Big Stone Beach

Delaware · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Stone Beach is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Ring-billed Gull, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Wild Turkey Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Blue Heron Sharp-shinned Hawk

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

King Rail

Rallus elegans

3/3/2026Prime Hook NWR--Fowler Beach Rd./Fowler Beach1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/3/2026Bennett Yard B13 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/3/202614187–14199 Oyster Rocks Rd, Milton US-DE 38.78743, -75.213697 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/2/2026Prome Hook Beach Rd1 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/1/2026Prime Hook NWR--Headquarters area1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2/27/2026779 Mosley Rd, Milford US-DE (39.0129,-75.4126)1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

2/27/2026Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

2/27/2026DuPont Nature Center--Back Beach (Kent Co.)1 observed

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

Trails

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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Stone Beach for birding?▼

The best months to visit Big Stone Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Big Stone Beach?▼

Notable species at Big Stone Beach include Wild Turkey, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Great Blue Heron, Sharp-shinned Hawk. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Big Stone Beach?▼

Birding at Big Stone Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Big Stone Beach?▼

Big Stone Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.