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

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

7/20/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Raymond Pool1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

7/20/2026Turkey Point Rd. Bald Eagle Trail1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/20/2026Glades Wildlife Refuge--Turkey Pt.1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

7/19/2026Bombay Hook NWR1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

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

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

7/18/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Bear Swamp observation tower trail2 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

337/21/2026

Mute Swan

217/21/2026

Mallard

477/21/2026

American Black Duck

27/21/2026

Mourning Dove

77/21/2026

Clapper Rail

17/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

47/21/2026

American Avocet

317/21/2026

Killdeer

27/21/2026

Semipalmated Plover

67/21/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

4437/21/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

37/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

147/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

847/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

187/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

9607/21/2026

Laughing Gull

587/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

47/21/2026

American Herring Gull

267/21/2026

Least Tern

27/21/2026

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.