Wetland birding habitat

Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Woodcock, and American Barn Owl 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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/17/2026Leipsic River marsh1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/17/2026Auto Tour Route - Dutch Neck Road, Smyrna, Delaware, US (39.274, -75.476)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/17/2026Blackbird SF--White Rd. Tract1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/17/2026Blackbird SF--Cypress Complex-Horse Pond1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/17/2026Blackbird SF--Naudain Tract2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge3 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/16/2026118–172 Saw Mill Rd, Townsend US-DE 39.34896, -75.745891 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/16/2026Bombay Hook NWR--Raymond Pool2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/15/2026Port Mahon Rd.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/13/2026

Northern Bobwhite

14/13/2026

Wild Turkey

14/13/2026

Mourning Dove

64/13/2026

Virginia Rail

14/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

34/13/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

954/13/2026

Laughing Gull

104/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1004/13/2026

American Herring Gull

2004/13/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

104/13/2026

Caspian Tern

114/13/2026

Forster's Tern

34/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1004/13/2026

Snowy Egret

24/13/2026

Black Vulture

24/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

154/13/2026

Osprey

124/13/2026

Northern Harrier

14/13/2026

Bald Eagle

24/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, American Woodcock, American Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area?
Birding at Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area?
Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.