Lake birding habitat

Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, and Greater Yellowlegs 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

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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Prime Hook NWR--Dike Trail (formerly Observation Point Trail)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Cape Island--CMP--Coral Ave. dune crossing1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/31/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

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

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/2026Stevens St. Yard1 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

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

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Chimney Swift

45/31/2026

Killdeer

95/31/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/31/2026

Willet

145/31/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

55/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

165/31/2026

Laughing Gull

125/31/2026

Least Tern

55/31/2026

Royal Tern

15/31/2026

White Ibis

55/31/2026

Tricolored Heron

25/31/2026

Snowy Egret

165/31/2026

Green Heron

25/31/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond?
Notable species at Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond include Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond?
Birding at Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond?
Cape Henlopen State Park - Gordon's Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.