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

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/17/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/17/2026Cape Henlopen SP--The Point1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/17/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/16/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/16/2026Cape Island--Cape May Point SP (CMPSP)1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/14/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Gordon's Pond Trail North1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/8/2026

Common Nighthawk

17/8/2026

Willet

17/8/2026

Laughing Gull

47/8/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/8/2026

Least Tern

57/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/8/2026

Brown Pelican

17/8/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/8/2026

Field Sparrow

17/8/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

27/8/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/8/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/8/2026

Wild Turkey

57/7/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/7/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/7/2026

Canada Goose

47/5/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/5/2026

Chimney Swift

17/5/2026

Forster's Tern

17/5/2026

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.