Sussex Bird Club

Upcoming Meetings and Field Trips

Meetings are at Cadbury in Lewes beginning at 2:00 pm. (see CONTACT US for directions).

Feb 12, 2012 - Bird Photography Made Easy

2 pm Meeting at Cadbury, Lewes

Presenters: Paul and Anita Guris

In October of 2009, Anita and Paul Guris bought their first DSLR cameras with the hopes of getting identifiable photographs of birds.  Although their first year plus had a bit of a learning curve, today's camera equipment has gotten so good that they were able to get some nice photos almost immediately and the target quickly moved from identifiable to something to show to others. This program reviews a few photography basics, explains what you can and can't expect when starting out, provides an overview of some of today's gear, and shows what can be accomplished by beginners using consumer-level equipment if they're willing to put in a little bit of effort. If you are a seasoned and experienced photographer, it will hopefully amuse you a little and perhaps bring back a few memories of your early days.

And what was the result of Paul and Anita’s first year of experimentation? Between them, they garnered an Honorable Mention, a Third Place and the Grand Prize in the 2010 DVOC Photo contest, and a First and Second Place in the 2011 contest. Not bad for “beginners”!        

Feb 19 2012 NEW DATE! (Sun) FT - Sea Watch at Indian River Inlet

8am – noon
Leaders: Chris Bennett, Anthony Gonzon
Meet at the Southeast Day Area parking lot (south lot) at Indian River Inlet

Join us as we count sea ducks, loons, gannets, cormorants, gulls and other sea birds from the south side of Indian River Inlet.  You are welcome to join us for the entire 4 hours or just come out and do some sea watching for an hour or so.  With a bit of luck we may see Eiders, Harlequin Duck, Razorbill, Little, Black-headed, Glaucous or Iceland Gull.  We will be watching from a single point so no walking will be required.  Portable toilets are available at Southeast Day Area and heated restrooms should be open at Indian River Marina.  Bring a thermos with your favorite hot beverage and dress for the weather.

March 24 2012 (Sat) FT - Ted Harvey Wildlife Area

8am – noon
Leader: Chris Bennett
Meet in the handicapped fishing area parking lot (see directions below)

Join us as we search the impoundments for migrating and lingering waterfowl, gulls and other water birds and the forest, fields and hedgerows for songbirds, raptors and other birds.  There will be limited walking on unpaved roads.  A portable toilet is available at the meeting location.

Directions:  Exit Rt. 1 at the Rt. 9 exit at the south end of the Dover AFB.  Take the first right on to Kitts Hummock Road.  The entrance to the Wildlife Area is well-marked on the right approximately 2 miles from Rt. 9.  Follow the Wildlife Area entrance road to the second dirt road on the left.  Turn left and drive approximately 0.2 miles to the handicapped fishing parking lot on the left.

Field Trip contact info - Chris Bennett

If you have any questions for Chris, he can be reached at: "Bennett Chris (DNREC)" <Chris.Bennett@state.de.us>
302-424-1126 hm, and 302-236-7621 cell

Photos related to Calendar Events

With Paul's advice, Bill got this photo the next day: