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Next meeting: November 15th
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Downy Woodpecker by Mike Moore.
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Letter from the President
 When I first joined DOS (back in 2009), I did not know much about the organization except that it ran field trips and held monthly meetings. Now I know it does so much more, but I still think these are the core functions of DOS or any similar bird-focused organization. They are especially important in building the birding community in Delaware. We currently have a healthy schedule of field trips with lots of participation and I encourage you to check out the schedule on the DOS website.
This year we have tried to elevate the quality of the talks at DOS monthly meetings. Unlike the last couple of years, the schedule is completely set for the year, and you can see all the talks on the DOS website so you can plan to attend the ones that interest you.
For birders who like to travel, or at least travel vicariously, the next two talks should be especially exciting. November’s talk features Italian bird guide Marco Virtiani who has come to the United States to promote birding opportunities in Italy, which he feels are underappreciated. This should be a spectacular tour of great places to bird in Italy. In December, we feature the always popular Jim White talking about the number one destination on every ecotourist’s bucket list, the Galapagos Islands. Come see one of our most popular speakers who will give you a tour of the most amazing nature spectacle on Earth. (I almost typed “one of the most” but having been there myself, I really don’t think there is anything that compares.)
Of course, the meetings are important for more than just the talk. They are a chance to socialize with and make connections to other birders. DOS has many ambitious goals, and we are better able to achieve them as a connected community.
I make these points because, like many comparable organizations I have spoken to, attendance at DOS meetings has been much lower since the pandemic. I still think they are valuable and a lot of fun, but they would be even more so with greater attendance. If you stopped going to the meetings, I hope you remember how much fun they are, and I encourage you to start attending again. If you have never been, come join us! The talks are free and open to the public.
-Michael Moore, DOS President
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November Meeting:
“Birding Italy: the truth behind the rumors!”
by Marco Valtriani
November 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm EST
Italy surprises and delights you, whether you’re a serious observer or a casual birdwatcher. The old rumor, “Nothing to see but House Sparrows,” is completely wrong, and more and more visiting birders are having their eyes opened to the more than 550 species that call the peninsula home, from waterfowl to songbirds. Italy preserves a wide range of natural habitats due the different biogeographic, geomorphologic and climatic conditions. The millennial relationship between humans and nature has been a crucial factor for the extreme complexity of environments and landscapes. More than 20% of the Italian territory is protected thanks to the well managed National Parks, Nature Reserve and Natura 2000 sites.
Marco will give you a first taste, not of Pasta and Chianti but of the most interesting birding areas and species.
Marco is a free-lance biologist  and nature guide with extensive experience in scientific research and ecotourism. He lives in Tuscany with his family. He is a passionate hiker, birder, and field researcher who has spent years exploring wild areas in Italy and around the world, from Europe to Africa, Asia, and Southern America.
Working as a professional birding guide and tour planner, he has created and leaded birding tours for international tour companies and private travelers. He has collaborated in environmental impact studies, scientific wildlife surveys, and educational efforts in ecology and environmental issues and has guided nature lovers since 1999 in Italy and abroad. He has have written scientific papers and articles on the birds and natural landscapes of central Italy, and co-authored guides to Tuscany’s natural habitats, trails, and wildlife.
His binoculars and scope always follow him when he travels, during bird migration camps and, of course, on his excursions.
This meeting is in-person at Ashland Nature Center.
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Sea Watch I with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
November 19 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
Long-tailed Duck by Mike Moore.
Join Anthony Gonzon and Chris Bennett for 3 brisk birding adventures at the Indian River Inlet this winter!
November 19, 2023 – 8am until 12pm
January 21, 2024 – 8am until 12pm
March 17, 2024 – 8am until 12pm
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 seashore wind and bring your scope if you have one.
Participants should monitor the DOS website and social media for last minute changes due to weather or other conditions.
Contact Carolyn at [email protected] if you have any questions about this trip.
Midwinter Bird Walk at Alapocas with Sally O’Byrne
January 17, 2024 @ 8:30 am – 12:00 pm EST
Golden-crowned Kinglet 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 Park Drive off Rt 141.
Raptors in Winter with Jim White (DOS Members Only)
February 11, 2024 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm EST
Red-shouldered Hawk by Carolyn Holland.
Join us for 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 snacks, lunch etc. There is typically a stop around lunchtime at Wawa/Royal Farms/etc. to refuel. Be sure to dress appropriately for extended periods of time in the mid-winter elements!
DOS members only: This trip will be limited to 16 participants. You must fill out and submit the registration form by clicking here. Each form registers one participant so each participant must fill out a form. If the trip is full, the form will not be displayed.
Contact Carolyn at [email protected] if you have any questions about this trip.
Meet in the parking lot at Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, DE.
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Red Knot Youth Birders
Friday, November 17th , 7:00pm-8:30pm*
Rushton Woods Preserve- Owl Banding
*Note the evening meeting time!
It’s time for another fun evening with owls! 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.
Spaces are limited, so pre-registration is required!
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Sunday, November 19th , 8:30am-10:30am
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
This trip is all about waterfowl! Join us to explore the diversity of duck and geese 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
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Saturday, December 16th , 8:30-10:30am
Wilmington Christmas Bird Count
Join us for the 124th 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.
Meet at Mount Cuba Center, Hockessin DE
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Sign up at [email protected] to receive field trip schedules and other updates for the fall.
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Seeking volunteers to help with advertising!
The youth birding committee is looking for individuals to help with distributing the Red Knots' new rack card. We are especially in need of people who would be able to drop off a pack of cards at their local libraries in any county. If you have suggestions for other family-friendly locations that allow outside advertising materials, we would love to hear those suggestions as well. Contact Jessica at [email protected] if you would like to help out!
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Burrow's Run Field Trip Report
Read the full report here.
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Lazy Birders - Peterson Refuge
Trip Report
Red-winged Blackbird by Carolyn Holland.
Read the full report here.
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The holidays are coming up, so make sure you're stocked up on DOS related goodies! Our DOS logo hats and binocular straps were updated this year, and they make excellent stocking stuffers. Some hat colors are in low supply, so get your favorites while you can!
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Access Pass Reminder
Don't forget: Conservation Access Passes are required to visit state wildlife areas such as Augustine (including Ashton Tract), Assawoman, Cedar Swamp, and Woodland Beach.
The cost to renew your annual pass is $32.50 for Delaware vehicles and $65.00 for out-of-state vehicles. Click here to get your pass!
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Hawk Watch Report
Golden Eagle by David Brown
The Ashland Hawk Watch continues to be held daily through the end of November at the Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin, Delaware. The total has surpassed 20,000 migrating raptors for only the third time ever and is on pace for a record season. The first Golden Eagle of the season flew over on October 15th. November is a peak time for several species including Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Golden Eagle. All are welcome to join us!
~David Brown, Ashland Hawk Watch Coordinator
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2023 Christmas Bird Count Dates
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- Your backyard bird feeding specialist -
"Fall in love with birds."
Wild Birds Unlimited-Hockessin
Open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.
Lancaster Pike & Yorklyn Road
Hockessin, DE
(302)-239-9071
www.wbu.com/hockessin
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What's this bird?
Check your answer here. Photo by Katie Bird.
We'd love more quiz photos! Send yours to [email protected]
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DOS Backyard Birding Challenge
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Andrew Dunn continues his lead, gaining 8 species in the last month. The weather is getting colder, but there are always new birds to see!
Compete by submitting eBird checklists from your own yard.
Learn more here.
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*Rankings as of Nov 1, 2023.
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Savannah Sparrow by Shannon Modla. Rusty Blackbird by Mike Moore.
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Want to see your photos in the Flyer? Send them to [email protected]!
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DOS Flyer Archive
Click here to read digital copies of past Flyers.
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