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
2/2/2026
This weekend’s survey was moved to Friday due to impending weather conditions. Once again, the survey team faced icy conditions and slippery footing. Despite being unable to access the entire area we ended with a respectable 41 species. Still lots of sapsuckers and nuthatches being seen but the numbers of White-throated sparrows has precipitously dropped. Here’s the results:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/473498
The next census will be Thursday, February 12th at 8 am. Starting from the Hopkins Nature Center at 8 am. Hope this ice melts soon!
Good birding,
Andy
2/12/2026
Can you believe it, we’re halfway through February. Still rough walking but we had the average number of species. We were able to divide up into extra groups for blanket coverage due to the excellent turnout of participants. Sapsuckers numbers are still high but half as many as last week. Lots of good birds including Red-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Purple Finch were seen. Here’s the results:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/475424
The next census will be on Saturday, February 21st starting at 8 am from the Hopkins Nature Center. Hope the snow has melted! Thanks to everybody that helped today.
Good birding,
Andy
2/21/2026
Saturday’s bird census was a big success. The trails are improving but still have some ice. We added 2 new species not found on the 1976 census, Hooded Merganser and ROSS’S GOOSE! The latter was not even seen in Delaware until the 80’s. Additionally, the Wood Ducks seen this week are a month earlier (global warming?) from the original survey. We also watched the Great Blue Heron with the injured neck swallow a fish whole. Obviously, the injury is not limiting its feeding ability. Here are the results:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/479860
The next survey will be Thursday, February 26th at 8am from the Hopkin’s Nature Center parking lot. Hope the snow is melting!
Good birding,
Andy
Photo captions: Cold Temp, Cold weather birders, Alison, Walt and Sergio, Ice-Birding ON the White Clay, Birding with creek vista: Andy E., Martin, Jean-Marie, and Andy J.