The Philadelphia Mid-Winter Bird Census is a winter bird census limited to the geographic area of Philadelphia County. Traditionally held on the first or second Saturday in January (after the Christmas Bird Count period end) the census has tallied as many as 108 species. All experienced birders regardless of affiliation are welcomed to participate.
Contact: Keith Russell
2007 Report
2006 Report
2005 Report
2004 Report
2003 Report

For winter finches, eiders, scoters, alcids and any Eurasian accidentals. Car pool from N.E. Phila at 6AM. Space is limited due to lodging constraints – first come, first served! Shared expenses.
Leaders: Erica Brendel and Chris Walters
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report
2003 Field Trip Report

This trip will focus on combing thru the large groups of Gulls for rarities such as Thayer’s, California, Slaty-back and Yellow-legged Gull; geese and other waterfowl that concentrate on the water lakes, rivers, fields, and landfills in Southern Bucks county and the Florence area of New Jersey. Basically we will go where the big groups of birds are to look for rarities and study variation.
Trip will start at 9 AM. Meeting location TBA
Leader: Matt Sharp
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report
2003 Field Trip Report

A ½ day field trip geared to NEW MEMBERS to the best location in Jersey to see Harlequin Duck and Purple Sandpiper. (All members are welcome but new members are especially invited.) Common Eider are regular here and we’ll look for King Eider. An assortment of ducks and loons should be found in the inlet. The dunes hold “Ipswich” Sparrow and usually Snow Buntings, and in good years longspurs. Dress warm. Meet at the Lighthouse parking lot at 9:00AM
Leaders: Chris Walters
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report

Meet 8:30 am at the Wawa Parking Lot (Rtes 47 and 347) for seabirds and wintering waterfowl. Dress for the weather and bring lunch and scopes. We will end the day at Jake's Landing Road looking for short-eared owls.
Leader: Martin Selzer
2007 Field Trip Report

A morning trip around the freshwater ponds can be very productive. Meet 8am Veteran's Park (Delaware River end of Clinton Street) in Delaware City
Directions
Leader: Colin Campbell

A 3 day trip over president’s weekend to look for winter finches, raptors and owls. In Algonquin we hope for crossbills, redpolls, Pine Grosbeak, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker and Spruce Grouse, while in the south the woods and fields should hold Saw-whet, Long-eared, Short-eared and Snowy Owl. If they are around we’ll also search for Boreal, Great Gray and Hawk Owl. Quality, not quantity! Limited registration. Fee.
Leader: Adrian Binns
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report

Join us as we search for wintering waterfowl, gulls, seabirds and other late winter visitors. We will meet at in the parking lot of the North Jetty at the Indian River Inlet at 9am. Besides birding Indian River Inlet and Rehoboth Bay, we will stop at Silver Lake, Cape Henlopen State Park, Prime Hook and Bombay Hook as we bird our way back north.
Meet at the parking lot on the north side of the Indian River Inlet at 9am
Leader : Martin Selzer
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report

This trip will be geared towards the YOUTH MEMBERS, focus on combing thru the large groups of Gulls for rarities such as Thayer’s, California, Slaty-back and Yellow-legged Gull; geese and other waterfowl that concentrate on the water lakes, rivers, fields, and landfills in Southern Bucks county and the Florence area of New Jersey. Basically we will go where the big groups of birds are to look for rarities and study variation.
Trip will start at 9 AM. Meeting location TBA
Leader: Matt Sharp

Matt Sharp is unable to lead this trip. Club member Andy Urquhart has agreed to "coordinate" this trip. Andy can be contacted at 302-239- 2471 or
This trip will focus on combing thru the large groups of Gulls for rarities such as Thayer’s, California, Slaty-back and Yellow-legged Gull; geese including possible Cackling, Greater White-fronted and possibly Ross’ not to mention such extreme rarities like Pink-footed
Goose and Barnacle, and other waterfowl that concentrate on the water lakes, rivers, fields, and landfills in Southern Bucks county and the Florence area of New Jersey. Basically we will go where the big groups of birds are to look for rarities and study variation.
Trip will start at 9 AM. Meeting location: "Super" WaWa at the intersection of Rt 13 and Green Lane, about 2 miles south of Tullytown. From the PA Turnpike, take the Bristol exit and go north on Rt 13 to the first light.
Leader: Matt Sharp
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report

After birding the dam we will head north to Muddy Run, a Pennsylvania Power and Light reservoir.
Meet at 9AM at Fisherman’s Park.
Leader: Tom Reeves
Directions: From Route 1. Immediately after crossing the dam, turn left on Fisherman Park Road for .07 mile and follow signs to Fisherman’s Park.
2007 Field Trip Report

Join our own local expert ornithological historian, Jeff Holt on a tour of the John James Audubon Center to discover rooms full of Audubon’s prints. Mill Grove was John James Audubon’s first residence in America. It was here that Audubon began to develop his talent as an artist and his unique style of drawing birds. Now a Museum, Mill Grove housing only 1 of 120 surviving complete sets of Audubon’s Birds of America. Produced from 1827 to 1838 in England on double elephant folio paper , each plates measures an astonishing 29 ½” X 39 ½’’. In addition, on display are samples of Audubon’s other works, including prints from his quadruped project and prints from the Royal Octavo American addition of Birds of America.
Meet at the Millgrove at 1PM. $4 Admission fee. Bring binoculars, as we’ll no doubt (weather permitting) get a chance to bird the sanctuary trails afterwards.
Leader: Jeff Holt
2007 Field Trip Report

A ½ day field trip geared to Young Birders to the best location in Jersey to see Harlequin Duck and Purple Sandpiper. (All members are welcome but new members are especially invited.) Common Eider are regular here and we’ll look for King Eider. An assortment of ducks and loons should be found in the inlet. The dunes hold “Ipswich” Sparrow and usually Snow Buntings, and in good years longspurs. Dress warm. Meet at the Lighthouse parking lot at 9:00AM
Leaders: Chris Walters and Frank Windfelder
2007 Field Trip Report (March)
2007 Field Trip Report (January)
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report

We will bird much of SW New Jersey looking for Ruff, Bald Eagle, spring migrants, etc.
The 6:15 AM meeting spot is at the intersection of Center Square Rd. and the railroad tracks. We will look for American Woodcock and then check some other spots before heading to the 7:30 AM rendezvous at the causeway.
It is best to carpool from your departure spot. You could conceivably leave your car at the causeway, but we may not be returning to the same location, so bring a map.
Pack a lunch. We will stop at Richman’s Ice Cream.
Directions and map
Leader: Frank Windfelder
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report
2003 Field Trip Report
Summary of trips 1997-2007 (*.pdf file)

Highlights possible include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Bufflehead, Great Egret, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Great Horned Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Rough-winged Swallow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrasher, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Field Sparrow and Rusty Blackbird.
Meet at: Cusano Environmental Education Center at 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia at 8AM
Leader: Denis Brennan
Directions
Official John Heinz NWR website
2006 Field Trip Report

We'll be listening for night birds along Dutch Neck Rd until the birds stop calling. We'll spend the hours before sunrise listening for calling Sora, Virginia Rail, King Rail Marsh Wren and Sedge Wren at the 1000 Acre Marsh and Grier's Pond. Depending on our success, we may try some additional night birding in the area. After the sun has risen, an optional extension to the trip will involve birding our way south to Bombay Hook NWR. Though not completely necessary, tall boots may be good to have on hand. Please bring insect repellant, Grier's Pond is infested with Deer Ticks. Please make all efforts to contact Steve Kacir if you plan on attending.
Field Trip meeting place:
S Reedy Point Rd at Dutch Neck Rd
South of Delaware City off Route 9
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal
Location on Google Maps
Meeting Time: 3:00 AM
If you arrive late, turn left onto Dutch Neck Rd from S. Reedy Point Road where S. Reedy Point Rd ends at the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. Continue to drive west along Dutch Neck Rd until you see a group of birders. If you get to the intersection of Knightsbridge Rd and Dutch Neck Rd, you are too far west.
Leader: Steve Kacir
2007 Field Trip Report

For any lingering waterfowl and raptors as well as early migrant shorebirds. American Bittern and Gull-billed Tern bred here and there is always the chance of a White-faced Ibis amongst the Glossy’s or a Curlew Sandpiper. After we do the Forsythe loop, we'll check out what's present on Brigantine Island. Meet in the parking lot at 9AM
Leader: Andy Smith
Directions

A spring morning is planned at Riverwinds and later at the National Park Red Bank Dredge Spoils, both adjacent to Philadelphia in Gloucester County. Jeff has personally seen over 130 species at Riverwinds alone and the dredge spoils is an excellent place for over wintering waterfowl and nesting marsh species. Targets for the morning will be early migrants and nesting bitterns, rails, Moorhen, Coot and Pied-billed Grebe. Meet at 7AM at Riverwinds.
This field trip is a joint field trip with the Gloucester County Nature Club.
Leader: Jeff Holt
Information on Riverwinds
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report

As announced at the February 1st, 2007 DVOC meeting (and as we did with our Oregon trip last year) we (Al Driscoll, Tom Bailey, Don Jones) are opening up this trip to interested DVOC members and their friends.
ONE SPOT AVAILABLE WITH MOTELS AND VEHICLE ALREADY BOOKED: We have motels for one additional spot available (you will have to share a room and costs with either Al, Don, or Tom - note that with two of us you might require industrial strength ear-plugs) as well as one spot in the vehicle (you will have to share in the cost of the rental vehicle). You will have to make your own flight arrangement (must arrive at LAX no later than 1PM on April 25) and reservation on the boat trip to Prisoner’s Harbor, Santa Cruz Island (call Island Packers in Ventura: 895-642-1393). Please contact Al, Don, or Tom ASAP if interested in this spot (first come first served). Note that motel costs would be in the neighborhood of $450 for this person. Click Here for further information and details

This field trip will focus on getting some good photographs of Pine Barrens and Bayshore breeders and migrants. Almost no effort will be made to find rarities. The plan will be to spread out, find cooperative birds and photograph them. Early morning will focus on the Belleplain with target birds including: Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Ovenbird, and Blue-winged Warbler. As the morning light gives way to afternoon we'll explore some nearby Delaware Bay marshes including Jake's Landing, and Thompson's Beach (or wherever the birds are). On the Bayshore we'll be targeting terns, herons, shorebirds, swallows and Clapper Rails -- basically whatever we find. Whether you're new to photography or a pro, you're welcome on this trip. I personally, will be shooting almost exclusively with an SLR and a 300mm lens. Digiscopers and more traditional photographers are both welcome, and we'll do our best to find some subjects for everyone. If interested, contact Steve Kacir (kacir@mail.med.upenn.edu) and let him know whether you'll just be using a camera or if you'll be digiscoping.
Field Trip meeting place: Wawa Parking Lot (Rtes 47 and 347)
Meeting Time: 7:30 AM
Leader: Steve Kacir
2007 Field Trip Report

Glassboro Woods in late April is the perfect time for southern hardwood swamp breeders like Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Worm-eating Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher. The mixed oak habitat will have Scarlet Tanager, Hooded Warbler, Northern Parula, and maybe Kentucky - but the date is a bit early for this species here. Our walk through the more open, successional areas should give us Blue-winged and Prairie Warblers and Bluebirds. This area can be excellent for migrants, but this is very weather dependant. If I think a good migrant day, I will take us to areas where I usually see the most. If not a good migrant day, I'll just concentrate on the breeders and showing everyone the area. I will be looking at butterflies, dragonflies, and plants come late morning into the early afternoon.
Glassboro Woods is more a birding by ear destination, but I usually manage to get the group on one of each species. I will be going over everything from basic songs to chip notes to flight calls depending on level of interest of the participants.
I will be starting at 6:30AM on Lincoln Ave. but feel free to join up with me anytime before 8:00AM along here. Glassboro Woods is now closed to vehicles except in the winter so be prepared for some long walks and being away from your cars for extended periods. There are no restroom facilities around except for the fast food places along Rt. 47. Please bring insect repellant although I don't find the place too buggy til June. I will take a meal break about mid-way through and head off to buy something. People are welcome to join me or bring your own lunch and eat at Glassboro Woods. I will probably end the trip around 1:00PM.
Feel free to call me at (856)383-2756 with any questions.
Meet at 6:30AM at Lincoln Ave.
Leader: Sandra Keller
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report

We will meet at the Hamilton, NJ Train Station at 6:00 AM and take the train into New York City. Then by Subway to meet Bob Krinsky at The Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Bob, a NYC resident and DVOC, member will take us to his favorite birding spots in the park. Central Park is a good spring migrant trap since it is one of the few places that provide birds shelter in the NYC area.
After birding for the morning, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. Then off to the New York Historical Society Museum. They are the owners for a great majority of Audubon's original watercolors that was used in "The Birds of America". Each year they display about 40 of the originals. Here is the link to the museum page on the exhibit.
After the visit to the museum, we will return to Penn Station and then back to New Jersey.
The round trip fare on NJ Transit is $18.75. The subway is $4.00 and the Museum admission is $10.00. Plus the cost of lunch.
If you choose to take the train from Philadelphia, we will meet at The Tavern on the Green in Central Park at around 8:15 AM.
If you plan to go, please send me (Bob Horton) an email and include your cell phone number, if you have one. It will make it easier to keep in touch if we get separated.
Leader: Bob Horton
2007 Field Trip Report

Fort Washington State Park(FWSP) is an excellent place for spring migration. Twenty-eight species of warblers were tallied for the 2006 spring migration period and we had a total of 16 species on the 2006 DVOC field trip included Worm-eating, Nashville, Blackburnian and Hooded. Meet at the Hawk Watch platform at 7:30 a.m. if you are interested in participating.
Leaders: Bill and Naomi Murphy
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report

A calm, leisurely look at Spring birds in a wonderful area with slow, gourmet (southern-style) lunch and dinner stops.
This weekend trip starts at Bombay Hook NWR on Friday morning and works south to Trap Pond State Park where you can camp or you can motel nearby. Saturday we bird Nanticoke WMA and areas around Seaford before returning to Trap Pond. Sunday, we bird the Cypress Swamps in DE and MD, then head north to the bayside areas. Interspersed throughout is a gourmet tour trying local delicacies such as crab, scrapple and muskrat. Yummy. Full details on a flyer nearer the time. Let me know in advance if you intend to come.
Leader: Colin Campbell
2007 Trip Information (*.pdf)
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report

For breeders and spring migrants. Expected: warblers, including Kentucky, Hooded and Louisiana Waterthrush; thrushes (possibly including Swainson's), vireos, flycatchers and many others. Meet at 6:30 AM at the Ridley Creek bridge on Gradyville Road (near Newtown Square, PA). We will bird until 11:00 or noon, depending on when the birds give out.
Leader: Art McMorris
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report

For Spring migrants. Meet at 6:30 AM at the bus stop at Wayne Ave and Sedgwick St., and probably bird until 11:00 or 12:00 Noon, or until we run out of birds.
Leader: Erica Brendel
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report

We will meet at 7:00 am the entrance to Westminster Cemetery, which is just north of West Laurel Hill Cemetery on Belmont Avenue. Then we will drive into Westminster and park at the east side of that property, and then walk down into the PECO property, which is the best birding spot. Our leader had permission from PECO to bring groups of birders onto their property. Then we will go back to our vehicles and drive over to West Laurel Hill Cemetery proper for some further birding. A thorough walk through the environs will take a minimum of 2 hours.
Leader: Gregg Gorton
Directions: This birding location is in Lower Merion near the intersection of the Schuylkill Expressway (I-476) and Route 1 (City Avenue). From that intersection, go south on Route 1 to the 3d or 4th traffic light (Belmont Avenue)(just past GSB Bdg--a Chili's restaurant is on the corner). Turn right onto Belmont. Proceed past three traffic lights and past West Laurel Hill Cemetery. Shortly before the 4th traffic light (you are descending a long hill), turn right into the slightly hidden entrance to Westminster Cemetery (we'll be meeting at this entrance at 7:00am).
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report

Meet at 7am at Beach (east of Richmond) and Cumberland for a half-day field trip along the Delaware River beginning at Port Richmond and followed by Bridesburg. Amongst the breeders Willow Flycatchers, Baltimore & Orchard Orioles, Yellow Warblers, Ring-necked Pheasants, Indigo Buntings, Warbling Vireos and other common birds.
Leader: Kate Somerville
2007 Field Trip Report

Early June is an excellent time for breeding birds in the Poconos. Among the more common species our targets will be breeding Cerulean and possibly Golden-winged Warblers. We'll cross the river and continue birding in the Layton area of New Jersey and then will head back to Pennsylvania via Alpha. Targets there will be Grasshopper Sparrow and Bobolinks. Please contact Bill and Naomi Murphy if you are interested in participating in this field trip.
Leaders: Bill and Naomi Murphy
Directions

Join us to witness the early part of the annual southbound shorebird migration spectacle. Meet at 7:30AM at the headquarters
Leader: Colin Campbell
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report

Held at the Guris’ in Green Lane, PA beginning at 1PM until you are asked to leave!
Contact: Anita Guris

A last minute addition to our schedule. The water levels are excellent for shorebirds.
Leader; Frank Windfelder
2007 Field Trip Report

A trip to catch the later wave of the shorebird migration spectacle. Meet 8:00 am at the refuge headquarters.
Leader: Martin Selzer
2007 Field Trip Report

Meet at the Tinicum headquarters at 7:00 AM sharp -
wear boots, bring sneakers too, and food if you wish
Itinerary: From 7:00 AM until about 9:15 AM we will
bird the Warbler Woods for passerines - then, eat
breakfast at a nearby McDonald's (optional: bring food
and eat it in the parking lot) - finally, change your
footware and join us for a concentrated search for
shorebirds, egrets, terns, etc. Can we find 75 species
or more?
Leader; Frank Windfelder
2007 Field Trip Report

We will bird for passerines, then go to the cove for waterbirds as low tide is at 10:30AM. It’s a good time for early fall migrants, such as Golden-winged and Mourning Warblers, Yellow-bellied, Least and Olive-sided Flycatchers. These are rare of course, but we're bound to find something good.
Meet in the parking lot at 6:45 AM
Leader: Frank Windfelder
Directions
2006 Field Trip Report

Plan this as an early start in tandem with the Club's 10 am informal meeting at the Zoo (less than a mile away), followed by a tour of zoo grounds and photo opportunities there. See the banding in progress and explore all the site's oaks/maples/bushes/water edges at the height of the fall warbler migratory season. This is a site of long historical interest to past DVOC stalwarts like Ed Fingerhood and David Cutler.
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
Leaders: Chris Walters and Doris McGovern (Doris will be leading the bird-banding)

For an assortment of shorebirds including plovers and sandpipers. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper in 2003 and Pacific Golden Plover in 2002. Meet on Grier’s Lane, just east of Route 77 at 7:30AM
Leader: Steve Kacir
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report
2003 Field Trip Report

In autumn migration, huge numbers of Chimney Swifts roost in chimneys of certain schools in the Roxborough/Manayunk area. The best site this year seems to be the chimney ofJohn Story Jenks School at 8310 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia (Germantown and Southampton Avenues in Chestnut Hill). The birds have been going down the chimney just before dark, so people should get there around 6:45 PM when the birds begin to gather. There is some street parking behind the school, as well as a parking lot (free in the evening) next to the Verizon building across Germantown Avenue from the school. Swifts can be viewed from the rear of the school playground or from across Germantown Avenue near Southampton. Jane will be in the playground.
This is a joint field trip with the Wyncote Audubon Society
Location of the John Story Jenks Elementary School
Leader: Jane Henderson
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
Video of 2003 Roost (Six second clip in *.avi format - 436 KB. Best viewed with Windows Media Player)
Ornithological Studies Presentation on Chimney Swifts

For Bald Eagle, Blue-winged Teal, Bololink and fall warblers – Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black & White Warbler, Redstart...... Meet at 8 AM at the Cusano Environmental Education Center
Leader: Denis Brennan
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
Directions

For NEWER MEMBERS. A special invitation to our newer DVOC members! We are offering again an opportunity to tour the Ornithology Department at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Tour to take place on September 20th, at 6:00pm, before the regular club meeting. For further information about the tour and how to register, Click Here.

We should get great looks at Salt Marsh Sharp-tail’s as well as being able to compare all races of Nelson’s. A walk along 7 bridges road will add additional species. We have gotten Clay-colored Sparrow in several years. Bring high boots or wellies. Pack a lunch if you will follow us to Brigantine afterwards. Meet at the end of 7 Bridges Road at 7:30 sharp!
Leader: Frank Windfelder
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report
2003 Field Trip Report
Summary of trips 1998-2007 (*.pdf file)

For raptors and possible Golden Eagle and Goshawk. A decision on which day should have the best conditions will be made the week prior. Meet at parking lot at 8:30AM and bring lunch.
Leaders : Frank Windfelder and Bert Filemyr
Directions
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report
2003 Field Trip Report

Join Jim Logan, Jr. at Scott Weidensaul's banding station along the Kittitany Ridge on Second Mountain in Schuylkill County during the peak of Saw-whet migration. Meet at the banding station at 6:30PM. Dress warmly. Expect to be out till 11PM. Limited to 15 participants. Contact Adrian Binns or Bob Horton to sign up. (As of this time the trip is full. A waiting list has been started)
Leader: Bob Horton
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report
2003 Field Trip Report

This trip will focus on combing thru the large groups of Gulls for Western rarities such Franklin’s and California, this is also a good chance to study plumage and molt in Gulls at a time when at least Herring Gulls are actively molting and most people do not look at gulls; geese and other waterfowl that concentrate on the water lakes, rivers, fields, and landfills in Southern Bucks county and the Florence area of New Jersey. Basically we will go where the big groups of birds are to look for rarities and study variation.
Trip will start at 9 AM. Meeting location TBA
Leader: Matt Sharp

This trip is geared toward young birders, but is open to all. I would like to invite any young birder's clubs, any birding school groups, and any young birders in general who would like to get out and enjoy a late fall day's birding in one of New Jersey's premier sites. This time of the year, waterfowl predominates at the refuge. We will look for any rarities around as we study the regulars. Some rarities in the past have been Eurasian Wigeon, Red-necked Grebe, White Pelican, Marbled Godwit, Western Kingbird, Northern Shrike, Lark Sparrow, and Yellow-headed Blackbird.

We will meet at the refuge at 9:00AM in the parking lot by the bathrooms. We will take our time birding around the loop making two runs through. We will be out around 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Then lunch. Then back around hitting different areas. Not much walking is involved. Bring binoculars and a scope if you have one. There will be plenty of time to buy lunch if needed. There's a pizza place and a Wawa close by. The trip will not go in severe bad weather. If in doubt, call me on my cell at the number below the day before. Also, check back on the DVOC web site on Thursday or Friday in case I have to make changes to the timing of the trip due to my work schedule. I might start an hour earlier. I also might make the trip a couple hours later if I am not working that night and we can stay out until dusk to try for Short-eared Owls.

If any questions, please call me at (856)383-2756. I would also like to hear from youth birding group leaders about the timing of this trip - is the holiday weekend a good idea? Is there any particular aspect of birding that your group would like to explore more? For example, specific plants that make up the habitat for certain species, what tidal conditions are conducive to the best waterfowl watching at Forsythe, etc. Or maybe your group is just getting started in birding and needs to work on basic family group identification. Let me know.
Leader: Sandra Keller
2007 Field Trip Report