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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/3/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

6/2/2026DuPont Nature Center and Lighthouse Rd.1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

6/2/2026Cape Henlopen State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

16/3/2026

Osprey

26/3/2026

Bald Eagle

26/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Northern Flicker

26/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/3/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/3/2026

Purple Martin

16/3/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/3/2026

Carolina Wren

26/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

46/3/2026

American Goldfinch

26/3/2026

Eastern Towhee

16/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/3/2026

Pine Warbler

16/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/3/2026

Blue Grosbeak

16/3/2026

Mallard

46/3/2026

Mourning Dove

26/3/2026

Semipalmated Plover

66/3/2026

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.