Wetland birding habitat

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Broadkill Marsh

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Broadkill Marsh is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/21/2026Prime Hook NWR--Petersfield Ditch1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/21/2026Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM)1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/21/2026Cape Island--CMPSP--Hawkwatch Platform2 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/20/2026Cape Henlopen SP--Breakwater Harbor and shoreline1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/19/2026DuPont Nature Center and Lighthouse Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

407/10/2026

Clapper Rail

37/10/2026

Black-necked Stilt

47/10/2026

Killdeer

17/10/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

47/10/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

37/10/2026

Willet

47/10/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/10/2026

Least Sandpiper

57/10/2026

Laughing Gull

257/10/2026

Least Tern

37/10/2026

Forster's Tern

37/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/10/2026

Glossy Ibis

167/10/2026

Snowy Egret

1207/10/2026

Green Heron

27/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/10/2026

Osprey

67/10/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/10/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/10/2026

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 - Broadkill Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Broadkill Marsh 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 - Broadkill Marsh?
Notable species at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Broadkill Marsh include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Broadkill Marsh?
Birding at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Broadkill Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Broadkill Marsh?
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Broadkill Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.