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

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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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Milford Neck Wildlife Area--Big Stone Beach Rd.3 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/15/2026Oyster Rocks Rd.1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/15/2026Lewes-Cape May Ferry (DE waters)1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/14/2026DuPont Nature Center--Back Beach (Kent Co.)2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/14/202628479–28499 Broadkill Rd, Milton US-DE (38.8207,-75.2282)1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

4/13/2026Little Creek Wildlife Area--Main Tract1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/13/2026Prime Hook NWR - Black Farm Trail1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

4/13/2026Reb yard C1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/8/2026

Mallard

14/8/2026

Mourning Dove

14/8/2026

Laughing Gull

14/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/8/2026

Osprey

54/8/2026

Bald Eagle

54/8/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/8/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/8/2026

Northern Flicker

14/8/2026

Tree Swallow

14/8/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

44/8/2026

Carolina Wren

14/8/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/8/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/8/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/8/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/8/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/8/2026

Common Grackle

44/8/2026

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.