Before you can say prothonotary, April will be here and so will the Ninth Annual Delmarva Birding Weekend. The birding weekend celebrates the northward migration of thousands of songbirds, shorebirds and raptors that pass through the Delmarva Peninsula each spring, as well as the birds that call the region home year-round.

Held during the weekend of April 23-25, 2004, the celebrated weekend is the natural excuse to explore the region's islands, bays, marshes, fields, forests and swamps with knowledgeable local guides. Each year, combined totals for all trips tops 150 species.

Trips are planned in a variety of venues and by all means of transportation. For the paddler who enjoys the sights and sounds of the cypress swamp, DLITE offers Warblers on the Water, Songbirds & Cypress, and Prothonotary Paddle. These trips tally over 50 species, including pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, red-shouldered hawks, and nearly 20 different warblers. Heron Happiness takes you on a paddling expedition behind Assateague Island. This trip is perfect if you want to see the long-legged wading birds typical of the salt marsh - glossy ibis, snowy egret and tri-colored heron.

For those who wish to enjoy bay waters without sore shoulders, DLITE offers several boat trips. The Smith Island Pelican Cruise takes you to historic Smith Island and Martin National Wildlife Refuge a great habitat for late wintering ducks, brown pelicans and yellow-crowned night-herons. If you want to add an endangered piping plover to your life list, try the Shorebird Explorer. The Explorer drifts behind Assateague and around Skimmer Island, which is famous for its nesting colony of royal terns and black skimmers. The Peregrine Falcon Watch at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area provides a memorable experience with this rare and regal raptor.

If you are a hiker or biker, DLITE has excursions for you, too. Warblermania! and Neotropicals Along the Nassawango will help you identify your favorite spring songbirds by sight and sound, including worm-eating, hooded and prairie warblers. Wear your hiking shoes for Eagles and Others at Pemberton Historic Park. The park trails meander through fields, forest and marsh, which are home to bald eagles, scarlet tanagers, and belted kingfishers. Dip into Delaware for Coastal Birding Delights - the Assawoman Wildlife Area features brown-headed nuthatches and late wintering loons. Cycle along the seashore during Bird by Bike on Assateague for herons, oystercatchers and black-bellied plovers.

Nighttime is the right time to search for elusive nocturnal birds of the forest and marsh. Clapper, Virginia and king rails can be heard (and sometimes seen) during Night Birds of the Marsh and Assateague Night Sounds. The Owl Prowl at Pemberton provides a shadowy glimpse of mysterious Great horned, screech and barred owls. For an intimate experience with jaguars, bobcats, and alligators, explore the wild side of Salisbury during Night Life at the Salisbury Zoo.

Birder's Socials will be held on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon to give participants a chance to check in with our guides and discover what's being seen in the skies around Delmarva. The Delmarva Birding Weekend is held in conjunction with the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City. Be sure to check out this unique Eastern Shore event for world-class wood carvings of your favorite birds.

Whether you are an avid birder or a casual wildlife watcher, DLITE has a trip planned just for you. For registration information, please call 800-852-0335, or visit the DLITE website again to look for the latest. See you in April!