The Delaware Ornithological Society has two remaining events in its annual Christmas Bird Count

Each December, Delaware bird watchers gather in the state’s nature preserves and parks to participate in a tradition dating back more than a century, the great Christmas Bird Count.
Birders young and old hike the woods and marshland, making it their duty to tally and catalogue all the varieties of birds that call the First State home in the winter months. The numbers then are sent to the National Audubon Society, which uses the data to track bird populations and migration trends
For some, it’s just a calm day in nature, for others it’s a year-round pursuit. But for anyone thinking of heading out to an upcoming count at Bombay Hook, Rehoboth Beach or Prime Hook, there are a few things to know.

1 The early bird gets the … bird.
Birders usually meet up for a count before sunrise so they can get into place at their designated spots as the sun comes up. For the Bombay Hook count, birders are asked to arrive by 6:45 a.m. After that, it’s up to you. Stay until dusk or just take the morning.
“There’s no requirement, you can bird for an hour or, like some of us, all day,” said Jim White, who serves as chairman of the Christmas Bird Count for the Delaware Ornithological Society.

2 Rookies welcome.
If you’re new to the bird watching scene, don’t worry. Birders usually count in teams of two to four and novices can tag along with lifelong birdwatchers.
“Anyone can participate, if you’ve never been bird watching you’re welcome and you’ll be paired with a more experienced birder,” White said.
The counts are a great way to learn about the region’s natural habitat, or just relax and take in the beautiful winter scenery.

3 Dress for the occasion.
December in Delaware can be a mix of frigid, windy days and pleasant sunshine, so make sure you know the weather forecast and wear the right clothes.
Usually, a heavy winter coat, hat and gloves will be necessary. Warm, waterproof boots are proper footwear for muddy trails.

4 Pack light.
White said there are a few essentials every birder should take along to a count: binoculars, a notebook to keep track of your information and a few snacks for the day. If you don’t have binoculars or a spotting scope of your own, expert birders usually have extras and are willing to share.
Also consider bringing along a camera to capture those beautiful landscapes or snap a photo of a rare bird.
“You don’t need a lot,” White said. “I’ll bring my camera with me, but the most important thing is counting the birds.”

5 Remember the tradition.
For longtime birders like White, the Christmas counts are more than just a way to keep tabs on the state’s bird population, they’re a delightful ritual.
“For us it becomes kind of a Christmas season tradition,” White said. “It gets you outside when you might not go outside, to go out and enjoy the different conditions we have in the winter. It’s a lot fun and we have a blast.”