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
Stilt Sandpiper
Calidris himantopus
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Ammospiza caudacuta
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Numenius hudsonicus
White-winged Scoter
Melanitta deglandi
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Black Skimmer
Rynchops niger
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Laughing Gull
Forster's Tern
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Brown Pelican
Brant
Black Scoter
Osprey
European Starling
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Boat-tailed Grackle
Common Eider
Rock Pigeon
Killdeer
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed 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 →