Delaware Ornithological Society

Sea Watch I with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
2022-11-13 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York) | 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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
Co-listed with Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Link

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

Find many species at Little Creek!

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

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

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

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

Ashland Migrant Walk with Jim White
2022-09-07 07:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Migrant Bird Walk at Ashland!

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

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

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

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

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

Meet in the main parking lot by the pavilion (there is a parking lot by the office as you enter but keep on going past that), accessed by the entrance along Rt 471 Blackbird Forest Rd (if you are coming from US 13 the entrance is on your left just after you pass the turn for Oliver Guessford Rd

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

44th Annual Beginner's Shorebird Field Trip!
2022-07-23 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Shorebirds for Beginners at Bombay Hook!

Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS) is sponsoring a Beginner’s Shorebird Field Trip on Saturday, July 23rd, at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna, Delaware. This will be a Half Day trip – tailored for beginners, and is the 44th consecutive outing for this popular field trip. “Par” is 15 species of shorebirds, usually a challenging goal, because arrival dates, water levels and weather conditions all change year to year. Emphasis is on basics of shorebird identification for beginners, although there are always several experienced birders to assist. Pace is slow – everyone should see each shorebird species satisfactorily. While this is not a photography workshop, our slow pace allows for photographic experimentation and networking. There will be some “prizes” awarded for categories not yet determined! Drinks and snacks advised, as well as sunscreen, bug spray and a hat. An optional, informal tally luncheon is usually held following the trip at a local eatery.

We meet in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center parking lot in Smyrna, DE at 8 a.m. and wrap up by noon.

Refuge fees are in effect – $4 per car, or free entry with a 2022-2023 season duck stamp (or other special passes). This would be a fine opportunity to recycle your lightly used, expired prior season duck stamp(s) – Donate it/them to support DOS Bird-a-Thon!

Trip leader is Bob Rufe – rrufe1@aol.com – please email Bob to let him know you’re planning to participate, or if you have any questions. A few “loaner” binoculars will be available, please contact leader to request if needed.More information on Bombay Hook NWR is available at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook/

Dunlin.

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

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

Breeding specialties of southern Delaware

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

Chris Bennett – cpb2564@gmail.com

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

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

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

Ian Stewart – itsacharliebrownchristmas@hotmail.com

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

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

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

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

DE Bay Horseshoe Crabs & Shorebirds with Chris Bennett
2022-05-15 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Bayshore Shorebirds

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

Chris Bennett – cpb2564@gmail.com

Meet at the DuPont Nature Center in Mispillion Harbor

Mother's Day Walk at White Clay Creek with Judy Montgomery
2022-05-08 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The traditional DOS Mother’s Day walk

Come spend Mother’s Day at beautiful White Clay Creek State Park looking for local breeding birds and late migrants still passing through. Offered during the DE Bird-A-Thon (DBAT)

Judy Montgomery – judy.montgomery01@gmail.com

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

Evening Rail Trip with Andy Ednie
2022-04-30 21:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York)
Listen for rails after dark!

This may be the only field trip all year where no birds are seen….only heard! A four hour Rail bonanza (in the middle of the night!) targeting 7 species. Bring long boots and bug spray.

Andy Ednie – ednieap@verizon.net

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

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

DOS April Meeting: Jason Kitting "Understanding the Bird Life of New Mexico’s Rio Grande"
2022-04-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Jason will present about the research and education programs carried out by Rio Grande Bird Research and how these projects support the conservation of New Mexico’s unique avifauna

Jason grew up in the mountains of central New Mexico where he spent his childhood exploring and enjoying nature. His fascination with birds started when his mother put out a bird bath on the front porch and a flock of Western Bluebirds decided to pay a visit. About a month later Jason put up a birdhouse and had a pair of these beautiful birds setting up home. That summer he then started volunteering at Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico and that was the start of many bird filled years to come.

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

Delaware Waterfowl
2022-03-27 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Delaware Waterfowl, Who’s Back?

Sunday March 27, 2022

This trip with Anthony Gonzon will focus on finding and identifying as many waterfowl species as can be found in Delaware. Participants should anticipate stops at waterfowl hotspots such as Augustine WA, Bombay Hook NWR, Little Creek WA, Ted Harvey CA, Cape Henlopen SP, and Delaware Seashore SP. Exact stops will be determined prior to the trip based on current waterfowl reports.

Meet at Boyd’s Corner Park & Ride at 8 AM. Participants driving should have a Conservation Access Pass for state wildlife areas, State Park Pass or entry fee for State Parks, and a pass or entry fee for Bombay Hook NWR.

The trip will make a lunch stop at Little Creek Deli mid day. Be sure to dress appropriately for the days’ weather and be prepared for wet conditions!

Please contact Anthony with questions regarding the trip at atgonzon@verizon.net

39.501532161081236, -75.64356799103976

DOS March Meeting: "Birds and Birding on the Southern Continent" by Brendan Murtha
2022-03-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Adventures birding and guiding in the Antarctic.

Brendan Murtha

The meeting is held online via Zoom software.

Members will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please use the button below to request login info which is available a few days before the meeting.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Request Zoom Login

Third Sea Watch for 2021-2022
2022-03-13 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
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

DOS February Meeting: "A Summer With the Boreal Birds of Maine" by Oliver Patrick
2022-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Oliver spent this past summer working for Maine Breeding Bird Atlas; his work with them involved surveying remote and difficult-to-access regions of the state and focusing on finding scarce and declining species. This presentation will take us to the world of dedicated “Atlasing” and introduce us to the wonderful cast of species nesting in the northern woods.

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

Owl Walk with Jim White (DOS Members Only)
2022-02-13 08:00 UTC
Register now for Jim’s Owl Prowl!

Sunday Feb 13, start time 8 AM, location to be determined – Owl Walk with Jim White

Full day search in various locations for as many species of owls as possible, and other raptors along the way! Bring snacks, lunch etc, although 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

Second Sea Watch for 2021-2022
2022-01-23 08:00 - 12:00 UTC

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