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
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
Gull-billed Tern
Gelochelidon nilotica
Roseate Tern
Sterna dougallii
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritima
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatus
Black Tern
Chlidonias niger
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensis
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Rock Pigeon
Semipalmated Plover
Willet
Sanderling
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Forster's Tern
Royal Tern
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Brown Pelican
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
European Starling
House Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
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 →