All Upcoming Events and Trips

Citizen Science Volunteers Needed: First State National Historical Park Bird Survey

Photo by Andy Ednie Join the survey! DOS with the cooperation with the National Park Service is embarking on a comprehensive transect survey of the avifauna of the Brandywine Valley (formerly Woodlawn) Tract of First State National Historical Park. The property was preserved for prosperity by William Poole Bancroft with “the vision of open space ... Read more

Midwinter Bird Walk at Alapocas with Joe Francis

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 [email protected] if you have any questions about this trip. Meet at the Blue Ball Barn near the traffic circle on West ... Read more

DOS January Meeting: Annual Christmas Count Recap

Ashland Nature Center 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, United States

Join host Jim White and other Christmas Count compilers for a recap of all the exciting discoveries during the 2024-2025 Christmas Counts. Each compiler will summarize the highlights of their count and discuss recent trends in bird populations. This event will be held in person at Ashland Nature Center and is open to everyone. For ... Read more

Youth Birders: Brandywine Creek State Park

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 ... Read more

Sparrow Stake-Out at the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge/DuPont Environmental Education Center with Joe Francis and friends

American Tree Sparrow by Michael Moore An opportunity to study many sparrow species! Sparrows are a perennial challenge for beginning and experienced birders alike.  Here’s an opportunity to figure out those “LBJs” in comfort and style.  To coax these shy creatures out of the brush, we’ll spend time divided into small groups and seated at ... Read more

Monthly Walks at Bombay Hook

Photo by Michael Moore Explore the Forest Discovery Tree Trail at Bombay Hook! The Delaware Ornithological Society sponsors a monthly bird walk, on the 4th Saturday of each month from September through April, which starts 8 am from the visitor center.  The walks will utilize the newly completed Forest Discovery Tree Trail (2.7 miles) and ... Read more

Sea Watch II with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon

Common Loon by Michael Moore Two more opportunities remain to join Anthony and Chris for brisk birding adventures at the Indian River Inlet this winter! February 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 ... Read more

Birding New Jersey’s North Shore with Andy Ednie

Sandy Hook by Andy Ednie Search for rarities in New Jersey! Hard to believe that some of Jersey’s best birding is right in the heart of the megalopolis. The north Jersey coast has the second highest species list in the state (365), only topped by Cape May (375). Winter birding produces Alcids, Gulls, waterfowl, and ... Read more

Raptors in Winter with Jim White

Red-tailed Hawk by Carolyn Holland A quest for Raptors in Winter! A full day quest for raptors that may be found in our area during the winter months. We will visit several areas in Delaware and while we will include owls in our search, no tape recordings will be used to call them in.  Bring ... Read more

Sea Watch III with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon

Common Loon by Michael Moore Last chance to join Anthony Gonzon and Chris Bennett for a brisk birding adventure at the Indian River Inlet this winter! 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 ... Read more

Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area with Anthony Gonzon

Northern Bobwhite by Michael Moore Northern Bobwhites live here! Listen for Northern Bobwhite at the last remaining Delaware stronghold.  We will spend time scanning fields and marshes and take a short walk through coastal woodlands.  Expect early migrants and lingering winter birds.  Dress appropriately.  A Conservation Access Pass is required. Contact Carolyn at [email protected] if ... Read more