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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

8/23/2026Stateline Woods Preserve1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

8/23/202616 Alton Rd, Newark US-DE 39.71658, -75.710691 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

8/22/2026Flood Gate5 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

8/22/2026Driscoll Yard, Newark US-DE1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

8/22/2026Exton Park1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

8/21/2026Ridley Creek SP (IBA)1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

8/21/2026Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

8/20/2026Stateline Woods Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

18/23/2026

Mourning Dove

48/23/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

28/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

38/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

38/23/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

18/23/2026

Northern Flicker

18/23/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

38/23/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

28/23/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

18/23/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

18/23/2026

Blue Jay

68/23/2026

American Crow

48/23/2026

Carolina Chickadee

38/23/2026

Tufted Titmouse

58/23/2026

Tree Swallow

18/23/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

48/23/2026

Northern House Wren

28/23/2026

Carolina Wren

38/23/2026

Gray Catbird

38/23/2026

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.