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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/18/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Shearness Pool2 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/18/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge12 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/18/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/18/2026Blackiston Wildlife Area1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/17/2026Bevan WMA--Ackley Rd1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/17/2026Leipsic River marsh1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

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

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

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

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

144/18/2026

Mute Swan

34/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

84/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

34/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

204/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/18/2026

American Avocet

54/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

54/18/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

54/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

204/18/2026

Willet

14/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

154/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

84/18/2026

Forster's Tern

14/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/18/2026

Glossy Ibis

34/18/2026

Snowy Egret

54/18/2026

Great Egret

44/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

144/18/2026

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.