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

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

7/19/2026Bombay Hook NWR1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/19/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

7/19/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Raymond Pool1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/17/2026Little Creek WA--Mahon Impoundment1 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

7/16/2026Lower Murderkill River2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

7/14/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Raymond Pool2 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

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

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/11/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

77/19/2026

Mallard

87/19/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/19/2026

Dunlin

77/19/2026

Laughing Gull

17/19/2026

Forster's Tern

67/19/2026

White Ibis

17/19/2026

Little Blue Heron

37/19/2026

Snowy Egret

97/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/19/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/19/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

7/15/2026

American Herring Gull

7/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/15/2026

Gray Catbird

17/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

37/13/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

37/13/2026

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.