Indian River Inlet
Delaware · Northeast
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free (state park parking fee may apply in season)
Open daily
About This Location
Indian River Inlet is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Brant, Common Eider, and White-winged Scoter 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
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Wilson's Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolor
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominica
King Rail
Rallus elegans
Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnolia
Wilson's Storm-Petrel
Oceanites oceanicus
Alder Flycatcher
Empidonax alnorum
Hooded Warbler
Setophaga citrina
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
Blue-headed Vireo
Vireo solitarius
Sooty Shearwater
Ardenna grisea
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Great Egret
Osprey
Northern Flicker
Great Crested Flycatcher
Blue Jay
Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Wren
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Laughing Gull
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Delaware Seashore State Park
- Rehoboth Beach
- Bombay 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 →