a large body of water surrounded by land

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$4 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 335 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan 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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/12/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

7/12/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/11/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/11/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

7/11/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Finis Pool1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

307/13/2026

Mute Swan

117/13/2026

Mallard

27/13/2026

Mourning Dove

7/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

17/13/2026

American Avocet

17/13/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

7/13/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

7/13/2026

Willet

37/13/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

7/13/2026

Least Tern

67/13/2026

Forster's Tern

207/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/13/2026

Glossy Ibis

27/13/2026

Snowy Egret

157/13/2026

Green Heron

17/13/2026

Great Egret

157/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/13/2026

Bald Eagle

27/13/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is $4 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.