March 8 & 9: Scoters & Seals

Special pricing for National Aquarium volunteers!

We have made a limited number of tickets available each day for National Aquarium volunteers at a reduced rate of $65/person. To get the reduced rate, please register before 4:00 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 13 using our secure PayPal links below. This special offer will end on Feb. 13 or when the limited supply runs out. Regular-priced tickets ($72/person) may still be available for both tours after Feb. 13.

White-winged Scoter photo courtesy of Frode Jacobsen. Harbor and Gray Seals photo courtesy of Rita Modesti.

Our Delmarva Birding Weekend guides and the Captain and Crew of the Thelma Dale V are very excited about March birding and seal watching with you and our friends at the Dogfish INN and Dogfish Head! Please join us on Friday, March 8 from 12:00 – 2:30 pm and Saturday, March 9 from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. Details below.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

Scoters & Seals (LEWES BOAT TOUR)
Date: Friday, March 8
Time: 12:00 – 12:30 pm (timed with the 12:56 pm low tide)
Cost: $65/person (includes tip for First Mate)
Meeting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf 107 Anglers Rd, Lewes, DE 19958. GPS Coordinates: 38.776829, -75.137510

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Scoters & Seals (LEWES BOAT TOUR)
Date: Saturday, March 9
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 pm (timed with the 1:43 pm low tide)
Cost: $65/person (includes tip for First Mate)
Meeting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf 107 Anglers Rd, Lewes, DE 19958. GPS Coordinates: 38.776829, -75.137510

Join us for a 2.5-hour cruise of the waters around the mouth of the Delaware Bay aboard the Thelma Dale V. The boat features a heated cabin, benches along the lower deck rail, and a top deck for open-air viewing. We will visit the two stone breakwaters and the ice breakers in search of common and rare waterfowl and seabirds including gulls, cormorants, gannets, loons, scoters, eiders and with luck a White-winged Scoter or Razorbill. We also have a good chance of seeing Harbor and Gray Seals that regularly haul out on the rocks. Restrooms are available on board, and coolers are welcome!

We are coordinating the boat trip with low tide, which will offer better views of the seals hauled out on the lower breakwater rocks. Low tide for the Lewes Breakwater Harbor on March 8 is 12:56 pm. Low tide on March 9 is 1:43 pm.

Harbor and Gray Seal photos courtesy of Sherry Abbott.

Some common sense approaches to make your birding trips more enjoyable:

  • Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for winter weather near the ocean! Boots are preferred on trips that include hiking.
  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. You can still get sunburn in the winter.
  • Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine.
  • Try to arrive a little before the scheduled trip departs.
  • Boat trips usually fill earlier than other trips; please make your reservations early.
  • For boat trips: If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to consider Dramamine or Bonine (both are sold over-the-counter), or whatever natural preventative you prefer. Please don’t wait until you’re on the boat to take your medication. Follow the instructions to make sure you have a great experience birding on the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
  • Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
  • Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and turn off cell phones during trips.
  • There are restroom facilities on most trips, but there may not be restrooms available at all stops. Please use the facilities when they are available to you!

Please note:

  • No cancellations are accepted after Feb. 23, 2024. For a further explanation of our refund policy, please click here.
  • Trips will go in the rain or fog, unless torrential downpours prevent us from viewing wildlife.
  • If the trip is canceled due to dangerous conditions (typically storms or strong, gusting winds), we will notify you via email. Please note that the email will be sent to all participants BCC, so you may need to check your email spam folder. A full refund will be provided within 15 days.