News Round-Up: What Delaware Audubon Society Was Up to This Summer

Members of the Delaware Audubon Society Board testifying on HB 159, in favor of the U.S. Wind project.

The Delaware Audubon Society had a busy summer 2025 fulfilling our mission of advocating on behalf of birds, the environments and habitats upon which they depend, and delivering public programs and conservation education. Let’s recap our highlights:

Policy

  • In June, four board members of DAS testified to the State Senate committee deciding upon the State’s position on U.S. Wind’s offshore wind farm project. DAS supports the project, as wind-generated energy is clean and better for the environment.

  • In July, DAS board members were also present when the bill making the Red Knot Delaware’s official migratory bird was signed by Governor Matt Meyer.

  • Also in July, DAS signed onto American Bird Conservancy’s letter in support of federal funding for bird conservation and opposing cuts to multiple federal agencies such as US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The EPA faced the steepest cuts, which could have negative ramifications for pesticide management and pollinator conservation.

  • In August, DAS added its endorsement to an effort to tell the EPA not to abandon its duty to protect our citizens from mercury & other toxic air pollution

  • In September, the board discussed the negative impact of the federal administration’s 2025 bill on the state, the U.S. Wind’s project, as well as other cuts to other green environmental programs.

Programming & Education

On Saturday, September 13th from 10a – 2p, DAS participated in the Rehoboth Art League’s Native Plant Sale. It was our first time being invited to help foster community engagement and conduct outreach about bird advocacy. DAS President Steve Cottrell brought along his homemade birdhouses which garnered a lot of attention and brought people over to the table to inquire further. Even the Art League asked us for advice on where to install a few nesting boxes on their grounds!

On the next Saturday, September 20th, DAS board member and Field Trip Chair, Walt Blackwell, led a bird walk at the Yorklyn Bridge Trail located in Auburn Valley State Park, Hockessin, Delaware. The two hours-plus, little more than a half-mile-long walk was enjoyed by 12 adults attending the University of Delaware Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where Walt is an instructor. The group sighted 19 different bird species, which included some common backyard birds as well as other wild and migratory birds including Great Blue Heron, Eastern Phoebe, Palm Warbler, Black-and-white Warblers, and Bald Eagle. The highlight was a Wilson Warbler. (Photos left to right: Great Blue Heron; Wilson Warbler; Eastern Phoebe. All photo credits Walt Blackwell)

Is your organization interested in public educational programming from the Delaware Audubon Society? Contact us today!