Our Fall 2024 Delmarva Van Tour had good weather and enjoyable birding. Heading south from NJ we stopped at Bombay Hook NWR, where we saw 400 American Avocets, waterfowl, Bald Eagles, and Red-shouldered Hawk. Based in Chincoteague at a spotlessly clean and award-winning hotel, we explored Virginia’s rural Eastern Shore including Kiptopeke State Park and Chincoteague NWR for two days. The highlight bird for many participants was a close study of a beautiful Long-billed Curlew at Box Tree Marsh. It was one of two individuals that have returned to winter in the extensive coastal wetlands there for a second year. We even had it standing next to several Willets and a Whimbrel for a great comparison.
Long-billed Curlew photo by Scott Barnes
Eastern Meadowlark photo by Scott Barnes
One species many participants on the tour want to see is Brown-headed Nuthatch—a tiny denizen of Loblolly Pine forests and endemic to the U.S. After some quick looks in bad lighting, we eventually tracked down a more cooperative flock that lingered long enough for everyone to see well as they made their squeaky calls reminiscent of a dog’s chew toy. Wading birds were evident; we found over 40 roosting Black-crowned Night Herons, 150 White Ibis, and a half dozen striking Tricolored Herons. Mispillion Light in Delaware was our final stop of the tour—the light is beautiful there on sunny fall afternoons, and we watched a big flock of Boat-tailed Grackles, a Snow Bunting, and several participant’s lifer Nelson’s Sparrows hiding in the ochre Spartina marsh. Thanks to a great group of participants for making the tour so much fun!
photo by Scott Barnes
eBird trip report: NJ Audubon Delmarva Van Tour – eBird Trip Report
