Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach

Delaware · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

CoastalWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 292 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts King Rail, American Bittern, and Short-eared Owl among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

King Rail American Bittern Short-eared Owl Belted Kingfisher Red-winged Blackbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/28/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

5/28/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/28/2026Stevens Street-yard1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/28/2026Cape Island--CMP--Coral Ave. dune crossing1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

5/28/2026Yard, CMP, NJ1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

5/27/2026Milford Neck Wildlife Area--Big Stone Beach Rd.1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

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

Evening Grosbeak (Eastern or type 3)

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/27/2026Evening Grosbeak Hotspot1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

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

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/27/2026700–792 W Lake Dr, Cape May Point US-NJ 38.94035, -74.963901 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Whip-poor-will

15/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/17/2026

Gray Catbird

15/17/2026

Great Egret

25/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/17/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/17/2026

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.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

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 →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach for birding?▼

The best months to visit Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach 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 - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach?▼

Notable species at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach include King Rail, American Bittern, Short-eared Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach?▼

Birding at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach?▼

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Fowler Beach Road/Fowler Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.