Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Redhead

Aythya americana

3/6/2026Springton Reservoir (restricted access)5 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

3/6/2026Glenville Farm Pond (roadside access only)1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/5/2026Driscoll Yard, Newark US-DE1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/5/2026Springton Reservoir (restricted access)3 observed

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

3/4/2026Fernhill Lake/West Goshen Community Park1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/4/2026Tyler Arboretum1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/2/2026516 Murphys Ln, Hockessin US-DE 39.78472, -75.703242 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/2/2026Wedgewood Pond (restricted access)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/1/2026First State NHP--Brandywine Valley Unit2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026C&D Canal Wildlife Area--Central Section1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Delaware City Waterfront - ABA HQ1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

353/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

American Crow

33/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

63/1/2026

Carolina Wren

23/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/1/2026

American Robin

13/1/2026

House Finch

43/1/2026

American Goldfinch

33/1/2026

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.