Late Afternoon Bird Walk Report by Joe Francis
Location: DuPont Environmental Education Center/Russell W. Peterson Refuge
Date: 24 March 2024
Good turnout for this DOS field trip including several members of Delaware Audubon. A lovely, sunny day, high around 50F, with a near-full moon exposing the mudflats during the low spring tide. We were joined by Bob Meadows of DNREC who pointed out salient features of the marsh restoration he has so lovingly stewarded for over 30 years. Highlights included an Osprey pair engaging in territorial defense, about two dozen Green-winged Teal feeding on the back mudflats, ample Killdeer and the season’s first Greater Yellowlegs, a calling Virginia Rail just off the boardwalk, a close flyover of Common Merganser, and, at dusk, a group of four Rusty Blackbirds who departed the marsh from their tree perch.
eBird report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S165885851