Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$4 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 335 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Snow x Ross's Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x rossii

3/6/2026Whitehall Neck Rd.1 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

3/6/2026Duck Creek Rd1 observed

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

3/6/2026Duck Creek Rd1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/6/2026Duck Creek Rd1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/4/2026Old State Road, Townsend, Delaware, US (39.439, -75.645)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

603/6/2026

Canada Goose

423/6/2026

Tundra Swan

843/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

163/6/2026

American Black Duck

243/6/2026

Northern Pintail

823/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

533/6/2026

Dunlin

743/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

33/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/6/2026

Northern Harrier

23/6/2026

Bald Eagle

23/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

43/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

23/6/2026

Blue Jay

23/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

53/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/6/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is $4 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.