October 15 – November 12, 2009     Family Nature Scavenger Photograph Challenge Bombay Hook NWR invites families to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge week by participating in a nature scavenger photograph search from the October 15 – November 12, 2009.  There will be 10 clues about wildlife and habitat designations located on the refuge.  When you find the designated area, take a photograph of your family at the area.  This will be proof that your family has completed all 10 clues.  When you complete the scavenger photograph search, turn in the 10 photographs at Bombay Hook’s Visitor Center or email your digital photos (low resolution) to tina_watson@fws.gov on or before November 12, 2009.  Up to 50 families that hand in their search photographs will receive an entrance pass to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (valid for 1 year).  Is your family up to the challenge? The scavenger clues can be picked up at the refuge visitor center or printed off the website. Family Nature Scavenger Photograph Challenge Clues - Click here.

October and November Weekends – Connecting People with Nature through Art   Starting on October 10, 2009 and continuing through November 29, 2009 different artists will display their work in the auditorium.  Each weekend will highlight a different artist and will include wildlife drawings, carvings, and photographs.

November 7 and 8, 2009
Larry Husfelt - Photographer

Larry is a past Editor of the old ‘Delaware Conservationist’ magazine and former graphic design director of the International Reading Association.  His photographs have appeared in numerous national and regional publications, and he is a two-time Photographic Society of America “Salon Slide of the Year” award winner.  He is most proud that examples of his photography are included in Delaware’s Tricentennial Time Capsule to be in opened in 2076.

November 14 and 15, 2009
Ramona Maziarz – Pen and Ink Artist

“My pen & ink artwork is a colorful, realistic and often humorous look at nature. The wonderful way different plants and creatures grow together is what drew me to the study of nature. Nature determinedly leaves no place empty or untouched; weeds, flowers, insects and creatures living their lives entwined.  It's that tangle of life I like to observe and ink. I try to bring to my scenes a gentle acknowledgment to honor the common creatures.  My endeavor is to explore and find the small things lost in this busy world, bringing creatures and bits of nature forward so we may know them intimately again. It goes both ways, the creatures in my artwork look back at you as well.”

November 21 and 22, 2009
Harold Van Dyke – Wildlife Wood Carver

Harold is a nationally known Delaware carver who grew up along the Delaware River and Bay.  His love of birds developed naturally as he spent many hours hunting and fishing in the nearby marshes.  Harold carves and paints shorebirds in the “smoothie” style. He uses his paint brush to detail the feathers. His carvings are stylized with the emphasis on position and attitude.  He specializes in the shorebirds that frequent the Delaware Bay area but is often inspired to carve other birds.  He has regularly exhibited and sold his carvings on the west and east coasts for more than 30 years.

November 28 and 29, 2009
Kim Steininger - Photographer

“I have been interested in photography on and off since my teenage years.  It's only in the past seven years that it has become my passion and a part of me.  My main subject of interest is birds.  I hope that after seeing my photography, people will look more closely the next time they see a bird or any other gift of nature -- and, if they don't already, begin to appreciate and respect the beauty of this world we live in."

Sunday, November 15, 2009 3:00 pm - Sunset Tour of the Refuge Join Tina Watson, Outdoor Recreation Planner, for a management tour of the Refuge and for spectacular views of the geese and ducks as they land in the impoundments at sunset. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009     9:30 am – 11:30 am    Garden Keepers   If you would like to learn about native plants join the Garden Keepers.  The group helps maintain the Refuge’s landscaping and develops educational native plant programs.  Short meeting and garden work.  Meet at the Visitor Center Auditorium.

Saturday, November 21, 2009 10:00 - 12 noon National Family Volunteer Day Help put the landscaping around the Visitor Center to bed for the winter! Hands on volunteer opportunities.

Sunday, November 22, 2009   10:00 am to Sunset  Bird Identification Station   Randy Murphy will have spotting scopes set up on the auto tour route.  Stop and get a close up look at waterfowl, raptors, and other wildlife.  There will also be binoculars and field guides for you to use. 

Sunday, November 22, 2009   1:30 pm – 3:00pm    Tour of the Refuge   Join volunteer, Ray Cullom, for a tour of the Refuge.  Find out how the Refuge is managed for wildlife, visit different habitats, and walk a trail over the salt marsh.  Meet at the Visitor Center.

Sunday, November 22, 2009   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm   Bicycle Tour on the Refuge Meet at the Visitor Center.  Join Tina Watson for a guided bicycle tour. We will stop to discuss habitats, wildlife management techniques, and to identify birds.  The guided trip will be approximately 6 miles.  Riders may continue their bicycle tour on their own through the 8 miles of Refuge roads.  Roads are packed dirt and a bicycle with hybrid tires is suggested.  Bring your helmet and check the air in your tires!

Sunday, December 27, 2009 6:45 am - 12 noon Christmas Bird Count - Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center at 6:45 am. For more information contact Andy Ednie at 302-792-9591.

For more birding trips check Delmarva Ornithological Society’s website:  http://www.dosbirds.org/fieldtrips

For more information contact Tine Watson - email: tina_watson@fws.gov