Free Van Tours -Suspended until further notice.

Bird Walks with the Delaware Ornithological Society 8:00 am - 10:00 am
“The Delaware Ornithological Society sponsors a monthly bird walk, each month from September through April, which starts 8 am from the visitor center.  The walks will utilize the newly completed Forest Discovery Tree Trail (2.7 miles) and last approximately 2 hours.  Walks will take place rain-or-shine unless the weather is extreme (check www.DOSBirds.org or the DOS Facebook page). Bring sturdy shoes that can stand mud and moisture; water bottle; insect repellent; and, of course, binoculars if you have them (loaners will be available).  A hand lens or loupe will also be handy if we stop to examine trees, flowers, mushrooms, lichens etc.”

The actual dates for the walk will be:

• February 22, 2025
• March 22, 2025
• *April 19, 2025
• September 27, 2025
• *October 18, 2025
• November 22, 2025
• December 27, 2025

Saturday, April 5, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm   Monarch Presentation and Gardening Tips for Monarchs  Learn how to identify monarch butterflies and about their migration. Participants will learn about their habitat requirements and gardening tips to attract butterflies. Come learn about the amazing monarch and how you can help them survive. While monarchs will be the main focus, other local butterflies and pollinators will be included.

Saturday, April 12, 2025 11:00 am – 12:00 pm       Fishing Basics
Fishing is a fine way to relax and enjoy nature. It’s easy to get started, you just need to know a few basic things and you’re ready to go try your luck. We’ll teach you a few basic knots, how to rig the rod, how to cast the line, and how to use various lures.

Friday, April 18, 2025  2:00 pm -3:00 pm  Delaware Bats Come join us in learning the importance of bats and their natural history. Attendees will learn about bat rehabilitation efforts in Delaware and how they can help bats in their communities. The program will be presented by Delaware Bat Rehabilitation and Conservation a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and release of sick and injured bats in Delaware.

Saturday, April 26, 2025   11:00 am to 12:30 am   Beginning Birding – Warbler Program – Eileen McLellan and Terry Willis will give a presentation on the warblers migrating through Bombay Hook during the spring. 

Various Days, May through June, 2025   11:00 am – 11:45 am   Purple Martin Nest Checks   Joël Martin will perform weekly purple martin gourd nest checks during April, May, and June. Individuals can observe and assist with recording data, counting eggs and hatchlings, and after they hatch hold a chick. You will see birds that spent the winter in Brazil and you may see an adult sitting on a nest. The nests need to be checked quickly to make sure the purple martins are not disturbed for a long period of time. Meet at the Visitor Center. 

Saturday May 3, 2025 8:00 am – 10:00 am   Warbler Walk – The walk will be on one or two trails along the wildlife drive with expert birders Eileen McLellan and Terry Willis. This will be an excellent way to practice what you learned at the Warbler Program the day before or for anyone who wants to look for warblers.

Saturday May 3, 2025 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Here come the Bugs!  Join entomologist Anthony Gonzon for a journey through the diversity of Delaware’s invertebrate life. Learn about life histories, identification, and fun facts. After the program Anthony will set up lights to draw in insects for observation and identification.

Saturday, May 10, 2025   10:00 a.m. – 11:00 noon   Beginning Birding – Shorebird Program - Eileen McLellan and Terry Willis will give a presentation about shorebirds, their amazing migrations, and simple identification techniques. After the presentation, participants will take the bus to the impoundments to practice their new skills
(11:15 – 12:30). The presentation is open to unlimited participants. The bus is limited to 14 participants, pre-registration is required to reserve your spot. Any un-reserved spots will be available on the day of the event. Call 302-653-9345 to register.

Saturday, May 17, 2025 2:00 pm Dragonflies of Delmarva. Aimed at the beginner, the class will cover the life phases and the natural habitat of these summer dwellers of stream and marsh side. Participants will also be introduced to easy identification methods of some of the most common members.