This week, bird lovers are participating in the 2025 Delaware Bird-A-Thon, an event that challenges teams to identify as many bird species as possible in a 24-hour period. The event is designed from birders of all ages and experiences.
“Birding is about more than just counting species,” Joe Francis, Delaware Ornithological Society President, said. “It’s about protecting the places they depend on. We’re proud to partner with the Sussex County Land Trust on this meaningful project, and we invite the community to join us again this May for conservation.”
Over the past 18 years, the Bird-A-Thon has raised almost $800,000 for conservation, helped preserve 2,768 acres of habitat and supported the Conservation Science Grants program. This year, DOS is partnering with Delaware Wetlands to purchase coastal property at Milford Neck, located at Bennett’s Pier beach.
“This project will protect and preserve 43.6 acres of tidal marsh and beach habitat as well as 1,500 linear feet of shoreline,” Francis said. “It’s one of the last unprotected parcels of the Milord Neck coastline and protecting the land will facilitate restoration of tidal hydrology in the surrounding marshes.”
The acquisition would join Saltmarsh Sparrows and Black, yellow and Clapper Rails which are protected wetlands in the area. These are the habitat for horseshoe crabs, piping plovers, red knots and other migratory shorebirds.
