Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 265 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Gadwall, Common Merganser, and Sandhill Crane 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

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

3/6/20261213 Duck Creek Rd, Smyrna US-DE 39.31346, -75.623141 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/6/2026Duck Creek Rd1 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

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

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/4/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge6 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

3/3/20264269–4537 Mud Mill Rd, Camden Wyoming US-DE (39.0683,-75.6678)1 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

3/2/2026Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

753/6/2026

Tundra Swan

123/6/2026

Gadwall

203/6/2026

Mallard

33/6/2026

Northern Pintail

503/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

503/6/2026

Bufflehead

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

53/6/2026

American Robin

43/6/2026

Song Sparrow

73/6/2026

Common Merganser

23/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

53/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

63/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Snow Goose

1752/28/2026

American Black Duck

152/28/2026

American Woodcock

32/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

22/28/2026

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 Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool for birding?
The best months to visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool 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 - Bear Swamp Pool?
Notable species at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool include Gadwall, Common Merganser, Sandhill Crane, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Blue Heron. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool?
Birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool?
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Bear Swamp Pool offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.