Cape Henlopen State Park
Delaware · Northeast
Easy
April-May, September-October
$10 per vehicle (in-state), $20 (out-of-state)
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
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Stilt Sandpiper
Calidris himantopus
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Ammospiza caudacuta
Black Skimmer
Rynchops niger
Chuck-will's-widow
Antrostomus carolinensis
Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegena
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria
Great Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
American Black Duck
Rock Pigeon
Semipalmated Plover
Piping Plover
Willet
Greater Yellowlegs
Sanderling
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Forster's Tern
Common Loon
White Ibis
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.
- 5
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Rehoboth Beach
- Lewes Historical Society
- Prime Hook NWR
More in Delaware
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Delaware Bay salt marsh refuge with spectacular shorebird and waterfowl migrations.
Ashland Nature Center and Hawk Watch
Forest birding hotspot in Delaware with 229 recorded species.
Assawoman Wildlife Area
Wetland birding hotspot in Delaware with 260 recorded species.
Delaware Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Delaware →