(Jan. 26, 2017) Not every species migrates, hibernates or toughs out the winter on the lower shore. In fact, there are several species that seek out this area during the colder months because it’s better than what they have at home.
Building on the success of the Spring Delmarva Birding Weekend, held in April for the 22nd time this year, the second Winter Delmarva Birding Weekend is here, with trips taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The winter event is organized much in the same way the spring event is, with guided tours that can be mixed and matched based on location or what species might be seen.
“They want water in winter, we’re on the Atlantic flyway and at the tip of the northern snow range,” Dave Wilson, event organizer, said. “Birds really want unfrozen fresh and salt water, and shallows so there’s lots of food like grass, plant matter and the occasional fish.”
The Atlantic flyway is a general term describing seasonal migration patters of birds through the area, similar to water currents.
“The birds don’t want to have to fly farther than they have to,” Wilson said. “And Worcester’s agricultural aspect plays a role.”
Though the farmers might have a different way to describe the Canada geese, Tundra swans and Snow geese that eat winter plantings, the remnants of summer corn and soybeans are just as appetizing to the lower shore’s winter tourists.
“In the spring you get a lot of warblers and other really colorful birds, but they’re smaller and harder to see. In winter we have several species of ducks and eagles plus other birds of prey you can see easily,” Wilson said. “Plus, we’ll have access to some private property that isn’t open to the public during the spring.”
Flashy Harlequin ducks, regal Brant and diving Loons are all really popular, Wilson said, and because of scopes, the sizes of the birds and the absence of interfering foliage, getting a good look is made even easier.
“A couple of trips are close to full, but we still have room in most of them,” Wilson said.
Each trip — with one exception — costs $25 per person. All of the trips are listed at www.delmarvabirding. com.
Wilson said to expect a bit of carpooling, followed by a short hike to the site and an exploration period. Once everyone’s had their fill, it’s back to the cars — sometimes for the next scheduled trip.
“The Berlin Falls trip on Saturday is convenient and hosts a large variety of species, which then moves on to Grey’s Creek Nature Park,” Wilson said.
Grey’s Creek is only about a half-hour drive from the afternoon trip, the Lewes Boat Tour, and leaves plenty of time for lunch in between. The boat tour is the previously mentioned exception and costs $40 per person.
The boat tour is popular, Wilson said, not only because it’s mostly enclosed and heated, but also because another example of the lower shore’s seasonal wildlife population, Harbor seals, could make an appearance.
“Otherwise, just dress warm, bring your binoculars, snacks and some water,” Wilson said.
Building on the success of the Spring Delmarva Birding Weekend, held in April for the 22nd time this year, the second Winter Delmarva Birding Weekend is here, with trips taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The winter event is organized much in the same way the spring event is, with guided tours that can be mixed and matched based on location or what species might be seen.
“They want water in winter, we’re on the Atlantic flyway and at the tip of the northern snow range,” Dave Wilson, event organizer, said. “Birds really want unfrozen fresh and salt water, and shallows so there’s lots of food like grass, plant matter and the occasional fish.”
The Atlantic flyway is a general term describing seasonal migration patters of birds through the area, similar to water currents.
“The birds don’t want to have to fly farther than they have to,” Wilson said. “And Worcester’s agricultural aspect plays a role.”
Though the farmers might have a different way to describe the Canada geese, Tundra swans and Snow geese that eat winter plantings, the remnants of summer corn and soybeans are just as appetizing to the lower shore’s winter tourists.
“In the spring you get a lot of warblers and other really colorful birds, but they’re smaller and harder to see. In winter we have several species of ducks and eagles plus other birds of prey you can see easily,” Wilson said. “Plus, we’ll have access to some private property that isn’t open to the public during the spring.”
Flashy Harlequin ducks, regal Brant and diving Loons are all really popular, Wilson said, and because of scopes, the sizes of the birds and the absence of interfering foliage, getting a good look is made even easier.
“A couple of trips are close to full, but we still have room in most of them,” Wilson said.
Each trip — with one exception — costs $25 per person. All of the trips are listed at www.delmarvabirding. com.
Wilson said to expect a bit of carpooling, followed by a short hike to the site and an exploration period. Once everyone’s had their fill, it’s back to the cars — sometimes for the next scheduled trip.
“The Berlin Falls trip on Saturday is convenient and hosts a large variety of species, which then moves on to Grey’s Creek Nature Park,” Wilson said.
Grey’s Creek is only about a half-hour drive from the afternoon trip, the Lewes Boat Tour, and leaves plenty of time for lunch in between. The boat tour is the previously mentioned exception and costs $40 per person.
The boat tour is popular, Wilson said, not only because it’s mostly enclosed and heated, but also because another example of the lower shore’s seasonal wildlife population, Harbor seals, could make an appearance.
“Otherwise, just dress warm, bring your binoculars, snacks and some water,” Wilson said.