Flock Together!
Delmarva Birding Weekend celebrates the migration of hundreds of warblers, shorebirds, and waterfowl as well as many nesting birds and raptors. The region possesses an extensive variety of environments including barrier islands, coastal bays, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. More bird sightings have been recorded here than in any other region of the state. The weekend combines boat trips, canoe treks and expeditions by foot.

While you participate in the activities, you will be helping birds by promoting bird and habitat conservation. Birders, both novice and experienced, can make an important statement about the economic value of birds and their habitats. Be sure to remind local businesses you visit that you are here to enjoy our natural areas and the birds that inhabit them. Space for trips and programs is limited, so click here and register now for one or more of the weekend's events.

1. Prothonotary Paddle
Guided canoe trips will be offered on the Pocomoke River from Porters Crossing to Snow Hill, approximately a 4-hour trip, on Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. The Pocomoke River meanders through pristine woodlands, home to migratory warblers and woodpeckers, and offers a good chance to see a barred owl. $30 per canoe (800) 852-0335 THE SUNDAY TRIP IS FULL AS OF 03/18/2004

2. Warblers on Water
Guided canoe trips will be offered on the Nassawango Creek, a tributary to the Pocomoke River, on Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. Over 7,000 acres along Nassawango Creek have been preserved by The Nature Conservancy, which makes this 3-hour trip bordered by bald cypress a beautiful one. $30 per canoe (800) 852-0335 THE SATURDAY TRIP IS FULL AS OF 03/18/2004

3. Kingfishers on King's Creek
Search for belted kingfishers and Eastern kingbirds along King's Creek! This guided kayak trip takes place near historic Princess Anne, and winds through marshes, forests and fields. BOTH SATURDAY & SUNDAY TRIPS ARE FULL AS OF 02/24/2004

4. Cypress & Songbirds
Pocomoke River State Park will serve as the site for a 2-hour paddling adventure on Corker's Creek. Your guide will help you search for great crested flycatchers, green herons and red-shouldered hawks. Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. $30 per canoe (800) 852-0335 THE SUNDAY TRIP IS FULL AS OF 03/18/2004

5. Shore Bird Explorer
Tour by boat around Skimmer Island and the north shore of Assateague Island. Glimpse wild ponies, oystercatchers, cormorants, loons and royal terns. Don't forget to attend the free Birder's Social immediately following this trip. Saturday 2-4 p.m. $15 per person (800) 852-0335 THIS TRIP IS FULL AS OF 04/12/2004

6. Peregrine Falcon Watch
Explore Deal Island Wildlife Management Area by boat and on foot with DNR wildlife managers for a chance to observe the rare and regal peregrine falcon. Look for tri-colored herons, glossy ibis and other inhabitants of the mud flats and marshes. Saturday 8-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4 p.m. THIS TRIP IS FULL AS OF 02/24/2004

7. Smith Island Pelican Cruise
Depart Crisfield, MD aboard the Prime Time II for a birding trip you won't forget. Cruise by boat around Smith Island and Martin National Wildlife Refuge - closed to the general public - in the lower Chesapeake Bay. View many species of gulls and terns, shorebirds, yellow-crowned night herons and brown pelicans. Please note: trip does not make landfall. Saturday 8 a.m. -12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. $45 per person, includes a boxed lunch (800) 852-0335

8. Night Birds of the Marsh
The Ward Museum will host Night Birds of the Marsh on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. at the E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area. Seek out least bitterns, black rails, king rails, marsh wrens and maybe even some owls. Bring a flashlight and boots or shoes you won't mind getting wet. Meet behind the Snow Hill Library. $15 per person (410) 742-4988 ext. 117 THIS TRIP IS FULL AS OF 03/18/2004

9. Assateague at Dusk
Assateague Island National Seashore will serve as host on Saturday night from 6-8 p.m. for a trip along the "Life of the Dunes Trail." Listen for rails, chuck-will's-widows and an owl or two. Wild sounds of ocean surf, pine trees and the stars above serve as a backdrop. No flashlight will be necessary. $10 per person; the park entry fee is waived for this trip (800) 852-0335 THIS TRIP IS FULL AS OF 04/12/2004

10. Night Life at the Salisbury Zoo
Explore the Zoo at night! Discover fascinating facts about owls, wild cats, alligators and more. No flash photos or flashlights. Saturday 7-9:30 p.m. $10 per person (410) 546-3440 ext. 5

11. Owl Prowl
Explore the trails of Pemberton Historical Park in search of resident owls and other nocturnal creatures. This trip offers a guided hike through pine and hardwood forests and wetlands. Saturday 8-10 p.m. $10 per person (410) 860-2447

12. Warblermania!
Warblermania! will take place Saturday and Sunday from 6-11 a.m. Meet your guide at the Ward Museum and carpool to Nassawango Creek to search for prothonotary, worm-eating and hooded warblers and other birds of the cypress swamp. $15 per person (410) 742-4988 ext. 117

13. Eagles and Others
On Saturday and Sunday from 7-9:30 a.m. explore the diverse habitats of Pemberton's trail system to view songbirds, wading birds, raptors and the nesting area of breeding bald eagles. $10 per person (410) 860-2447

14. Neotropicals Along the Nassawango
Meet your guide at the Ward Museum and carpool to The Nature Conservancy's Nassawango Preserve to look for pileated woodpeckers, yellow-throated vireos, prothonotary warblers, ovenbirds and other neotropical migrants in the cypress swamps and upland forests. Saturday and Sunday 2-5 p.m. $15 per person (800) 852-0335 SATURDAY TRIP IS FULL AS OF 04/01/2004

15. Delaware's Coastal Birding Delights
Explore Assawoman Wildlife Area's coastal bays, ponds and forests. Possibilities include brown-headed nuthatches, waterfowl, wading birds and bald eagles. Coastal Delaware is a birder's paradise. Meet your guide at Quiet Resorts Visitor Center, Fenwick-Bethany Chamber of Commerce. Sunday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. $10 per person (800) 852-0335 1PM TRIP IS FULL AS OF 03/18/2004

16. Bird by Bike on Assateague
Assateague Island National Seashore will serve as the site for a 3-hour guided tour to search for wildlife of the barrier island, including egrets, willets and wild ponies. Bike rentals available upon request. Saturday 8:30 a.m. THIS TRIP IS FULL AS OF 03/18/2004

17. Meandering Meadows
Stroll along some 150 acres of meadows surrounded by forest on the privately-owned Golden Quarter Farm along Ayers Creek. Meadowlarks, quail, turkeys, indigo buntings and wood ducks abound on the former farmstead in its first year of regenerating to forested wetlands. Sunday 8-11 a.m. $15 per person (800) 852-0335THIS TRIP IS FULL AS OF 04/12/2004

Some common sense approaches to make your trip more enjoyable:

• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for cool weather. April can be chilly near the ocean.
• Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine.
• Try to arrive a little before the scheduled trip departs.
• Boat trips usually fill earlier than other trips; please make your reservations early.
• Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.

During the weekend, be sure to visit the 33rd Annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.

Also happening this weekend is the Fish Hawk Bicycle Festival, an organized bike tour with marked routes 25, 50 and 62 miles in length. For information click here.