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

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

6/1/2026Port Mahon Rd.3 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/31/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/31/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Augustine Wildlife Area--Ashton Tract1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/31/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park2 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/30/2026Fortescue Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-necked Stilt

75/31/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

65/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Sandhill Crane

35/30/2026

Semipalmated Plover

65/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Purple Martin

35/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

75/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/30/2026

Wood Duck

125/30/2026

Willet

25/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

105/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

65/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

15/29/2026

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.