Wetland birding habitat

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 265 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Gadwall, Common Merganser, and Sandhill Crane 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

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/17/2026Blackbird SF--Cypress Complex-Horse Pond1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge3 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/16/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Raymond Pool2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/15/2026Port Mahon Rd.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

2004/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

64/13/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

144/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

44/13/2026

Osprey

14/13/2026

Northern Harrier

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

24/13/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/13/2026

Tree Swallow

804/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

44/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

194/13/2026

Mallard

34/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Snowy Egret

44/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Bald Eagle

14/13/2026

Carolina Wren

14/13/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool for birding?
The best months to visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool 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 - Bear Swamp Pool?
Notable species at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool include Gadwall, Common Merganser, Sandhill Crane, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Blue Heron. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool?
Birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool?
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.