More than 420 different species of birds have been sighted in the Eastern Shore region of the Delmarva Peninsula. Some species are year-round inhabitants while others are migratory tenants, only residing in these parts during certain times of the year.
The iconic seagull is perhaps one of the most well-known, recognizable sights to find any season. You don’t even have to be an avid birder to identify it. It’s a classic—a staple to the region, even. However, other once-abundant and thriving seabirds like skimmers and terns have sadly become increasingly rarer to come by over the last few decades. And did you know that as recently as only a couple weeks ago there have been several confirmed flamingo sightings along the East Coast, some in Virginia, Maryland, and even the Pennsylvania Chesapeake Watershed? This is rare, however, and is largely the result of Hurricane Idalia’s aftermath so don’t get your hopes up.
If you want a more accurate reference guide highlighting all the unique Eastern Shore birds you can spot on various outings and birdwatching pursuits then I can help. I’ve compiled this helpful and informative list of awesome shorebirds to keep your eyes out for all along Delmarva coastlines.
Black-Necked Stilts
These birds known for their characteristically long pink legs, thin black bills, and black and white plumage are among the less-common sights to see. But they have been known to frequent marshes in the surrounding coastal regions. Both Black-Necked Stilts along with Avocets have been reported in such areas as Kent, Dorchester, and Sommerset Counties in Maryland, and beyond.
Black Skimmers
Sadly, sightings for these black-and-white birds with their strikingly elongated lower mandibles are now scarce. That is, unless you visit a specific location designated to restore the dwindling population through breeding efforts, like Skimmer Island in Ocean City, Maryland (just don’t get too close). If you do luck out and happen to see one, its distinguishable appearance will certainly be a sight to behold.
Brown Pelicans
If you’ve spotted a pelican along Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware coasts recently, chances are it was a Brown Pelican. Even if it didn’t look brown, per se and its head was more yellowish, you can be sure it was a Brown Pelican. White Pelicans have also been sighted in these parts but in much rarer instances, primarily during the winter months.
Ducks
Mallards are among some of the most common ducks you will see year-round along the Delmarva Peninsula. But there are many others to be on the lookout for as well, some migratory, others permanent inhabitants. Some of these species include American Black Ducks, American Wigeons, Buffleheads, Canvasbacks, Common Goldeneyes, Common Loons, Gadwalls, Mergansers (Common, Hooded, and Red-Breasted), Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Scaups (Greater and Lesser), Redheads, Ring-Necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, Teals (Blue and Green-Winged), and Wood Ducks.
Bald Eagles
That’s right, this stately, regal national bird with its characteristic white head can be spotted in various regions all along the Eastern Shore. My two favorite locations for sighting them directly in Delmarva include Assateague Island National Seashore (MD/VA) and Indian River (DE).
Geese
Canada Geese are among the most common year-round goose breeds to spot along the Eastern Shore. So, I suppose any goslings born here aren’t actually Canadian. I’ve also spotted my fair share of Snow Geese in the region. Other, rarer goose sightings to come by during the fall and winter months in particular, include Barnacle Geese, Brants, Cackling Geese, Egyptian Geese, Greater White-Fronted Geese, Ross’s Geese, and Pink-Footed Geese.
Gulls
Again, seagulls are among the most common, highly recognizable seabirds to spot along the Eastern Shore and beyond. But what is less common is finding an everyday visitor who can actually single out the different gull species inhabiting these parts. So, let’s review, shall we? Herring Gulls are identifiable as being those larger-than-all-the-other seagulls out and about. Plumage colors and patterns may differ, but their most common features include bulbous white heads and gray wings. Laughing Gulls are also highly common, easily identifiable by their loud laugh-like birdcalls and typically all-black heads (though not always). Then you have Ring-Billed Gulls, with a very obvious callout being the ring-like formation circling their bills. Other gulls to watch for include Black-Backed Gulls (Great and Lesser) and smaller, rarer Bonaparte’s Gulls.
Herons and Egrets
Because both these long-legged, long-necked, recognizable birds are part of the Ardeidae family, I’m lumping them together on this list, along with Bitterns. If I had to single out the most common contenders to spot on the Eastern Shore, I’d say it’s a tie between the Great Blue Heron and the Snowy Egret. But I’ve also seen smaller Green Herons and Great Egrets as well. Other Herons you may see in these parts include Little Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, and Yellow-Crowned Night Herons. Bitterns around here include the American and Least varieties. If you ever pass an Eastern Shore cattle farm and happen to observe a couple of Egrets standing along a cow’s back then congratulations! You’ve just spotted a Cattle Egret!
Sandpipers
You’ve no doubt seen these foraging seabirds running along the coastline, scouring for sand crabs and other small crustaceans. On the Eastern Shore the two most common sandpipers you’re likely to see are the Spotted and Least Sandpipers.
Terns
Like the aforementioned Black Skimmers, terns are less common on the Eastern Shore than they once were. All the same, several breeding efforts are underway to replenish their numbers. Slowly but surely, these efforts appear to be fruitful. I make no promises that you will actually see any of these terns, but if you happen to spot one, it will most likely be either a Common, Least, or Royal Tern. Other possibilities include Black Terns, Caspian Terns, or Foster’s Terns.
Tundra Swans
While ducks and geese are certainly more prevalent than swans on the Eastern Shore, Delmarva has been a known spotting ground for Tundra Swans. Other Swan sightings in these parts have included those of Trumpeter Swans and not-so-silent Mute Swans.
White Ibis
Another distinguishable shorebird you may be fortunate to spot is the stately White Ibis. With its long and curved reddish-orange bill and striking white plumage, capturing one on film makes for a memorable video or photograph.
This is only a sampling of the shorebirds you’re likely to spot throughout Delmarva. There are, of course, countless others in addition to the ones I’ve highlighted here.
Birding is an excellent pastime that can be enjoyed via individual birding outings on your own, anytime or place. There are also plenty of fun birdwatching tours and excursions throughout the region you can participate in. If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming birding activities and events in the region, the Delmarva Birding site is an excellent resource to start with.
To get started with birding as a personal activity, I highly recommend visiting eBird (from the CornellLab of Ornithology) where you can even download a birdwatching app with updated seasonal guides particular to your location. The Audubon Bird Guide App is another excellent resource to have for checking and identifying different bird species.