1/10/2026
Weather was perfect for the weekly census on Saturday. We got to watch the frontline pass through and the sun came out. The only new addition was Fox Sparrow, but the woods are still full of Sapsuckers and Purple Finches. Here are the results:
https://www.ebird.org/tripreport/462934
The next census is Thursday, January 15th, starting at 8 am from the nature center parking lot. The date may be postponed if we have inclement weather.
Good birding,
Andy
1/15/2026
Here are the results of the weekly bird census at White Clay Creek State Park from Thursday, Jan. 15th. It was a beautiful day walking in the valley and out of the wind.
https://ebird.org/tripreport/464196
The survey is already beginning to produce prodigious results. The cumulative list is at 50 species. We added a new species that was not recorded on the previous census 50 years ago, Common Raven. Of course, Ravens were unknown in Delaware until 2010. We are also seeing lots of Pileated Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and Purple Finches, more than 5x the numbers seen previously. Thanks to everybody that’s been out in the field.
The next census is Saturday, January 24th starting from the Hopkins Bridge Nature Center at 8 am. All birders are welcome; the walk takes 3-4 hours.
Good birding,
Andy
1/24/2026
Nine brave souls went out in 10 degree temps for this weekend’s bird survey. The icy trails were slick and noisy for walking, but beautiful to see. Again, lots of sapsuckers, bluebirds, and purple finches. One new species was added, Red-breasted Nuthatch coming to the feeders at the nature center. Even with the frozen conditions there was numerous runners on the trail. Here’s the results:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/468294
I suspect that we’ll still have some snow on the ground all week. The next census is Thursday, January 29th. We’ll start from the Hopkin’s Nature Center at 8 am. Hope to see you there!
Good birding,
Andy
1/29/2026
There were 5 brave observers out for this week’s bird census. The starting temperature was -4 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. That’s the coldest temperature I’ve ever seen in Delaware! The trails were impassable, we had to stay mostly on the roads. Despite the hardships, we racked up 40 species. The parade of sapsuckers and nuthatches continue and the titmice were singing their spring songs. I’ll remember this day in the 100 degree heat of the summer. Here’s the results.
https://ebird.org/tripreport/470361
The next census will be Saturday, February 7th, starting at 8 am from the Hopkin’s Nature Center. I’ll send out a notice later in the week if there is impending weather.
Good birding,
Andy