Friday, April 22: Field Trips & Registration

MORNING & ALL-DAY FIELD TRIPS

BOAT/HIKING: The Nature of Smith Island, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
COST: $135/person, includes lunch
MEETING LOCATION: Somers Cove Marina, Pier N, in Crisfield, MD

Depart Somers Cove Marine in Crisfield, Maryland, for a daylong birding cruise to historic Smith Island in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay – home to Maryland’s Official State Dessert, the Smith Island Cake! View many species of shorebirds and egrets, along with Tri-colored Herons, Glossy Ibis, and Brown Pelicans. At midday, enjoy a walking tour and a hearty lunch that includes a crab cake sandwich, sides and a slice of Smith Island cake (lunch is included in the trip cost; there are options for those with seafood allergy). The boat returns to Crisfield around 4:00 p.m. 

For specific directions to the meeting location at Pier N in Somers Cove Marina, please click here. Please bring a $15 – $20 tip for the First Mate!

DRIVING/HIKING: Redden State Forest, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
COST: $25/person
MEETING LOCATION: Headquarters Building at Redden State Forest

The 12,000 acres of Redden State Forest near Georgetown, Delaware, offer some of the best habitat for breeding forest birds, including Red-headed Woodpecker, Summer Tanager, Yellow-throated, Hooded and Kentucky Warbler and Yellow-throated Vireo. The trip will involve some easy walking and car caravans between major stops. Please dress and prepare for possibly muddy trails and ticks.

AFTERNOON FIELD TRIPS

DRIVING/HIKING: Birds of Prime Hook, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
COST: $25/person
MEETING LOCATION: Prime Hook NWR Visitor Center

The Delaware Bay shoreline and its adjacent uplands offer the most diverse birding opportunities in southern Delaware. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Milton, Delaware, is the perfect birding location for Friday afternoon. We’ll search for migrants and local breeders, including wading birds, shorebirds, rails, and colorful songbirds like Prairie and Prothonotary Warblers, and Scarlet Tanagers. The trip will involve some easy walking, and car caravans between major stops. Meet at the Prime Hook NWR Visitor Center on Turkle Pond Road.

BOAT: Lewes & Delaware Bay, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
COST: $35/person
MEETING LOCATION: Anglers Fishing Center at 213 Anglers Rd Lewes, DE 19958

Join us for a two-hour cruise of the waters near Cape Henlopen and the mouth of the Delaware Bay. We will visit the stone breakwaters in search of common and rare waterfowl and seabirds including gulls, cormorants, gannets, loons, and scoters. Please bring a tip for the First Mate!

EVENING FIELD TRIP

KAYAK: Ayres and Trappe Creek Sunset Paddle, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
COST: $65/person sharing a tandem kayak/canoe ($130 total), $80/person solo kayak, $30/person with your own boat
MEETING LOCATION: Ayers Creek Adventures

Paddle through the saltmarshes of Ayers and Trappe Creeks near Berlin, Maryland. Enjoy the show as dozens of species settle in for their nightly roost. You are likely to see Bald Eagle, Osprey, herons, egrets, hawks and gulls. This smooth water paddle is appropriate for all levels.

All paddling done by participants; some experience required. Must be 13 years old to participate. Please note: If you are reserving a tandem kayak, please plan to attend with a paddling partner also registered with the DBW. We can’t always guarantee another solo paddler will join you in a two-person boat. Thank you!

Please note:

  • No cancellations are accepted after April 4, 2022, unless diagnosed or quarantined with COVID-19.
  • Food and drink are not included in the cost for trips and tally rallies.
  • Trips will go rain or shine.
  • If the trip is canceled due to dangerous conditions, a full refund will be provided.

Delmarva Birding Weekends is offering tours with these COVID-19 guidelines in place.