Join trip leader John Beetham for a trip to the Delaware Marshes, including Bombay Hook NWR. On this field trip, the fledgling birder can really take flight. One birder beautifully referred to this field trip, as "essential to truly enjoy the annual spectacle of migration" and that a "birder's hopes are renewed every year at this time." On our spring field trip this year, we saw over 100 species on and near the refuge. Our late summer field trip may not reach that mark, but participants should expect to see many species of herons, shorebirds, and other coastal species.

Sunscreen and insect repellent will certainly add to your birding pleasure in these sunny and marshy areas. Please bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water as these will not be available once we are on the refuge.

We will meet for carpooling at our usual Eastern Market location in front of Bread and Chocolate (the corner of 7th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., SE). Those needing a ride should contact the trip leader in advance. Participants wishing to carpool should meet at Bread and Chocolate by 7 A.M.; if it is easier, you may meet the group at the refuge nature center by 9:30 A.M.

Directions: From the DC area, get on Rte. 50 heading east. Cross the Bay Bridge. Once on the Eastern Shore, take Rte. 301 northeast (this splits off from Rte. 50). Go about 34 miles from this point and turn right on Rte. 300.which runs east through farmland. Go 15 miles to Kenton, Delaware. At the traffic light in Kenton go right on Del. 42, which ends after 9 miles in Leipsic, crossing Rte. 13 en route. (Be very careful in Delaware; there are lots of speed traps in these towns.) Go left (north) in Leipsic on Rte. 9 1.5 miles to the Bombay Hook entrance sign and turn right. We will meet at the Visitor's Center. Make sure to bring a good road map of Maryland and Delaware if you are driving.