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

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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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/2/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park4 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

6/2/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/2/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

6/2/2026Port Mahon Rd.5 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/1/2026Port Mahon Rd.1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026Bennetts Pier Road1 observed

Seaside Sparrow

Ammospiza maritima

5/31/2026Stave Landing Rd. - The Rocks Tract1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/31/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

6/2/2026

Mallard

6/2/2026

Willet

6/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

46/2/2026

Forster's Tern

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

6/2/2026

Snowy Egret

16/2/2026

Green Heron

36/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

6/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

6/2/2026

Bald Eagle

36/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

6/2/2026

Purple Martin

6/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

European Starling

6/2/2026

Gray Catbird

6/2/2026

American Robin

6/2/2026

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.