Saturday, Oct. 10
Registration is open! All reservations will be confirmed via email. No cancellations after Oct. 1, 2026. Trips are subject to weather cancellations.
MORNING FIELD TRIPS
Raptor Roundup at Cape Henlopen State Park (DRIVING/HIKING)
Time: 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Cost: $30/person
Guides: Chris Bennett & Anthony Gonzon
Meeting Location: Fishing Pier parking lot at Cape Henlopen State Park. GPS coordinates: 38.785857, -75.101570
Please note: Cost does not include the entry fee for Cape Henlopen State Park. Access is granted with a Delaware State Parks annual pass, or with a day-use fee of $5/vehicle with DE tags or $10/vehicle with out-of-state tags. Click here for more information.
Meet your guides at the Fishing Pier at Cape Henlopen State Park for an overview of the morning’s itinerary. We’ll then stop by the Seaside Nature Center to watch the bird feeders before a carvan through the largest state park in Delaware. Located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic, Cape Henlopen State Park contains pitch pine forest, forested wetland, tidal marsh, dunes and beach habitats that support a wide array of bird life. This trip will include sea and bay watching, as well as a stop at the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch to scan the skies for migrating raptors.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (DRIVING/HIKING)
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Cost: $30/person
Guides: Jim Rapp & Scott Housten
Meeting Location: the Prime Hook NWR Visitor Center, located on Turkle Pond Rd, Milton, DE 19968. Please note that the new Visitor Center recently opened, and it is located on the left shortly after you enter the refuge. Use these GPS coordinates: 38.814729, -75.254365
Please note: Dress and prepare for hiking on trails that may be wet and muddy. Waterproof boots are recommended. Please prepare for ticks. Be sure to bring insect repellent. For information about preventing tickborne diseases, please click here.
Get ready for an unforgettable Saturday morning of birding Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge! The Delaware Bayshore is a birder’s paradise, boasting some of the most diverse birding opportunities on Delmarva. We’ll explore the fields and forests for songbirds and raptors, and we’ll search marshes and shallow waters for egrets, shorebirds, and waterfowl. We’ll enjoy some easy walking and travel between our prime viewing locations in a car caravan.
MID-MORNING ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Introduction to Photography: Wildlife Edition (ONLINE CLASS)
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $30/person
Instructor: Troy Bynum
Meeting Location: You will receive a confirmation email with a URL after registering.
Click here to register for the Introduction to Photography: Wildlife Edition Online Class.
Join this introductory photography workshop and unlock the secrets of digital photography! This hands-on course delves into the essentials of Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO, empowering participants with a solid foundation on digital photography basics. Explore Exposure Compensation, Auto-Focus, Metering, and more, while mastering important terminology and troubleshooting techniques.
Troy Bynum is a wildlife photographer and avid birder from the Philadelphia area. He grew up in Mt. Airy, PA, and spent a lot of time exploring Wissahickon Valley Park as a kid, where his interest and love for nature began. As Troy grew, so did his admiration for nature – wildlife to be more specific. Now, Troy spends most of his free time exploring natural areas around the tri-state area in search of beautiful birds. He specializes in showcasing the beautiful patterns, textures, and colors found throughout nature. We oftentimes overlook a lot of these things that nature has to offer and Troy is on a mission to spark interest in others to go outside and explore the world around them. Check out Troy’s photos on Instagram at TB Wildlife Photography!
PUNKIN ALE FEST at the Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, DE from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Oh my gourd, it’s officially the season for all things Punkin Ale! Get ready to celebrate with some exclusive libations, DOGfishies, local vendors and more at Dogfish Head’s Milton Brewery!
Swing by Punkin Ale Fest from 11 am – 4 pm for their annual FREE family and dog friendly event where you can enjoy some amazing local craft vendors and food trucks, Dogfish Head ales & spirits, live music, yard games, a pet photo booth and much more! It’s the perfect fall celebration!
AFTERNOON BOAT TRIP
Breakwater & Broadkill River Cruise (BOAT)
Time: 3:30 – 6:00 pm (sunset is 6:31 pm)
Cost: $72/person (includes tip for First Mate)
Guides: Chris Bennett, Anthony Gonzon, Scott Housten & Jim Rapp
Meeting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf, 107 Anglers Rd, Lewes, DE 19958. GPS coordinates: 38.776757, -75.137437
Join us for a 2.5-hour cruise of the Lewes breakwater and the saltmarshes along the Broadkill River. We’ll depart from Fisherman’s Wharf in historic Lewes and head out towards the inner breakwater and the East End Light. Along the way, we’ll search the breakwater rocks and Cape Henlopen shoreline for gulls, terns and migrating shorebirds. We’ll then cruise up the Broadkill River and search the saltmarshes of Beach Plum Island and Great Marsh for herons, egrets, ibis and raptors.
Please park in the lot in front of The Wheelhouse restaurant. We encourage you to bring Dogfish Head craft brews if you want to enjoy a beer with your OktoBIRDfest boat tour!
Please note:
- No cancellations are accepted after October 1, 2026. For an explanation of our refund policy, please click here.
- Food and drink are not included in the cost for trips and tally rallies.
- Trips will go rain or shine, unless conditions are predicted to be dangerous.
- If the trip is canceled due to dangerous conditions, you will be notified via email and a full refund will be provided.