Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/5/2026Indian River Inlet2 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/4/2026Ocean Drive--Two Mile Landing17 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

3/3/2026Prime Hook NWR--Fowler Beach Rd./Fowler Beach1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/3/202614187–14199 Oyster Rocks Rd, Milton US-DE 38.78743, -75.213697 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/2/2026Prome Hook Beach Rd1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/2026Cape Island--WCM--Crawford House14 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/1/2026Prime Hook NWR--Headquarters area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Scoter

73/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

33/1/2026

Common Loon

13/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

83/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/1/2026

Bufflehead

42/28/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

12/28/2026

Horned Grebe

22/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/28/2026

Bald Eagle

22/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

22/28/2026

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.