A green wave crests in the ocean

Cape Henlopen State Park

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle (in-state), $20 (out-of-state)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Cape Henlopen State Park is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 324 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

6/3/2026Villas--Cox Hall Creek WMA1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/3/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

6/2/2026DuPont Nature Center and Lighthouse Rd.1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

6/2/2026Cape Henlopen State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Laughing Gull

206/3/2026

Least Tern

26/3/2026

Black Vulture

56/3/2026

Mallard

36/3/2026

Black Scoter

16/3/2026

Piping Plover

46/3/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

1006/3/2026

Dunlin

26/3/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

10006/3/2026

American Herring Gull

86/3/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

76/3/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

36/3/2026

Royal Tern

46/3/2026

Common Loon

16/3/2026

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

16/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

56/3/2026

Brown Pelican

186/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/3/2026

Osprey

66/3/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/3/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Henlopen State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Henlopen State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Notable species at Cape Henlopen State Park include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, American Robin, House Sparrow, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Birding at Cape Henlopen State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Cape Henlopen State Park?
The entrance fee at Cape Henlopen State Park is $10 per vehicle (in-state), $20 (out-of-state). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Cape Henlopen State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.