All Upcoming Events and Trips

Evening Saw-whet Owl Banding at Rushton Woods

Northern Saw-whet Owl courtesy of Rushton Woods Preserve By special request, owl banding for adults! Join the banding crew at Rushton Woods Preserve as they work to catch and band Northern Saw-whet Owls, to help researchers discover more about their amazing annual movements and unique nocturnal adaptations.  This trip will be limited to 20 participants, ... Read more

Sea Watch I with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon

Common Loon by Michael Moore Join Anthony and Chris for 3 brisk birding adventures at the Indian River Inlet this winter! November 16, 2024 – 8am until 12pmFebruary 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 ... Read more

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

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

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 refocus attention, reduce eco-anxiety and climate grief, and build connection to nature and each ... 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

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

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

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

Evening Rail Trip with Andy Ednie

Salt Marsh at Sunrise by Tim Freiday Listen for rails after dark! This may be the only field trip all year where no birds are seen....only heard!  A four hour Rail bonanza (in the middle of the night!) targeting 7 species.  Bring long boots and bug spray.  Our leader is Andy Ednie, please contact at ... Read more

Fair Hill Bobolinks & Blueberries with Ian Stewart

Bobolink by Ian Stewart See Bobolinks up close! We will explore the rolling grasslands of Fair Hill NRMA just over the Maryland border in search of breeding Bobolinks and Meadowlarks, then head into the woods in search of other breeding birds. Fair Hill is an excellent place to see these declining grassland birds thanks to ... Read more