2025

Delmarva Birding Weekends

Delmarva Birding Weekends offer birding field trips to see and experience the Delmarva Peninsula diversity of habitats and the variety of birds that inhabit this unique area. CLICK HERE for more information about Delmarva Birding Weekends.

Smith Island Pelican Tours

The tour I went on was the Smith Island Pelican Tour. This all-day tour includes a boat charter from Crisfield, MD to Smith Island and small boat charter to visit nearby islands to see nesting egrets, herons and of course Brown Pelicans. It also includes lunch at the world-famous Drum Point Market and a visit to the Smith Island Cultural Center before heading back to Crisfield.

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican population nearly vanished in North America during the 1940s due to the use of the pesticide DDT, as a result in 1970, the Brown Pelican was placed on the Federal Endangered Species List. DDT was banned in the United Stated in 1972, after which reproduction soon improved, and pelican numbers began to rise. Brown Pelicans were first seen in the Chesapeake Bay in 1987, since then the numbers have increased in the Chesapeake.

Brown Pelicans migrate as far south as Cuba and as far north as the Chesapeake Bay (where this tour takes us). They breed in colonies and prefer secluded safe marshy islands to bring up their young. Their choice of islands is subject to change each year.

This tour is scheduled around that period so that birders can see the young. As you will see in my pictures we saw young at varies stages of development. The youngest about a week old.

Smith Island

Smith Island, Maryland, is a unique and historic community located in the Chesapeake Bay. It is Maryland's only inhabited island accessible exclusively by boat. Composed of three separate villages (Ewell, Tylerton and Rhodes Point), it is 12 miles west of Crisfield. It has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when settlers arrived on the island from Cornwall, England to establish a fishing community.

Known for its rich maritime heritage and vibrant watermen culture, the island offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life centered around oystering and crabbing. Its remote setting and limited accessibility preserve a peaceful atmosphere, with scenic salt marshes and waterways.

The island once held a population of 800 people, that number is now down to around 200. The island has lost over 3,300 acres of wetland due to erosion and sea level rise.

This notable heritage, combined with its close-knit community, makes Smith Island a cultural treasure.

To learn more about Smith Island and meet some of the residents view the 60 Minutes segment.

Date of trip 8 July 2025.