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Next meeting: December 20th
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Long-eared Owl by Mike Moore.
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Letter from the President
 Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in the news quite a bit lately and AI has already had a profound impact on birding. Apps like Merlin use AI to identify bird sounds and bird photos. Many photo editing programs incorporate AI tools that help us edit our bird photos. Of course, AI is controversial, and many people are worried it will go too far.
For this month’s president’s letter, I decided to play around with the writing AI app ChatGTP. I told it to “write a short essay about birding in Delaware in November.” Below is what I got. I can see why some people think this is scary. Especially note the part where the AI is encouraging us to use AI. Completely unedited output from ChatGTP:
“November brings a unique charm to birding in Delaware, as the state undergoes a seasonal transformation, influencing the avian inhabitants and attracting migratory species. One of the premier birding destinations during this time is Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, where the landscape becomes a haven for both resident and visiting birds.
As autumn progresses, the foliage undergoes a kaleidoscopic shift, providing a picturesque backdrop for bird enthusiasts. The trees, adorned in hues of red, orange, and gold, create a serene environment as flocks of birds maneuver through the crisp air. Among the notable species gracing Delaware in November are waterfowl like Northern Pintails, American Black Ducks, and Tundra Swans. These elegant water birds find refuge in the marshes and ponds, offering birders a captivating spectacle against the autumnal palette.
Cape Henlopen State Park is another hotspot for November birding, offering a diverse range of habitats, including forests, dunes, and coastal areas. Here, observers may encounter migratory songbirds, including warblers, sparrows, and finches, as they make their way south. The park's strategic location along the Atlantic Flyway makes it a vital pitstop for birds embarking on their long journeys.
Delaware Bayshore Byway, winding through scenic landscapes and coastal areas, is a corridor that beckons birdwatchers with its rich avian diversity. Shorebirds, such as Dunlins and Red Knots, gather along the shores, engaging in feeding frenzies and creating a mesmerizing spectacle for onlookers.
November birding in Delaware is not only about the visual splendor but also about the acoustic symphony provided by the feathered residents. The crisp air carries the melodic calls of songbirds and the rhythmic sounds of waterfowl, creating an immersive experience for those attuned to nature's harmonies.
To enhance the birding experience, birdwatchers can leverage technology, using apps and field guides to identify species and track recent sightings. Additionally, connecting with local birding communities provides valuable insights into current bird movements and ensures a collaborative spirit among enthusiasts.
In conclusion, birding in Delaware during November unfolds as a sensory feast, where the visual allure of autumn converges with the vibrant array of birdlife. Whether exploring the expansive wetlands of Bombay Hook, the diverse habitats of Cape Henlopen, or the scenic beauty of Delaware Bayshore Byway, birdwatchers are sure to be captivated by the dynamic avian spectacle that graces the state during this transitional month.”
-Michael Moore, DOS President
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December Meeting:
“A trip to Darwin’s Isles” by Jim White
December 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm EST
Jim will take us on a tour of the Galapagos Islands and all its magical and unique creatures. The next best thing to going there.
 Jim is widely known to the DOS members as a Past President and winner of the DOS Conservation Award. He also coordinates the Christmas Bird Counts in Delaware for DOS. Jim is broadly trained as naturalist with widely recognized expertise in birds, herps and odes. He is co-author with Amy White of the book “Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva”. He currently serves as Senior Fellow for Land & Biodiversity Management for the Delaware Nature Society.
This meeting is in-person at Ashland Nature Center.
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Sea Watch I with Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
January 21 @ 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!
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
Saturday, December 16th , 9am-11am
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, at the main visitor parking lot
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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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Anson B. Nixon Trip Report
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 Reports
Ashland Hawk Watch November 1-15, 2023 Summary
The count was held every day during this period except for November 10th when it rained all day. The peak day was November 3rd with 667 migrants. Youth from the Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium visited on November 4th.
Black Vulture numbers were low but Turkey Vulture numbers were in the expected range. It has already been the second best November for Northern Harriers and we are only 12 below the season record. Sharp-shinned Hawk numbers were higher than recent Novembers, but Cooper’s Hawks were slightly low. It has already been the highest November ever for Red-shouldered Hawks. However, Red-tailed Hawk migration remains low. A late Broad-winged Hawk migrated on November 6th. The 14 Golden Eagles during this period brings us to 19 for the season which is the second highest ever and only four below the record. A Short-eared Owl on November 2nd was only the second of this species in the history of the count.
Small numbers of Pine Siskins and Purple Finches continue nearly daily. Two Sandhill Cranes were photographed on November 8th. Six monarchs were counted for this period.
Migrant Raptor Totals for November 1-15:
Black Vulture - 60
Turkey Vulture - 1,346
Osprey - 3
Bald Eagle - 134
Northern Harrier - 82
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 221
Cooper’s Hawk - 54
Red-shouldered Hawk - 474
Broad-winged Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 288
Golden Eagle - 14
American Kestrel - 4
Merlin - 10
Peregrine Falcon - 2
Short-eared Owl - 1
Total: 2,694
~David Brown, Ashland Hawk Watch Coordinator
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The Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch had a total of 688 raptors observed during the first two weeks of November, giving us a total of 6,909 for the season. The highest counts during that period occurred on northeast and east-northeast winds on November 2 and 8, during which 110 and 108 raptors were counted, respectively.
The high-count day for the two weeks was November 2, when 110 raptors flew through on light east-northeast winds. A total of 56 Turkey Vultures, 19 Bald Eagles, several Harriers and Sharp-shinned Hawks and a total of 3 Golden Eagles migrated through that day. A total of 108 migrants were counted on November 8, including 16 Black Vultures, 51 Turkey Vultures, 14 Bald Eagles and a dark morph Rough-legged Hawk. A high count of 29 Bald Eagles and 9 Red-tailed Hawks occurred on November 12.
Other species recorded in November include Brant, which were seen several times, 2 Tundra Swan flew past on November 3, a flock of 18 Blue-winged Teal were seen on November 4, Ring-necked Duck were recorded on November 1 and 3, Greater and Lesser Scaup were observed several times, and White-winged Scoters were recorded on several days. One Long-tailed Duck was seen sitting on the water on November 3, and a flock of Common Merganser flew past on November 2. A Horned Grebe was recorded on November 3. A small flock of late American Oystercatchers were seen on November 1. A Wilson’s Snipe flew over on November 12. A Black-capped Chickadee was documented most days during the 2 weeks on the trail at the bottom of the platform. A White-breasted Nuthatch was heard on November 15, a Hermit Thrush was seen several times, Red Crossbills were heard calling from the pines in the parking lot on November 2 and 9, and the first Snow Bunting of the season was seen on November 13. An Eastern Meadowlark flew past on November 5.
Cape Henlopen had 148 visitors to the platform during the two weeks. High visitor days included 29 on November 4, 24 on November 5 and 21 on November 11 (Veteran’s Day).
The total volunteer hours for the two weeks was 177 hours. A total of 1,002.5 hours has been volunteered so far this season.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving,
~Jen Ottinger, Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Coordinator
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2023 Christmas Bird Count Dates
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- Your backyard bird feeding specialist -
"Give the Gift of 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 Carolyn Holland.
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, remaining at 136 species from last month. There's only one month left to find new birds in your yard this year!
Compete by submitting eBird checklists from your own yard.
Learn more here.
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*Rankings as of Nov 27, 2023.
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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Lesser Scaup by Shannon Modla.
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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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