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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/18/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Shearness Pool2 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/18/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge12 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/18/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/18/2026Blackiston Wildlife Area1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/17/2026Bevan WMA--Ackley Rd1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/17/2026Leipsic River marsh1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/17/2026Blackbird SF--White Rd. Tract1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/17/2026Blackbird SF--Naudain Tract2 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/16/2026118–172 Saw Mill Rd, Townsend US-DE 39.34896, -75.745891 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

144/18/2026

Mute Swan

34/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

84/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

34/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

204/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/18/2026

American Avocet

54/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

54/18/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

54/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

204/18/2026

Willet

14/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

154/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

84/18/2026

Forster's Tern

14/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/18/2026

Glossy Ibis

34/18/2026

Snowy Egret

54/18/2026

Great Egret

44/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

144/18/2026

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.