Bombay Hook Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am  to 4:00 pm year round.

The Visitor Center is closed on weekends until September 5, 2009.

The Allee House is closed for repairs until further notice.

Saturday, August 1, 2009         8:00 am – 2:30 pm   Kevin Karlson’s Shorebird Program - Taking Shorebird Identification to the Next Level    This seminar combines an impression-based field approach with detailed field mark analysis to take shorebird ID to new heights of understanding. While Kevin shared his concept of Birding by Impression with participants over the last several years, it is time to explain a more complete approach to shorebird ID. Specific examples of historic shorebird ID problems, including dowitchers, peeps, willets and plovers, will be covered in detail, along with photographic examples of how both field ID disciplines combine to form a more complete ID conclusion. Some photos from Kevin’s popular book The Shorebird Guide will be used in the presentation.  This seminar covers some topics that are advanced in nature, but beginners will also find a great deal of helpful information for their shorebird identification pursuits.  The program will start with an outdoor field study from 8:00 am – 12 noon.  After a lunch break, the program will wind up with an indoor program from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Call to register at 302-653-6872.

Sunday, August 2, 2009    Shorebird ID Workshop at Bombay Hook N.W.R.    Learn to ID shorebirds based on size, structure, habits, and plumage.  Half day trip includes both classroom and field work.  Andy Urquhart & Eric Braun.  Reservations required. Call Andy at 302-239-2471 before July 31, 2009.

Saturday, September 5, 2009 - Volunteer Orientation - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is seeking responsible individuals who have an interest in wildlife conservation, public relations, maintenance work, and environmental education.  The meeting for new volunteers will be at the Refuge Visitor Center.  The meeting will cover volunteer opportunities and upcoming activities, with the latter part of the session being a tour of the Refuge.  Individuals would work at the refuge under a volunteer program that provides an excellent opportunity to learn about wildlife and habitat management techniques and to take part in environmental education programs and visitor services.

Volunteers may work within a flexible time schedule to accommodate weekday or weekend work.  Individuals are needed to staff the Visitor Center and operate The Refuge Store on weekends and weekdays starting in September.  Volunteers are also needed to provide environmental education programs for school groups, conducting Refuge tours, providing trail and native plant garden maintenance, and participating in the highway cleanup.  Volunteers may be called upon for special wildlife projects throughout the year such as spring and winter bird surveys and horseshoe crab surveys.  Come find out how you can make a difference.

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