Wetland birding habitat

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 302 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Milford Neck Wildlife Area--Big Stone Beach Rd.3 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/15/2026Cape May–Lewes Ferry Terminal1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/15/2026Oyster Rocks Rd.1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/15/2026Lewes-Cape May Ferry (DE waters)1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/15/2026Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch3 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/15/2026Cape Island--CMP--Coral Ave. dune crossing1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/15/2026Cape Island--CMP--Coral Ave. dune crossing2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/14/2026DuPont Nature Center--Back Beach (Kent Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

84/12/2026

Gadwall

24/12/2026

American Wigeon

44/12/2026

Mallard

24/12/2026

American Black Duck

104/12/2026

Northern Pintail

84/12/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/12/2026

Mourning Dove

24/12/2026

American Avocet

44/12/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

104/12/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/12/2026

Dunlin

84/12/2026

Laughing Gull

84/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/12/2026

American Herring Gull

24/12/2026

Forster's Tern

24/12/2026

Snowy Egret

44/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/12/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

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 Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.