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

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/14/2026Oyster Rocks Rd.2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/14/2026DuPont Nature Center--Back Beach (Kent Co.)2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/14/202628479–28499 Broadkill Rd, Milton US-DE (38.8207,-75.2282)1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/14/2026Cape Island--CMP--CMBO Northwood Center1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Cape Island--CMP--CMBO Northwood Center1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/13/2026Cape Island--South Cape May beach (CMPSP & SCMM)1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

4/13/2026Cape Island--2nd Ave. jetty/pavilion1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/13/2026Prime Hook NWR - Black Farm Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Black Duck

24/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

184/11/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/11/2026

Dunlin

144/11/2026

Laughing Gull

34/11/2026

American Herring Gull

54/11/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

104/11/2026

Forster's Tern

44/11/2026

Royal Tern

24/11/2026

Northern Flicker

14/11/2026

Fish Crow

14/11/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/11/2026

Tree Swallow

44/11/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

14/11/2026

American Goldfinch

34/11/2026

Pine Warbler

34/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/11/2026

Canada Goose

14/11/2026

Black-bellied Plover

14/11/2026

Willet

14/11/2026

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.