Two days of summer shorebirding at this regional hotspot. We should see lots of plovers, sandpipers, wading birds, and terns. Experience the second wave of southbound migrating shorebirds in central Delaware—a place with a different species mix than locations like Cape May or Brigantine. This two-day trip offers an excellent opportunity to study a wide variety of shorebirds, herons, and terns. Mixed species flocks of shorebirds—often at close range and in juvenile and adult plumages, provide participants with a chance to learn subtleties of sandpiper identification. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 15,978 acres and has one of the largest expanses of nearly unaltered salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic, plus over 1,100 acres of freshwater impoundments. We’ll complement our tour with visits to other noteworthy sites that may include Little Creek WMA, Port Mahon, and Woodland Beach WMA, dependent current water levels. This trip should tally 20+ species of shorebirds (often including several hundred American Avocets), large numbers of long-legged waders, and other surprises. Species we should encounter include American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Western Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Caspian and Black Terns. We could see some less-common to rare shorebirds like Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper, and Wilson’s Phalarope. The area is a magnet for rare birds as well, with past trips recording goodies like White Ibis, White-faced Ibis, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Black-headed Gull, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Sedge Wren. Led by Scott Barnes, Linda Mack, and Carole Hughes.

MEETING LOCATION: Meet at Bombay Hook NWR Headquarters, 2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, Delaware, 19977

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

COST: 2-day ticket $100 Members, $150 Non-members, 1-day ticket $50 Members, $60 Non-members

WEATHER & TRANSPORTATION: Please arrive at the appointed time. Be sure to check the forecast in advance and dress in layers appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. We sometimes bird in the rain, so bring rain gear if warranted. Transportation during the field trip is by private vehicle (be sure you have enough gas). Most trips involve some amount of walking, sometimes through muddy or sandy terrain.

CANCELLATION: NJA/CMBO programs require a minimum number of registrants to run, five days in advance of the start of the tour but are seldom cancelled. If we do cancel, due to lack of participation, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, we notify all participants in advance, and all are eligible for a full credit or refund. Participants may cancel without penalty if greater than 30 days in advance. Cancellations 10 to 30 days in advance may be subject to a 25% service charge. No refunds or credits for cancellations less than ten days in advance unless due to health emergencies.

REGISTER HERE