Delaware Ornithological Society

Pea Patch Island Heronry with Declan O’Neil
2025-05-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
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 Delaware State Parks website. Be sure to select the correct date and time (10:00) so we can all ride over as a group.

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 Heronry with Declan O’Neil
2025-06-01 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 Delaware State Parks website. Be sure to select the correct date and time (10:00 am) so we can all ride over as a group.

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.

Killens Pond State Park with Chris Bennett
2025-06-14 08:00 - 12:00
***This trip replaces the one previously scheduled to the Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area***

Woodlands at Killens Pond by Chris Bennett

Summer Tanager by Chris Bennett

In search of summer residents!

Located near the geographic center of Delaware, Killens Pond provides habitat for a wide variety of birds. We will walk approximately 3 miles along the Pondside Trail in search of resident nesting bird species. We should get great looks at Prothonotary Warbler, Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Acadian and Great Crested Flycatcher and Scarlet and Summer Tanager. With luck we may hear or see Barred Owl.

Entry fee or State Park pass required.

Yellow-throated Warbler by Chris Bennett

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

Meet in the Sports Complex Parking Lot

Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area with Chris Bennett
2025-06-14 08:00 - 12:00
***Due to an overabundance of ticks at this location, this trip has been relocated to Killens Pond State Park*** Please view the Killens Pond trip posting for further information & meeting place.

Kentucky Warbler by Chris Bennett

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

Fair Hill Bobolinks & Blueberries with Ian Stewart
2025-06-21 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.

Annual DOS Picnic and Bird-a-thon Awards
2025-06-21 13:00 - 17:00 | Delaware Wildlands Headquarters, 315 Taylors Bridge Rd, Townsend, Delaware, 19734, United States
Annual DOS Picnic & Bird-A-Thon Awards

June 21st; 1-5 pm at the Delaware Wildlands Headquarters**Food truck from 1-3pm**

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 21th 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 15th 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!

47th Annual Beginner's Shorebird Field Trip!
2025-07-12 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 12th, at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna, Delaware. This will be a Half Day trip – tailored for beginners, and is the 47th 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.

Black-necked Stilt by Carolyn Holland

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.

Refuge fees are in effect – $4 per car, or free entry with a 2024-2025 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/

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.

Shorebirds at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge with Declan O'Neil
2025-08-23 08:00 - 11:00
American Avocets by Carolyn Holland

Here’s another chance to study shorebirds this summer!

Semi-palmated Plover by Carolyn Holland

Take a spin around the auto loop of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge to see a diverse array of shorebirds and waders.

We will make stops at Raymond, Shearness, and Bear Swamp Pools to see how many species we can find gorging themselves on the mudflats as they prepare for migration.

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

Refuge fees are in effect – $4 per car, or free entry with a 2025-2026 season duck stamp (or other special passes). More information on Bombay Hook NWR is available at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook/

We will meet in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center parking lot.

Ashland Migrant Walk with Jim White
2025-09-10 08:00 - 11:00
Magnolia Warbler by Carolyn Holland

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.

Youth Birders: Back to Basics Walk at Bellevue State Park
2025-09-13 08:00 - 10:00
Carolina Chickadee by Michael Moore

If you are new to birding or want a refresher on the basics, then this walk is for you! We willlearn about common birds, how to find them, and how to use binoculars to observe them. Forreturning families, this is a great opportunity to get your bird-curious friends hooked on thehobby! We supply loaner binoculars.*Annual parks pass or daily pass required.

NOTE: All youth birders must be accompanied by an adult until they are old enough to drive themselves to the trip!

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

Meet at the parking lot near the band shell.

DOS September Meeting: "Make it meaningful: Interpretation and Adult Learning on Field Trips" by Todd Klawinski
2025-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
Summary: Learn how to lead field trips that truly connect. We will look at how to turn facts into stories, engage diverse groups, and handle real-world challenges with confidence. Leave with practical techniques you can use right away

Dr. Todd Klawinski is the Director of Education for the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature). He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Wilmington University and has over two decades of experience as an educator, biologist, and advocate for environmental literacy. Todd began his career studying pinelands ecosystems at Stockton University in southern New Jersey and doing field research at Rutgers University Cooperative Extension. He later taught Biology and Environmental Science, led zoo education programs in Texas, and helped integrate outdoor learning and sustainability into Delaware public schools. Todd continues to champion hands-on environmental and sustainability education. He’s passionate about connecting people from young learners to adults with nature while fostering kind, engaged communities.

Raptor Identification at Herring Point with Bruce Peterjohn & Gregory Gough
2025-09-20 08:00 - 12:00
Peregrine Falcon by Gregory Gough

Join us at Herring Point!

Join local experts Bruce Peterjohn and Gregory Gough at Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, a premier hawk watching location where hundreds of raptors may be seen in a day. Bruce is the foremost ornithologist in Sussex County, a long-time hawk counter, and chair of the Delaware Bird Records Committee. Greg is a former Avian Ecologist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and a recent transplant to the county. They’ll teach you the finer points of identifying migratory falcons and hawks. After the session participants may tour the live hawk watching station elsewhere in the park. And who knows, you may be inspired to become a volunteer at one of Delaware’s long-term raptor migration monitoring sites!

In case of foggy or rainy weather this trip will be cancelled since the raptors won’t be flying. Leaders will try to give 24 hours notice so stay tuned to this posting for updates & DOS members can check their email.

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

Meet at Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park

The group will meet & observe from the bluff overlooking the ocean, bring a scope if you have one. There are two parking areas at Herring Point, but the smaller one closest to the ocean fills quickly so you may have to park in the large parking lot at the bottom of the hill & walk up from there.

Entry fee or State Park pass will be required.

Bird Walk at Bombay Hook
2025-09-27 08:00 - 10:00
Photo by Michael Moore

Explore the Forest Discovery Tree Trail at Bombay Hook!

The Delaware Ornithological Society is sponsoring a bird walk utilizing the newly completed Forest Discovery Tree Trail (2.7 miles) and lasting approximately 2 hours. The walk will take place rain-or-shine unless the weather is extreme (check www.DOSBirds.org or the DOS Facebook page). Bring sturdy shoes that can stand mud and moisture; water bottle; insect repellent; and, of course, binoculars if you have them (loaners will be available).

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 2025-2026 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/

Cape Henlopen Fall Migrants with Chris Bennett
2025-09-27 08:00 - 12:00
Marsh along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal seen from the Saltmarsh Spur Trail, by Chris Bennett

Explore diverse habitats seeking fall migrants at Cape Henlopen!

Songbirds, seabirds, shorebirds, raptors and more can be seen in Cape Henlopen State Park’s diverse habitats during fall migration. From the Point to Herring Point and in the forests in between we will hopefully find both common migrants and uncommon or rare vagrants. We will walk trails which can have both ticks and chiggers. Insect repellent is recommended. State Park entrance fee is in effect.

View along Gordon’s Pond Trail by C. Bennett

Lesser Black-backed Gull by C. Bennett

Brown-headed Nuthatch by C. Bennett

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

Meet at the Fishing Pier parking lot.

Youth Birders: Burrows Run Preserve
2025-09-28 08:00 - 10:00
Palm Warbler (Yellow) by Carolyn Holland

On this trip, we will be exploring fall songbird migration in Delaware. We will look for migrating warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, and raptors as they move through the region on their way south to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. This site is not open to the public except during guided programs, so this walk is a great chance to explore a less-visited part of the piedmont!There are no entrance fees for this site.

NOTE: All youth birders must be accompanied by an adult until they are old enough to drive themselves to the trip!

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

Ashland Clinton School Road, Greenville DE 19807- meet at the gate just uphill from theintersection of Ashland Clinton School Road and Center Mill Road

First State National Historical Park with Declan O'Neil
2025-10-06 08:00 - 11:00
***Please note change of date – rescheduled from October 5***

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.

Harry's Pond in Autumn with Amy O'Neil***Rescheduled for Friday, 10/10 @8:00am-9:30am, due to imminent rain!***
2025-10-08 08:00 - 09:30
Harry’s Pond in Autumn by Amy O’Neil

How many species of birds visit or reside at Harry’s Pond?

Come out for a seasonal stroll around Harry’s Pond and find out what makes this little retention pond such a special and fun place to visit. It’s a small oasis amidst a busy shopping center, which makes it the perfect place for birds (and busy birders) to frequent. This fall walk will be the first in a series – we’ll drop in once each season to see what we can find. Spring migrants? Winter waterfowl? Summer nesters? They’re all here tucked away, just waiting to be found! The pace will be leisurely, and most walking will be on paved paths or flat grassy areas.

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

We’ll meet by the entrance to the pond most easily accessible from the parking lot by the security building past Tutor Time. Be careful of toddlers getting dropped off in the morning when driving in!

Harry's Pond in Autumn with Amy O'Neil ***Rescheduled from Wednesday, 10/8, due to rain***
2025-10-10 08:00 - 09:30

Cape May with Declan O'Neil
2025-10-10 17:30 - 19:00
October 11 @ 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.

Please contact Declan at Declan@dosbirds.org to sign up for this trip or if you have any questions.

Meet at South Cape May Meadows Friday evening.

Meet at Higbee Beach WMA Saturday morning.

October Meeting: "Here’s the latest poop on birds: What can we learn from our feathered friends’ feces?" by Dr. Jennifer Uehling
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States
Summary: Though most people bemoan the presence of bird poop, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Dr. Jenny Uehling will explore what we can learn from bird feces, covering topics such as DNA sequencing to identify bird diet and microplastic identification and quantification. Understanding what birds are eating, and how it can expose them to potentially helpful nutrients or harmful pollutants, allows us to better understand the relationship between diet, survival, reproductive success, and bird declines.

Dr. Jenny Uehling is an assistant professor at West Chester University. She started at West Chester University as an assistant professor in Fall 2023. Before arriving at WCU, she received a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University in spring 2023 and my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Chicago in 2015. A native of the Philadelphia area, she graduated from Springfield Township High School in Montgomery County. She am passionate about teaching, mentoring students in research, and making science accessible to everyone. When not pondering bird behavior or working with students, she enjoys running and eating ice cream. She is also a diehard Phillies fan!

The meeting is held in person at Ashland Nature Center and is streamed online via YouTube Live. The in person meeting is open to everyone, but the YouTube Live presentation is for DOS members only.

Members in good standing will receive an email with the link to YouTube Live 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!

University of Delaware Farm & Ecology Woods with Blue Hen Birding
2025-10-19 08:00 - 11:00
Killdeer by Carolyn Holland

Explore the UD Farm & Ecology Woods!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 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).

Youth Birders: Rushton Woods Owl Banding
2025-10-24 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.

There will be no registration fees for this outing.

NOTE: All youth birders must be accompanied by an adult until they are old enough to drive themselves to the trip!

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

911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square PA 19073

Anson B. Nixon Park with Ian Stewart
2025-10-25 08:00 - 10:30
Blue-headed Vireo 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.

Youth Birders: Chambers Works Natural Area
2025-10-26 08:00 - 10:00
Mallard by Carolyn Holland

Since Mother Nature had other ideas the first two times we tried this trip, we’ve moved it to afall date! Youth birding committee member Scott Northey will show us around Chemours’Chambers Works site’s 500 acres of freshwater impoundments, grasslands and forestedwetlands to see resident and migrant birds, including waterfowl!There are no entrance fees for this site.

Penns Grove NJ, meeting address will be forwarded with RSVP- Please email SCOTT.T.NORTHEY@chemours.com

NOTE: All youth birders must be accompanied by an adult until they areold enough to drive themselves to the trip!

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2025-10-26 16:00 - 18:00
Swamp Sparrow by Carolyn Holland

Lazy Birder Walks with Joe are back!

Close the week with an easy walk along the Jack A Markell Trail at the Peterson Refuge near the Wilmington Riverfront. We will begin about 2 hours before sundown and cover about 2 miles, mostly on boardwalk with a bit of woodland trail thrown in. The sights and sounds of a freshwater marsh in evening are a great stress-reliever and will fortify you for the week ahead.

Next walk: Noevember 23 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

Evening Saw-whet Owl Banding at Rushton Woods
2025-11-14 19:00 - 20:30
***This event is full***

Northern Saw-whet Owl courtesy of Rushton Woods Preserve

A visit to Rushton Woods 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. Please be aware that this is expected to be a light year for the owls so while participants may not see an owl, they will learn about the research being done, the techniques used and the value of the collected data.

This trip is 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. Since there was a lot of interest last year and the trip filled quickly, I will be giving priority to those who did not have the opportunity to go last year. I will keep a waiting list for people who attended last year and would like to go again in the event that the trip does not fill.

911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square PA 19073

Youth Birders: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
2025-11-16 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

NOTE: All youth birders must be accompanied by an adult until they are old enough to drive themselves to the trip!

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

2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE 19977

November Meeting via Zoom: "Introduction to Gull Identification" by Amar Ayyash
2025-11-19 19:00 - 21:00
Summary: Often approached with apprehension, gulls have gained a love-hate relationship with many birders. Among these larids are some of the most coveted bird species in the world. Amar will highlight key identification field marks for separating our most common gull species, and he will also touch on some of the often-ignored topics in gull-study such as the aging process, plumage and molt. Learn why an increasing number of people are being drawn to this family of birds and are eagerly calling themselves “larophiles”.

Amar Ayyash is both an expert on the gulls of North America and an evangelist for “gull recreation”. He coordinates the IOS Annual Gull Frolic on Lake Michigan, hosts the popular website anythinglarus.com, and is often found speaking at birding events throughout the continent. Much of his free time is dedicated to traveling the world to photograph and study gulls. Ayyash has published a number of papers and articles on gull identification, distribution, and molt, and he is the author of the authoritative guide to North American Gulls, The Gull Guide. Amar lives in northern Illinois where he teaches mathematics.

The meeting is held online via Zoom. The Zoom link has been sent to members.

The meeting is open to everyone. If you did not get a Zoom link, please click the button below to send an email to request the Zoom link be emailed to you:

Click to request Zoom Link

Sea Watch with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon ***Chris & Anthony plan to give this trip a go & will adjust timing when there if needed due to rain***
2025-11-22 08:00 - 12:00
Bufflehead by Carolyn Holland

Join Anthony and Chris for a brisk birding adventure at the Indian River Inlet!

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.

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis
2025-11-23 15:00 - 17:00
Rusty Blackbird by Carolyn Holland

Explore Delaware’s Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge!

Close the week with an easy walk along the Jack A Markell Trail at the Peterson Refuge near the Wilmington Riverfront. We will begin about 2 hours before sundown and cover about 2 miles, mostly on boardwalk with a bit of woodland trail thrown in. The sights and sounds of a freshwater marsh in evening are a great stress-reliever and will fortify you for the week ahead.

Next walk: January 25, 2026 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.
