a man standing on top of a mountain next to a lake

Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Trails: dawn to dusk daily; Center: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Sat 9 AM - 3 PM

About This Location

Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Turkey Vulture among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Pine Grosbeak

Pinicola enucleator

4/21/2026Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/21/2026Brandywine Creek State Park1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/19/2026645 Barley Sheaf Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, US (40, -75.782)1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/19/2026Ridley Creek SP (IBA)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/19/2026White Clay Creek SP--Creek Rd.1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/19/2026Springton Reservoir (restricted access)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/19/2026Bull Hill13 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

4/19/2026Bull Hill1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

4/19/2026Bull Hill2 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

4/19/2026Bull Hill21 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/19/2026River Station Loop Trail1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Independence Dr1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/18/2026Exton Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

14/21/2026

Mourning Dove

24/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Blue Jay

24/21/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/21/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/21/2026

Northern House Wren

24/21/2026

Carolina Wren

14/21/2026

American Robin

34/21/2026

House Finch

64/21/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/21/2026

Song Sparrow

34/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/21/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/21/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

44/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch for birding?
The best months to visit Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch?
Notable species at Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Woodcock, Snow Goose, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, American Robin, House Sparrow. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch?
Birding at Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch?
There is no entrance fee at Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch. Hours: Trails: dawn to dusk daily; Center: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Sat 9 AM - 3 PM.
What amenities are available at Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch?
Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.