Forest birding habitat

James Farm Ecological Preserve

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

James Farm Ecological Preserve is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, American Crow, and American Robin 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Assawoman Wildlife Area1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/28/2026Ocean City--Sunset Park1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

5/27/2026Lewes-Cape May Ferry (DE waters)1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/27/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Salt Marsh Spur Trail1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/26/2026Sinepuxent Bay Boat Trip3 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

5/26/2026Ocean City--Sunset Park1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/26/2026Cape Henlopen State Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/26/20267 Beach Side Mews, Ocean City US-MD (38.3911,-75.0718)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/28/2026

Sanderling

35/28/2026

Dunlin

45/28/2026

Least Sandpiper

25/28/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

255/28/2026

Laughing Gull

65/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Osprey

35/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/28/2026

Tree Swallow

25/28/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

25/28/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/28/2026

Northern House Wren

25/28/2026

Carolina Wren

25/28/2026

American Robin

25/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit James Farm Ecological Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit James Farm Ecological Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at James Farm Ecological Preserve?
Notable species at James Farm Ecological Preserve include Turkey Vulture, American Crow, American Robin, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at James Farm Ecological Preserve?
Birding at James Farm Ecological Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at James Farm Ecological Preserve?
James Farm Ecological Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.