August Pea Patch Island Heron Survey

Pea Patch Island Heron Survey

Pea Patch Island, located just off Delaware City, hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of herons and egrets in the mid-Atlantic region.

The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation takes a monthly census of birds using the colony. Led by counter Chris Bennett, herons, egrets, and ibis leaving and returning to the colony are counted in the evening to estimate the size of the colony.

Please join Chris and the other volunteer counters for the monthly census.  This is a great opportunity to learn how to identify these beautiful birds- beginners are welcome.  A number of other species are often seen during the survey including Osprey and Bald Eagle.

When?

The surveys run from February to August and they are scheduled for the last Wednesday of the month. They always begin 2 hours before sunset and end 30 minutes after sunset. It is possible that the date can change due to weather or be cancelled outright if there is not a rain-free day during the week the survey is scheduled.

During the COVID19 public health emergency, please note that anyone attending the survey is required to wear a mask and must maintain safe physical distancing from other participants at all times.

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