Winter at the beach. No scorching sand. No sticky sunblock. No annoying crowds. Only us and the birds. And the seals. And whatever else we find on this two-day exploration of the Delaware coast near Rehoboth Beach.
We will spend Saturday on the lookout for wintering birds at Cape Henlopen State Park and the Indian River Inlet, and on Sunday, we’ll cruise the wildlife drive at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. We’ll mix up birdwatching with a Saturday afternoon boat cruise to view harbor and gray seals and possibly pelagic birds in Delaware Bay with the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute (MERR). The seals rest between meals on the bay’s inner and outer breakwater walls, forming colonies of 50 to 75 or more seals during winter. February is also when the seals begin to pup. This seasonal colony is the most southerly population of gray seals in any abundance, making it a very important and unique study group. Find more info on MERR here: https://www.merrinstitute.org/.
Possible bird sightings may include buffleheads, dunlins, mergansers, snow geese, tundra swans, sanderlings, loons, cormorants, harriers, bald eagles, and, possible yet rare, snowy owls. We will carpool when needed to reduce our impact on parking. A detailed itinerary with exact birding locations will be emailed a few days before the trip.
Cameras of all styles and sizes are welcome, but no tripods, please.
We have a reduced group rate for rooms at the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach for Friday, Saturday, or both nights. The group rate is $119/night for a king or queen/queen room type. The cut-off date to book rooms is January 24th, 2025. After that date, the group rate will be honored based on room availability. Reservations may be placed by clicking on the following link or by calling 855-556-1297 and using the group code G-BIRD. Booking link here: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/ILGZD/G-BIRD.
About our Leaders: We are excited to offer this trip with the help of three leaders: Gene Scarpulla and Marcia Watson, a husband-wife duo who will lead our birding excursions, and Barbara Saffir, who will share her passion and talent for nature photography.
Gene Scarpulla is the editor of the journal Maryland Birdlife and was also regional co-editor of the American Birds journal. He also served as a state director for the Baltimore Bird Club. Gene’s birding passions are gulls and shorebirds. He retired after 30 years as a biologist at the City of Baltimore’s Reservoir Natural Resources Section, the last eight years serving as Baltimore’s watershed manager. Gene and his wife Marcia Watson met while watching gulls at Conowingo Dam and are now both retired living near the shores of Loch Raven Reservoir in Phoenix, Maryland.
Marcia Watson serves as the editor of the Maryland Ornithological Society’s online guide, Birder’s Guide to Maryland and DC, and currently serves as secretary of the MOS Sanctuary Committee. She served as president of the Patuxent Bird Club. She retired from her career as an academic administrator and biology professor at the University of Delaware and later at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Barbara Saffir is a certified master naturalist, seasoned hike leader, and award-winning photographer, as well as the author of Walking Washington, DC. See her blog here: https://www.
- Watch for details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Appropriate for ages 18 and up.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Wind and water can make for extremely cold situations.
- This trip may be canceled due to weather. An alternate date may be offered or refunds made.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, and a packed lunch for Saturday. An option to stop at a nearby deli/store will be possible on Saturday morning.
- Bring your camera with accessories. No tripods, please.
- Bring spotting scope with a tripod, if you have one.
- Bring binoculars, if you have them.
- Bring your guidebooks, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Member: $80
- Non Member: $95