife paddle tour of DWL’s Augustine Creek Complex. Bring your own canoe or kayak, life jackets and binoculars and join DOS Conservation Chair and wildlife ecologist Matt Sarver, DOS Conservation and Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Sally O’Byrne and DWL Conservation Programs Manager Brigham Whitman as we slip silently through the marshes of Augustine Creek in search of breeding marsh birds, reptiles and amphibians, and other wetland wildlife! We’ll paddle up to about 1.5 miles from our starting point and back at a casual pace in search of wetland species, stopping periodically to look and listen. This trip will feature a unique perspective on several of the recently conserved properties that DOS has partnered with for our annual Delaware Bird-a-Thon fundraiser. There will be a chance of seeing the resident Sandhill Cranes and other waterbirds.

Registration is required and the trip will be limited to 12 boats. RSVP to info@dewildlands.org providing your name, contact information, names of people & the number of boats in your party.

Courtesy of Delaware Wild Lands

Directions to the meeting place at the Augustine Creek will be provided to participants prior to the event.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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..

***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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.
