Tidal salt marsh and waterfowl at Bombay Hook NWR

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
MarshWetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-November

Entrance Fee

$4 per vehicle

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Bombay Hook NWR encompasses vast tidal salt marshes along the Delaware Bay, serving as a crucial stopover for shorebirds and waterfowl on the Atlantic Flyway. The 12-mile auto tour route provides easy access to observation towers and impoundments.

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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/3/2026Blackbird SF--Naudain Tract1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/3/2026Ted Harvey WMA1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

6/3/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge5 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

6/3/2026Port Mahon Rd.6 observed

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

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/1/2026Port Mahon Rd.1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026Bennetts Pier Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/3/2026

Black-necked Stilt

116/3/2026

Snowy Egret

26/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/3/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/3/2026

Marsh Wren

16/3/2026

Carolina Wren

26/3/2026

Wood Thrush

16/3/2026

American Robin

16/3/2026

American Goldfinch

16/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/3/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/3/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/3/2026

Blue Grosbeak

16/3/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/3/2026

Canada Goose

76/3/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

26/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Fall brings massive Snow Goose flocks to the impoundments

  2. 2

    Check the Delaware Bay shore for Red Knots in late May

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

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 October-November. The best seasons are Fall and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Red Knot, Bald Eagle, Blue-winged Teal, Dunlin, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports marsh, wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
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: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Auto Tour Route, Observation Towers.