Coastal birding habitat

Big Stone Beach

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Stone Beach is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Ring-billed Gull, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/31/2026Big Stone Beach2 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026Bennetts Pier Road1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Prime Hook NWR--Dike Trail (formerly Observation Point Trail)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/30/2026Fortescue Beach1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

5/30/2026Killens Pond State Park2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

5/30/2026Pickering Beach1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/28/2026South Bowers Beach1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

5/27/2026Lewes-Cape May Ferry (DE waters)1 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

5/27/2026Bennetts Pier Road2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Willet

25/31/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

725/31/2026

Red Knot

25/31/2026

Sanderling

165/31/2026

Laughing Gull

115/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/31/2026

Black Skimmer

65/31/2026

Least Tern

15/31/2026

Purple Martin

65/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

145/31/2026

Common Grackle

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Stone Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Big Stone Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Stone Beach?
Notable species at Big Stone Beach include Wild Turkey, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Great Blue Heron, Sharp-shinned Hawk. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Stone Beach?
Birding at Big Stone Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Stone Beach?
Big Stone Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.