Spring on Delmarva is an exciting transition time for birding.
As winter resident species depart, migrants and summer breeders begin to arrive, some showing up before trees have a full complement of leaves. Later comes a wave of shorebirds, many of them long distance migrants from South America who depend on our region’s shorelines, mud flats, and wet fields as refueling stops on their way to Arctic tundra breeding grounds. The males of our springtime birds will be in full breeding plumage — and the songbirds often live up to their names! Now is the time to enjoy colorful warblers in the company of vireos, flycatchers, and orioles. If you think all shorebirds are just little sandpipers, spring migration should change your perspective.
Each class session will focus on the identification of target species likely to be seen on the subsequent field trip to one or more of Delmarva’s special places. Both novice and experienced birders are welcome, and it is not necessary to have taken Part 1 in the Winter Semester to enjoy the birds and birding.
Session 1: Burst of Spring
Session 2: Amazing Shorebirds
Field trips will be led by the course instructor. Participants must furnish their own transportation; car-pooling is encouraged using recommended Covid-safe procedures. Note: Unfavorable weather conditions may result in slight adjustment of field trip dates.
Feedback from past courses taught by Wayne:
“I always learn so much in Wayne’s classes. And if I forget something I just learned, Wayne very nicely tries again.” 🙂
“Dr. Wayne Bell is fabulous! First time birder. Learning a lot. 10 stars!!“
“Wayne is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher. He pours himself into his teaching.“
“The birding classes are great! We’ve learned so much – especially on the field trips!“
Course Recordings:
