Undoubtably, the months of April and May are the two most anticipated months in a birder’s calendar year. As the southern floodgates begin to open, arriving migrants and summer breeders turn our woods, fields, and beaches into a carnival of sound and activ-ity. Each passing weather system requires more of our attention and every day away from work is proactively planned to in-clude some birding…………………..any-where, and wanting to be everywhere. With so many birds arriving (and quickly departing), birding events are plentiful, fun, and some created for a wor-thy cause. Now is the time to click over to the DOS Field Trip calendar https://www.-dosbirds.org/events/category/field-trip/ and start your personal birding calendar for the upcoming months. Homegrown and unique to Delaware’s birding events are the DOS Spring Roundup and the Del-aware Bird-A-Thon, both held in May and

both extremely worthy. These special and unique events rely upon DOS mem-bers to participate and contribute their time, skills and effort, hopefully you will chose to join in on the fun and con-tribute! Since our spring migration can of-tentimes feel so very short and great birds and or birding opportunities can easily be missed, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of our spring migration in Delaware: 1) BIRDCAST @ http://birdcast.info - bookmark and visit this website often to learn the bird migration forecasts in real time. I consider this to be the #1 tool for aiding in successfully locating targeted bird species during migration. 2) Visit the ABA’s Birding News/Del-aware http://birding.aba.org/maillist/DE for recent bird sighting reports. 3) Member of Facebook? Join the Del-aware Birding Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/delawarebird-ing/ and the DOS Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/DOSbirds/ for up to the minute reports and photos from the Delaware birding community. 4) eBird - http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ click the Explore Data tab and you

will be able to look at your region and hotspots to review the most recent eBird reports submitted, arming you with a wealth of information on species and their locations. And lastly, give yourself some dedi-cated time to get out and BIRD…………..!

Happy Spring Migration,

Bill Stewart, DOS President

Greetings FROM THE PRESIDENT

issueIN THIS

GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT ....................

MONTHLY MEETINGS ..........................................

MEMBERSHIP NEWS ...........................................

UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS .....................................

DOS CONSERVATION AWARD ...............................

SPRING ROUNDUP + WHAT’S THIS BIRD? ...........

GET OUT AND BIRD! ...........................................

BIRD SONGS OF DELAWARE ................................

DOS CUBA TRIP ..................................................

DELAWARE BIRD-A-THON ...................................

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TheflyerNEWSLETTER OF THE DELMARVA ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

APRIL 2017Volume 48 | Number 8

The Falcons Laid 5 Eggs! Watch the action as the nestlings hatch and fledge online: Are you a Wilmington falcon fan? Become a supporting member of the

Wilmington Peregrine Falcon Webcam today!

Watch the Falcon Cam Online: https://dosbirds.org/falconcam Support the Falcon Cam: https://www.dosbirds.org/donate

Photo: David Neugebauer

2 The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org

Curl-crested Aracari by Lonnie Huffman

APRIL 2017 | VOLUME 48 | NUMBER 8

Delmarva Ornithological

Society

COMMITTEES Publications Committee

Jean Woods, Chair Kelley Nunn, Flyer Editor

Hannah Greenberg, Flyer Co-Editor Gene Hess, Delmarva Ornithologist Editor

ELECTED OFFICERSPresident

Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Council 2017 Council 2018 Council 2019

Flyer Editor

Bill Stewart Anthony Gonzon Jim Lewis Holly Merker Lisa Smith Joe Sebastiani Kim Steininger Kelley Nunn

Conservation Matthew Sarver

Membership Ian Stewart

Programs Anthony Gonzon

Hawkwatch Sally O’Byrne

Field Trips Amy O’Neil

Parker O’Neil

Spring Round-up Chris Bennett

Outreach & Publicity Derek Stoner

Delaware Records Frank Rohrbacher

CBC Jim White

Webmaster Andrew Homsey

MISSION STATEMENT

The object and purpose of this Society shall be the promotion of the study of birds, the advancement and diffusion of ornithologi-

cal knowledge, and the conservation of birds and their environment.

ONLINE DOSbirds.org

FACEBOOK facebook.com/DOSbirds

TWITTER twitter.com/DOS_birds

Flyer Inquiries: flyer@DOSbirds.org

Front Page Photo: Northern Parula by Shannon Modla Membership Header Photo: Wood Duck fledglings by Kim Steininger

Sally O’Byrne will have just returned from a birding trip to this isolated moun-tainous country that is little traveled and is considered one of the ‘least spoilt’ Hi-malayan countries. Targeted birds includ-ed exotic species like Himalayan Monal, Ibisbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and the best named bird, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird. This is also a country where all resi-dents who were foreign were expelled 25 years ago so the populace is now homo-geneous. and the country is known for its ‘happiness quotient.’ With scenery full of pristine forests, temples, and dramatic passes adorned with prayer flags, come found out which birds she found, and what adventures she had along the way.

Owls, the silent wings of the night, have fascinated humankind for centuries, both in positive and negative ways. But, what becomes visible to the mind’s eye when this cloak of myth and speculation is thrown off? Chronicling both fact and fiction, enthusiastic owlaholic Zoe Yost takes her audience on a rol-licking expedition through original pho-tographs, artwork, and writing to shed light on these elusive owls, one of the dark’s most iconic inhabitants.

Zoe Yost is a fourteen-year- old naturalist, writer, artist, musician, and yogini. An active birder since age six, she has presented at and co-led birding walks with the Delmarva Ornitho-logical Society, raised over $5,000 for the Del-aware Bird-A-Thon, and worked as a banding assistant for Dr. Ian Stewart.

Monthly Meetings: Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month from September through May at

Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin, DE. Social hour and refreshments are at 7:00pm, followed by the meeting and presentations at 7:30pm. If you’d like to bring snacks to share or contribute

photographs to the pre-meeting slideshow, please contact our meeting hostess, Kelley Nunn at: kelley.nunn@gmail.com.

MONTHLY Meetings

Wednesday, May 17th Owling at the Moon:

Explorations on Silent Wings with Zoe Yost

Wednesday, Apr. 19th Bhutan Trip Report

with Sally O’Byrne

Blood Pheasant by Sally O’Byrne

DOS Membership News: Call For Nominations & DOS Officer ElectionsMEMBERSHIP News

LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR DOS FELLOWS & HONORARY MEMBERS!

It’s that time of year again when we start accepting nom-inations for DOS Fellows and Honorary Members - check out your Membership Directory to see the honor roll of previous awardees!

DOS FELLOWS must have made a significant contribu-tion to the affairs of the Society, preferably as a Committee or Council member, and/or must have made a significant contribu-tion to the ornithology of the Delmarva Peninsula or nearby area.

HONORARY MEMBERS should have national promi-nence in the field of ornithology or a closely related field and have been of service to the Society, or the area’s birds for an ex-tended period of time. Nominations for either category can be submitted to me at istew@udel.edu.

Ian Stewart, DOS Membership Chair

ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Each spring, DOS elects a slate of officers for the next DOS year (the DOS year runs from July 1-June 30). Below is the slate of officers that will be presented at the April 19th meeting at

Ashland. After the presentation of this slate at the April meeting, any member may propose additional nominations from the floor for any office or Council seat. If any such proposal is not support-ed by at least five additional members, the proposal will fail. No nominations may be made after the April meeting. The finalized slate will then be voted on by DOS members at the May 17th meeting at Ashland.

PROPOSED SLATE OF DOS OFFICERS | 2017 - 2018

President — Anthony Gonzon Vice President — Chris Bennett Secretary — Holly Merker Treasurer — Jim Lewis Kelley Nunn — Flyer editor Bill Stewart — At-large (2020)

In addition, nominees for Fellow and Honorary Member will also be announced at the regular April meeting. Their elec-tion will be by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members present at the regular May meeting. may be made after the April meeting. The finalized slate will then be voted on by DOS members at the May 17th meeting at Ashland.

Lisa Smith, DOS Council

Michael Tushek Gettysburg, PA

KC Strok Landenberg, PA

Renaldo Hawthorne Wilmington, DE

Elizabeth Green Felton, DE

New Members, WELCOME

TO THE FLOCK!

Important Update: New Conservation Access Pass

Delaware Conservation Access

Pass

Effective July 1, 2017

We Bring You Delaware’s Great Outdoors through Science and Service

A Conservation Access Pass is required for registered motor vehicles to access Delaware’s State Wildlife

Areas effective July 1, 2017 Some exemptions apply. Learn more at:

www.de.gov/fw Passes are available annually July 1 – June 30

The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org 3

Starting July 1st, 2017, you will be required to display a Delaware Conservation Ac-cess Pass on your registered motor vehicle to access Del-aware’s State Wildlife Areas.

For additional details, pricing, and more, visit the

DNREC - Fish & Wildlife Website:

www.de.gov/fw

4 The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org

All members and guests are welcome! Only trips that are noted are restricted to DOS members, due to space limitations. Participation in field trips is at your own risk. Please help our leaders and our environment by carpooling, especially on trips which include several locations. Half day trips

will usually end before lunchtime unless otherwise noted. Please feel free to contact trip leaders if you have any questions. Please Note: Check our website (www.dosbirds.org), The Flyer, or the

DEBirds Listserv in case of trip changes, cancellations, or trip additions. * = Locations Requiring Entrance Fees DD = Delaware Dunlins Recommended

UPCOMING Field Trips

Nanticoke WatershedSUN • 23 April • Multiple LocationsLeader: Anthony Gonzon & Eric Braun

Join Anthony Gonzon & Eric Braun to find spring migrants in downstate DE — trip includes Redden SF, Trap Pond SP, and

Phillip’s Landing. Bring bag lunch, boots, and bug spray. Full day. The trip is free, but DE state park fees are in effect. Meet Anthony & Eric at the Middletown Park & Ride at Rte. 299 & Rte. 1, opposite

Wawa. Please check website for updates for start time.

SAT • 8 April • Multiple LocationsLeader: John Janowski

Join John Janowski birding properties recently acquired by DNREC partly using Delaware Bird-A-Thon funds. Look and

listen for migrating warblers, egrets, and herons. A variety of habitats include bay, brackish & freshwater wetlands,

and pine & hardwood forest.

Ashton - Cooper Cross - Warren Tracts DNREC SWA

What’s That Bird Photo Quiz Answer: Golden-crowned Kinglet

Tree Swallow by Shannon ModlaCarolina Chickadees

Yellow-throated WarblerAshton Tract Observation Deck by Anthony Gonzon

TUE • 25 April • Ashland Nature CenterLeader: Joe Sebastiani

Would you like to learn how to check in on nesting birds? Join Joe Sebastiani to find out how you can safely monitor birds’ progress and contribute that data to science. We’ll visit several occupied nest boxes around the property, and come back inside to share

our observations with Cornell’s NestWatch. Meet at 5:30pm.

NestWatch Training & Workshop: Finding and Monitoring Nests

SAT • 6 May • Multiple LocationsLeader: Ian Stewart

Explore birds and history by looking for early breeding and mi-grating birds with the namesakes of the Mason-Dixon line! Meet Mason & Dixon (A.K.A. Ian Stewart & friend) at the Penn-Del Trail

parking area at the White Clay Creek Preserve at 8:00am.

Birding with Mason & Dixon on White Clay Creek Preserve’s Penn-Del Trail

THE DOS CONSERVATION AWARD The Delmarva Ornithological So-ciety (DOS) Conservation Award, estab-lished in 2001, recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the conservation of birds and their habi-tats in the Delmarva region.

ABOUT KITT HECKSCHER

T h i s y e a r ’s a w a r d e e , K i t t Heckscher is Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Delaware State University. After an undergraduate career at Colorado State University, Kitt came to Delaware where he earned his Master’s and PhD in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He served as Delaware’s State Zoologist for The Nature Conservancy and

DNREC for 15 years. During that time, some of his respon-sibilities included Bald Eagle nesting surveys and various Delaware breeding bird sur-veys, including surveys of sev-eral important bird conserva-tion areas, such as Great Cy-press Swamp. Kitt is also a member of the state’s Natural Areas Advi-

sory Council, and the Delaware State For-est Stewardship Committee, and is a board member of the Coalition for Natural Stream Valleys.

KITT’S CONSERVATION WORK

But Kitt’s conservation work is not just limited to birds. He has worked, and continues to work to document un-common and rare invertebrates in Del-aware, publishing important Delmarva distribution and habitat records for groups as diverse as wasps, fireflies, dragonflies, and moths. His contributions to firefly conservation include the rediscovery of the rare Bethany Beach Firefly, and the discovery of an entirely new species of firefly in the peat forests of Milford Neck. Some of Kitt’s best known work is a long-term study of the breeding biology

of the Veery at White Clay Creek State Park for 17 years. Recently, he was the first to document intratropical migration in a Nearctic-Neotropical migrant songbird. That discovery - that each individual Veery migrates between two separate wintering locations - has focused attention on the phenomenon of intratropical movement in North American breeding songbirds which had previously been unknown or other-wise overlooked. He presented this groundbreaking research to DOS at a membership meeting.

KITT, DOS, & DSU

Kitt has been a DOS member since 1994, and is an elected Fellow of the Society. He is an Editor of the DOS journal, the Delmarva Ornithologist. He served for several years as a member of the DOS Conservation Committee. He is currently the Chair of the Publication Committee for the 2 nd Delaware Breeding Bird Atlas. At DSU, Kitt mentors the next generation of conservation-minded or-nithologists, ensuring that his conserva-tion legacy will be larger than his own work.

Matt Sarver, DOS Conservation Chair

CONSERVATION CornerDOS Conservation Award Goes To: Kitt Heckscher

Kitt Heckscher, Matthew Sarver Veery, Above: Long-eared Owl by Kelley Nunn

The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org 5

SPRING Roundup!

49th Annual SPRING ROUNDUP!

For 48 years, Delaware birders have participated in a statewide effort to count breeding and migratory birds in our state on a single May Saturday during the height of Spring mi-

gration. The Spring Roundup has always been an important DOS event. Saturday, May 13th, 2017 will mark the 49th year of the Spring Roundup. If you have participated in the past, I hope you will get out and count this year as well. If you have participated in the past or have never participated, but would like to spend a day or part of a day in the field counting birds, please contact me at cpb2564@gmail.com so I can coordinate coverage. Two years ago, the eBird team at the Cornell Lab of Or-nithology initiated the Global Big Day which coincides with our traditional Spring Roundup date. I ask that everyone who partici-pates in the Spring Roundup also complete eBird checklists for established hotspots or personal locations where you bird that day. That way all of our 2017 Spring Roundup data will be includ-ed in the Global Big Day data set. In 2016, 17,409 birders submit-ted 47,274 checklists which included 6332 species worldwide. In Delaware, 69 birders submitted 193 checklists and recorded 204 species of birds! Thank You.

Chris Bennett, DOS Spring Roundup

Thank you to DOS Member Nick Pulcinella for contributing another ‘What’s This Bird?’ photo quiz!

A. Arctic Warbler B. Golden-crowned Kinglet C. Orange-crowned Warbler

D. Tennessee Warbler E. Ruby-crowned Kinglet F. Blue-headed Vireo

What’s This Bird?

For the answer, check under the Field Trip Schedule on Flyer Page 4!

WHAT’S THIS Bird?

Photo Taken In North America In November | Possible Choices:

Call For Ornithologist Articles!Do you have something to say about birds? The Delmarva Ornithologist is looking for articles related to birds in the Delmarva region. Anyone is wel-come to submit articles. Past topics have included unusual bird nests/nest-ings, observations of interesting or unusual bird behavior, results of personal research projects or surveys, and description rare bird sightings. If you have an idea for an article please contact Jean Woods, Publication Committee Chair, at jwoods@delmnh.org. Articles should be submitted by June 1st.

Scarlet Tanager by Hank Davis

6 The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org

Could spring truly be here? The early migrants say YES! They have ar-rived, so if you’ve been hibernating, it’s time to Get Out and Bird! In the yard and at the feeders: March brought a number of interesting birds to feeders, including Painted Buntings to north Wilmington and south Newark. While most of us did not enjoy the late snowstorm, many did enjoy the re-sulting influx of Fox Sparrows appearing at backyard feeders. Alas, these jumbo ru-fous delights will be departing in April for their far north breeding grounds, along with their more commonly seen compatri-ots, the White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. But fear not, feeder action will remain interesting — Indigo Buntings and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks often drop in at feeders toward the end of April and begin-ning of May. Other spring arrivals include Eastern Phoebe, Purple Martin, Eastern Kingbird, the vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatch-er, Ovenbird, thrushes, and of course…an assortment of warblers!

Yes, it’s that time already — time to put out your hummingbird feeders! Remember to change the nectar every few days and to use a 4:1 sugar:water ratio with NO red dye (and no honey). On the water: The March exodus of wintering waterfowl gives way to the return of other birds found near and in the water like rails, herons, egrets, Glossy Ibis, Laughing Gulls, terns, and Black Skim-mers. And let’s not forget the SHORE-BIRDS! Thousands and thousands of peeps, pipers, plovers, dowitchers and, of course, Red Knots will be descending on Delaware Bay to gorge on Horseshoe Crab eggs starting at the end of April and con-tinuing on into the end of May. Can’t tell a peep from a plover? No problem! Sign up for a field trip and learn from an experi-enced birder happy to share tips and tricks for identifying these frenzied feeders. See page 4 for upcoming field trips. In the air: Osprey are back! They arrived in mid-March, and they are already working on sprucing up nests on plat-forms. Other raptors are on the move

north, and Cape Henlopen’s spring hawk watch is up and running. Lingering flocks of migrating waterfowl will continue to be seen occasionally early April, and then…the songbirds hit full flight in May! If you want to brush up on your “herons in flight” ID skills, come out to one of the DNREC-sponsored Heron Surveys on the waterfront in Delaware City, which are scheduled for the last Wednesday evening of every month through August. For more information on this event, watch for post-ings on Facebook. Listen for: The thrill of the trill! If you want to challenge your ear, see if you can distinguish the trills of the Dark-eyed Junco, Pine Warbler, and Chipping Spar-row. It’s a little tricky! This is the only time of year you could hear all three, because juncos will soon be heading north to breed and are absent in this region in the sum-mer. Gray Catbirds and House Wrens arrive in mid-to- late April and announce their return with almost non-stop burbling in the morning… Continued page 8

Bring on the Spring Migrants… Get Out and Bird in April!

Tree Swallows by Ian Stewart

Header photo: Red-breasted Merganser by Holly Merker

GET OUT AND Bird!

Painted Bunting by Hank DavisNorthern Parula by Shannon Modla

The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org 7

*Sale price can not be used on optics or gift cards. No other discounts will be applied. Not good on previous purchases.

—Your backyard bird feeding special ist—

Lancaster Pike & Yorklyn Road Hockessin, DE

(302) 239 - 9071 www.wbu.com/hockessin

Wild Birds Unlimited

DOS Members Receive 10% Off

Non-birdfood Items Every Day! *

Invite Springtime Blues to Nest In Your Yard With

Quality Bird Houses & Feeders

“GET OUT AND BIRD!” CONTINUED

… Killdeer, Chipping Sparrows, Field Sparrows, Common Yel-lowthroats, Ovenbird, Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes are some of this area’s more vocal early migrants. New birds will be arriving regularly through April, so go out every morning, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and listen to find out who’s new in the yard! In addition, do not miss: The Wilmington Peregrine Falcon chicks will be hatching in April! Check them out on the DOS Fal-conCam at www.dosbirds.org. Red Girl has already laid five eggs! She laid five last year, and four hatched and fledged… what will happen this year? Tune in to find out!

Lisa Smith, DOS Council

Yellow-throated Vireo by Hank Davis

8 The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org

Spring is an exiting time of year in the birding world! With migratory species both arriving and departing, spring is the time of year when many songbird species begin singing in prepara-tion for the breeding season. This month we will discuss some of the most beautiful and distinctive songs heard throughout Delaware.

WINTER WREN

Arthur Cleveland Bent, early 20th century ornithologist, once described the song of the Winter Wren as “A gushing melody, which seems at once expressive of the wildest joy and the tenderest sad-ness.” The Winter Wren is a secretive little bird, and quite difficult to see. However, in April you can hear their beautiful tinkling song in dense, swampy thickets. They breathlessly jump from note to note so quickly in their high-pitched song that it’s hard to fully take in its complexity. This species may also alert you to its presence with a doubled “chimp” note similar to the call note of a Song Sparrow.

BLUE-HEADED VIREO

The song of the Blue-headed Vireo is somewhat similar to that of its more common red-eyed cousin. The Blue-

headed song is higher, slower, and purer toned than the Red-eyed, with slurred notes. Their alarm call is a harsh, wren-like scolding. Listen for them in open woodlands, especially in edge habitat.

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER

What list of spring passerine songs would be complete without some species of warbler? As one of the earliest warbler migrants, the Yellow-throated Warbler can be heard in Sussex County throughout the month of April. Their song is a series of descending, whistled notes, with the last note often rising. While it is difficult to identify warbler call notes by ear, this species’ call could be written as “tchip,” similar to Chestnut-sided Warbler. Listen for this species in the pine woods

of Sussex County, though they may occa-sionally be found further north.

OTHER BIRDS TO LISTEN FOR:

While songbird migration is cer-tainly the most exiting part of April bird-ing, there are certainly many other things to listen for this month. Raptors are well into their nesting seasons by this point, and some may be calling to defend their territory. Red-shouldered Hawk, with its loud “Keeya, Keeya” call is often heard near woodlands. American Woodcock is displaying this month; listen for their high pitched wing twitter accompanied by a “peent” most evenings in open fields near woods. Thrush migration reaches our area in April, and on clear nights with south winds you may hear a few migrating overhead. Towards the end of the month, listen for Veery, which hoarsely says its name: “Vee-ry!”

Jerald Reb, DOS Member

BIRD Songs & Calls

The Bird Songs of Delaware with Jerald Reb

Header photo: Common Yellowthroat NFC by Kelley Nunn

Winter Wren: XC351800 by Jerald Reb Blue-headed Vireo: XC309996 by Ross Gallardy

Yellow-throated Warbler: XC135107 by Dan Lane

The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org 9

Click The Spectrograms To Hear The Recordings!

Winter Wren by Matthew Addicks

CUBADELMARVA ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETYwith Bill Stewart | February 18-28, 2018

Oriente Warbler by John Hannan

Seek out endemic species like the Cuban Trogon (Cuba’s national bird), the Zapata Wren, Cuban Pygmy-Owl, and the diminutive Bee Hummingbird.

Take a walking tour of Old Havana and see how urban parks connect residents with nature.

Bird at Las Terrazas, a self-sustained ecological community named after the reforestation project initiated in 1967.

Walk through the famous limestone cave where Ernesto “Che” Guevara and his men headquartered during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Visit the home and studio of Nils Navarro, a Cuban wildlife artist, and meet a Cuban family and tour their tobacco farm.

Attend a special presentation by the Korimacao Community Project and discuss the program with the artists.

Meet with Zapata area conservationists to learn about projects underway to preserve Cuba’s largest wetlands.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111

CUBA

Cuba is home to diverse ecosystems, fascinating wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. On this 11-day expedition to Havana and Western Cuba, you’ll learn about ongoing conservation efforts from local experts as you explore wetlands, mangroves, and limestone caves. Bird at ecological treasures like Las Terrazas, La Guira National Park, and Zapata Swamp. Experience Cuba’s cultural offerings through visits to local artists, farmers, and performers plus a walking tour of historical Old Havana and meals in paladares (restaurants run in private homes).

DEL

MA

RVA O

RNITHOLOGICAL SOC

IETY

dosbirds.org

10 The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org

The Flyer | April 2017 | www.DOSbirds.org 11

FEBRUARY 24 - ZAPATA PENINSULA After breakfast leave for the Bermejas site. Target species include the Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Pygmy Owl, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Fernandina’s Flicker, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, and Cuban Grassquit. A mosaic of dry forest, swamp, mangrove, and mudflats, the Zapata Peninsula is one of the best preserved ecosystems on the island. Other species we might encounter are Bare-legged Owl, Blue-headed Quail Dove and Gray-fronted Quail. Lunch at a local restaurant with Zapata area conservationists who will provide updates on projects underway to preserve Cuba’s largest wetlands. In the late afternoon, bird in the nearby Sopillar region of the reserve. Dine at a paladar and meet the owners, who will give insight about their entrepreneurial activities. Overnight at Playa Larga. (BLD)

FEBRUARY 25 - CAYO COCO Early breakfast, then depart for the long drive to Cayo Coco. Afternoon birding on the hotel grounds. Overnight at Meliá Cayo Coco. (BLD)

FEBRUARY 26 - CAYO COCO Morning visit to Cayo Guillermo; return to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon visit Cayo Romano. The Cayo Coco area combines an ideal spot for observing Cuba’s bird life with beautiful beach and snorkeling opportunities. Look for Oriente Warbler, Thick-billed Vireo, Bahama Mockingbird, and Cuban Gnatcatcher, in addition to a variety of waterbirds including the West Indian Whistling Duck. Overnight at Meliá Cayo Coco. (BLD)

FEBRUARY 27 - CAYO COCO This morning visit Cayo Paredon Grande for birding, hopefully catching any species we missed in the cayos. Afternoon free to enjoy the area. Overnight at Meliá Cayo Coco. (BLD)

FEBRUARY 28 - DEPART Leisurely departure to the Camaguey airport for flight back to the US. (B)

FEBRUARY 18 - HAVANAIndividual arrivals in Havana; no meals included on this day. Overnight at Hotel Ambos Mundos.

FEBRUARY 19 - HAVANA After breakfast, meet your guide, driver, and Cuban ornithologist, who will accompany you throughout the entire program. Morning visit to the Quinta de los Molinos to learn how this urban park is used to connect residents with nature. Take a walking tour of Old Havana before dinner. Overnight at Hotel Ambos Mundos. (BLD)

FEBRUARY 20 - SAN DIEGO DE LOS BAÑOS Depart for La Guira National Park in San Diego de los Baños. Along the way, stop for birding at Las Terrazas, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, guided by Fidel Hernandez from the Ecological Station of Las Terrazas. Target species are Cuban Grassquit and Olive-capped Warbler. Other notable species here are Cuba’s national bird, the Tocororo, and the world’s smallest bird, the Bee Hummingbird. Meet with community residents who helped save this site, now a model of sustainability and ecotourism. This afternoon arrive at La Guira National Park: 54,000 acres of mountain wilderness, picturesque valleys, and hidden caves, and home to species such as Cuban Solitaire, Cuban Tody, Cuban Bullfinch, and Cuban Pewee. Overnight at Hotel Mirador. (BLD)

FEBRUARY 21 - SAN DIEGO DE LOS BAÑOS Early breakfast followed by morning birding at Cueva de Los Portales, a limestone cave adjacent to hills covered in lush vegetation. The cave is known geologically and historically, famous for being Che Guevara’s headquarters during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The area is renowned for being an excellent place to spot Cuban Solitaire, our target species, and Scaly-naped Pigeon. This afternoon visit a tobacco farm and the home of the world-renowned nature artist and author Nils Navarro in Cuba’s Viñales area. Overnight at Hotel Mirador. (BLD)

FEBRUARY 22 - ZAPATA PENINSULA Depart early for the long drive to the Zapata Swamp. The Zapata area consists of scrub, mangrove swamp, and coastline. Over 200 species have been recorded here including the endemic Zapata Wren and Zapata Sparrow. We will also look for species such as Cuban Blackbird, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Greater Antillean Oriole, and Cuban Emerald. Late afternoon birding if time permits. Overnight at Playa Larga. (BLD)

FEBRUARY 23 - ZAPATA PENINSULA Depart after early breakfast for the La Turba area, where you may find Zapata Wren and Zapata Sparrow. Lunch in the town of Palpite, and a special visit with artists of the Korimacao Community Project. The project consists of residents from Cuban communities who are given the opportunity to develop and improve their performing skills such as singing, dancing, and playing instruments. Learn about the program and interact with the talented students. Afternoon birding at Salinas, an area frequented by many species of waterbirds that live in mangrove swamps, coastal lagoons, and woods. Over 165 indigenous and migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates are found here. Expect to see flamingos, Roseate Spoonbill, Glossy and White Ibis, herons, pelicans, Snail Kite, Peregrine Falcon, Cuban Black Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, and others. Overnight at Playa Larga. (BLD)

LAND PRICING$4,395 (10 participants and 1 leader)

Includes all meals, accommodations, entrance fees, and activities listed in the itinerary, private vehicle transportation unless otherwise noted in the itinerary, non-alcoholic beverages with meals, full-time guide, $65 Cuban visa, donation to DOS, and carbon offset.

Does not include international airfare, gratuities, or items of a personal nature. Round-trip airfare from Philadelphia is estimated at $425 and includes departure tax and mandatory Cuban health insurance.

THE FINE PRINTPrice is based on double occupancy; single occupancy arrangements are offered at additional cost. A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form are required to secure your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable minus a $100 cancellation fee until November 15, 2017, at which time final non-refundable payment is due. Progress payments accepted. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL: Contact Debbie Sturdivant Jordan at 866-748-6146 or email debbie@holbrooktravel.com Visit holbrook.travel/delmarva-cu18

ITINERARYBLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

This program includes optional carbon offsetting with ClimateSafe. Learn more at holbrooktravel.com/climatesafe

WEBSITE dosbirds.org

FACEBOOK facebook.com/DOSbirds

TWITTER twitter.com/DOS_birdsDOS Online:

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Get ready for the fun-filled 11th Annual Delaware Bird-A-Thon!

Spend a few hours, an afternoon, or all day enjoying nature and migratory birds for the worth cause of bird conservation

Help the Bird-A-Thon raise over $45,000 to help purchase, protect, and enhance vital mi-gratory shorebird and coastal species habitat within the globally important Delaware

Estuary. In the the past nine years, the Delaware Bird-A-Thon has raised nearly $300,000 and helped purchase 1,380+ acres of critical migratory shorebird habitat in Delaware!

Learn more about the event in the Bird-A-Thon brochure online.

11TH ANNUAL

DELAWAREBIRD-A-THONMAY 6 -14, 2017

SAVED!

1381A C R E S

and counting!

Piping Plovers by Kim Steininger

Click Here For

Bird-A-Thon

Brochures!

Non-profit OrgU S Postage

PAIDPermit 314

Wilmington DE

DELMARVA ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY P.O. BOX 4247 WILMINGTON DE 19807