Forest birding habitat

Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 312 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, and Common Loon 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Yard List- West Cape May1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/31/202620778–20798 Whippoorwill Dr, Ocean View US-DE 38.57391, -75.110051 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/31/2026Cape Island--SCMM--Cove Pool1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

5/31/2026Cape Island--CMP--CMBO Northwood Center1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/30/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Gordon's Pond Trail north1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

5/30/2026Cape Island--CMP--Coral Ave. dune crossing1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/29/2026Cape Island--Cape May Point SP (CMPSP)1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/29/2026Stevens Street, West Cape May1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/29/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Gordon's Pond1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/29/2026Cape Island--Stevens St. Hawkwatching site1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Scoter

15/31/2026

Black-bellied Plover

25/31/2026

Laughing Gull

5/31/2026

Least Tern

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

Brown Pelican

65/31/2026

Osprey

35/31/2026

Chimney Swift

35/26/2026

Tree Swallow

35/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/26/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

25/26/2026

Pine Warbler

25/26/2026

Prairie Warbler

15/26/2026

Blue Grosbeak

15/26/2026

American Herring Gull

25/23/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

15/23/2026

Forster's Tern

25/23/2026

Common Tern

15/23/2026

Royal Tern

15/23/2026

Carolina Wren

15/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch?
Notable species at Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch include Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Cardinal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch?
Birding at Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch?
Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.