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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

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

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/16/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Raymond Pool2 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Blackbird State Forest Tybout Tract, Smyrna US-DE 39.34193, -75.683061 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/15/2026Port Mahon Rd.2 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/15/2026277 Thoroughfare Neck Rd, Townsend US-DE (39.3759,-75.5478)1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/13/2026Blackbird SF--Naudain Tract1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

4/13/2026Little Creek Wildlife Area--Main Tract1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

4/13/2026Woodland Beach1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/13/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/13/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

4/13/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

4/13/2026Reb yard C1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green-winged Teal

14/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

Black-necked Stilt

94/16/2026

Killdeer

24/16/2026

Willet

14/16/2026

Dunlin

34/16/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

34/16/2026

Great Egret

24/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

44/16/2026

Osprey

14/16/2026

Bald Eagle

54/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/16/2026

Song Sparrow

44/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/16/2026

Snow Goose

104/16/2026

Canada Goose

124/16/2026

Mute Swan

24/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/16/2026

Mallard

24/16/2026

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.