Delaware Ornithological Society

***Cancelled***Evening Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2024-06-23 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

"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!

Youth Birders: Rushton Woods Owl Banding
2024-10-25 19:00 - 20:30
*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.

Anson B. Nixon Park with Ian Stewart
2024-10-26 08:00 - 10:30
Palm Warbler (Yellow) by Carolyn Holland

Explore this under-birded park to see what species we might find!

Anson B. Nixon park (www.ansonbnixonpark.org) is an attractive 100 acre site owned by the Kennett Area Park Authority. It contains two small lakes and a mix of woodland and dense forest with creeks. It is free to enter, there is ample parking and the trails are good. We will search the woods and edges for late migrants, winter visitors and residents. This well-maintained park is under-birded yet the mix of habitats holds great promise of us adding some new species to the site list! Bring bug spray and wear appropriate shoes for walking.

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

The entrance to the park is on N Walnut Street in Kennett Square. The GPS coordinates on the map below will take you to the park entrance where there is a sign at the end of the driveway. Follow the driveway and soon you will come to a good size parking lot on the right where we will meet. If this lot is full there is a spillover lot further down the driveway.

Big Sit at First State National Historical Park with Declan O’Neil
2024-10-27 08:00 - 17:00
View for the Big Sit by Declan O’Neil

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Declan O’Neil

Join the Big Sit!

A “big sit” is a unique birding event where as many birds as possible are counted from one stationary location. Providing a scenic view of the Brandywine Valley, the large hill at First State National Historical Park is an ideal big-sitting spot!

Our main targets will be migrating raptors and songbirds in addition to resident species. Past rarities seen from the hill at First State include Short-eared Owl, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Sandhill Cranes, so we’ll make sure to keep our eyes peeled!

This is a casual event, so feel free to come and go as you please. Bring a folding chair and a picnic if desired.

We will meet at the top of the hill, accessed from the Ramsey Road parking lot across from Ramsey’s Farm.

Contact Declan at Declan@dosbirds.org with any questions about this event.

Merlin by Declan O’Neil

Evening Saw-whet Owl Banding at Rushton Woods
2024-11-15 19:00 - 20:30
***This event is filled***

Northern Saw-whet Owl courtesy of Rushton Woods Preserve

By special request, owl banding for adults!

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.

This trip will be limited to 20 participants, DOS members only. Please email Carolyn at fieldtrips@dosbirds.org providing contact information to sign up for this trip or if you have any questions.

911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square PA 19073

Sea Watch I with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
2024-11-16 08:00 - 12:00
Common Loon by Michael Moore

Join Anthony and Chris for 3 brisk birding adventures at the Indian River Inlet this winter!

November 16, 2024 – 8am until 12pmFebruary 1, 2025 – 8am until 12pmMarch 15, 2025 – 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.

Youth Birders: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
2024-11-17 08:30 - 10:30
Blue-winged Teal by Michael Moore

This trip is all about waterfowl! Join us to explore the diversity of duck and goose species 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!

*Annual Duck Stamp or Daily Pass required

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

2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE 19977

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2024-11-17 15:00 - 16:45
Bald Eagle 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.

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.

"The Birding Prescription - how mindful birding is good for us, and for the birds" by Holly Merker and Joe Francis - MOVED TO ZOOM ONLY
2024-11-20 19:00 - 21:00
DUE TO BAD WEATHER THIS TALK WILL BE PRESENTED ON ZOOM ONLY. SEE BELOW.

Join DOS Member Holly Merker and current DOS President Joe Francis for a conversation about birding’s impact on health and well-being. In relating personal experiences as well as the latest insights from the scientific literature, they will touch on ways to refocus attention, reduce eco-anxiety and climate grief, and build connection to nature and each other through mindful birding practices. Come prepared to learn new skills to recapture joy and awe in the outdoors.

Holly Merker, DOS Member and former DOS Council Officer, is a nature-based wellness specialist, professional birding guide, author, and lecturer. Combining backgrounds in art therapy, nature and forest therapy, wellness counseling, mindfulness practice, and bird identification, she specializes in providing Mindful Birding experiences and is a global advocate in promoting the concepts surrounding why and how wild birds and birding can support overall human wellbeing and health.

Joe Francis, DOS President, is a retired physician who has practiced in hospital, long term care, public health, and hospice settings. He started birding in medical school as a way to manage his own stress. This has gradually led him to a broader appreciation of nature and the urgent need for healing on a planetary level, which motivates his current slate of post-retirement activities.

This talk HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FULLY ZOOM. Link will be emailed to everyone on the DOS mailing list. To request the link, send email to membership@dosbirds.org.

Youth Birders: Wilmington Christmas Bird Count
2024-12-14 08:30 - 10:30
Hermit Thrush by Carolyn Holland

Join us for the 125th annual Christmas Bird Count! We will be counting all of the birds we can see and hear to help track continent-wide trends in bird diversity and abundance. The data collected is used by scientists working to protect bird habitats and populations.

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

Meet at Mount Cuba Center, 3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE

DOS December Meeting: Annual "For DOS, by DOS" short presentations by DOS members
2024-12-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
The December member meeting will feature several short talks by DOS members on activities managed, coordinated and implemented by DOS members and partner organizations. The talks will generally be 10-15 minute overviews of activities implemented over the past year.

Birds on the move! Tracking migration using the Motus network. Ian StewartThe Motus tracking system is a network of towers that detect the presence of radio-tagged animals so we can follow their movements. Ian will discuss the results from a large-scale Wood Thrush radio-tagging project he participated in this summer as well as reviewing this year’s most notable detections from Motus towers throughout Delaware. He will also show how everyone can have fun exploring the Motus website!

Citizen Science Projects: Hermitage and First State National Park Bird Surveys. Andy EdnieAndy will provide a review of the three-year bird survey at Hermitage Natural Area administered by the Trustees of New Castle Common. The Hermitage is an oasis in the sprawl of suburbia along the Delaware River. Originally the ancestral home of Nicholas Van Dyke II, the property has multiple habitats; woods, marsh, tidal creek, and fields to produce a plethora of species. Originally, the survey was initiated to evaluate the avifauna during habitat restoration, but changes may put further research at risk. As the Hermitage survey winds down, Andy will also discuss the next bird survey to start in 2025 at First State National Historic Park and how you can participate.

DOS Youth Birders support bird conservation by competing in World Series of Birding. Christian Scheibe and Elle McDonald. The World Series of Birding is a birding competition and fundraiser held every spring in Cape May, NJ. Ellie and Christian will discuss what it was like being on the team the Flying Penguins. They participated in the middle school division of the competition this past spring and birded from 3am to 10pm on May 11th. The Flying Penguins chose to raise money for the Delaware Nature Society Bird Conservation Initiative, and will be talking about their experiences fundraising and competing.

Piping Plover Research. Eli Hevalow. The presentation I plan to give will follow the topic of Piping Plover Nest Site Selection at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. In short, it will cover a little bit of the restoration and history of Fowler Beach/Prime Hook, the change in number of PIPL nests from 2016-2024, as well as the vegetation management tactics that have been done the last few years and a review of some data collected for my senior thesis.

Delaware Master Naturalist certification Program. Scott NortheyThe Delaware Master Naturalist Program trains citizens as ambassadors and stewards of Delaware’s natural resources and ecosystems through science-based education and volunteer opportunities. The training program is jointly coordinated by University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and Delaware Nature Society.

DOS is a Local Organizing Partner (LOP) for the Delaware Master Naturalists program. The LOPs work closely with trained Master Naturalists to coordinate and execute Master Naturalist volunteer projects, recruit volunteers into the program, and work with other organizations to maximize the Delaware Master Naturalist mission.

Scott is in the process of completing the certification and will give an overview of the program and provide information to others who may be interested to join future training sessions.

The meeting is held in person at Ashland Nature Center and online via Zoom software. The in person meeting is open to all, Zoom presentation is for DOS members only.

Members in good standing will receive an email with Zoom login info prior to the meeting. If you are not a member and would like to attend virtually, please consider joining DOS.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Midwinter Bird Walk at Alapocas with Joe Francis
2025-01-15 08:00 - 11:00
Merlin by Carolyn Holland

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***Cancelled due to impending storm!***
2025-01-19 08:30 - 10:30
Purple Finch by Carolyn Holland

We’re kicking off the new year with a trip to explore the winter resident birds of Delaware! On this trip, we will explore the park’s forests, meadows, and the 200-year-old Tulip Tree Woods as we look for red-breasted nuthatches, dark-eyed juncos, winter wrens, purple finches, and whatever other species are sticking around for winter. Previous birding experience is not necessary! We supply loaner binoculars and spotting scopes.

No DE state park fees in January

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

Meet at the Nature Center parking lot- 41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington DE 19807
