All Upcoming Events and Trips

Youth Birders: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

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 ... Read more

Late Afternoon Bird Walk at the DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge with Joe Francis

Bald Eagle by Carolyn Holland Explore Delaware's Premier Urban Wildlife Refuge! End the week on a positive note with a leisurely walk at the Russell W. Peterson Refuge. These walks will begin roughly 2 hours before sunset, allowing opportunity to check out roosting waterfowl, shorebirds, rails, wrens and blackbirds. Crepuscular sightings of muskrat, beaver and ... Read more

“The Birding Prescription – how mindful birding is good for us, and for the birds” by Holly Merker and Joe Francis – MOVED TO ZOOM ONLY

DUE TO BAD WEATHER THIS TALK WILL BE PRESENTED ON ZOOM ONLY. SEE BELOW. Join DOS Member Holly Merker and current DOS President Joe Francis for a conversation about birding’s impact on health and well-being.  In relating personal experiences as well as the latest insights from the scientific literature, they will touch on ways to ... Read more

Youth Birders: Wilmington Christmas Bird Count

Hermit Thrush by Carolyn Holland Join us for the 125th annual Christmas Bird Count!  We will be counting all of the birds we can see and hear to help track continent-wide trends in bird diversity and abundance.  The data collected is used by scientists working to protect bird habitats and populations. Please RSVP to Jessica ... Read more

DOS December Meeting: Annual “For DOS, by DOS” short presentations by DOS members

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

The December member meeting will feature several short talks by DOS members on activities managed, coordinated and implemented by DOS members and partner organizations.  The talks will generally be 10-15 minute overviews of activities implemented over the past year. Birds on the move! Tracking migration using the Motus network. Ian StewartThe Motus tracking system is ... Read more

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

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