Cape Henlopen State Park

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle (in-state), $20 (out-of-state)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Cape Henlopen State Park is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 324 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/5/2026Indian River Inlet2 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/4/2026Ocean Drive--Two Mile Landing17 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/2026Cape Island--WCM--Crawford House14 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

353/2/2026

Bufflehead

23/2/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

143/2/2026

Wild Turkey

13/2/2026

Mourning Dove

83/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

53/2/2026

American Herring Gull

133/2/2026

Horned Grebe

23/2/2026

Red-throated Loon

13/2/2026

Common Loon

23/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Blue Jay

43/2/2026

American Crow

23/2/2026

Fish Crow

53/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

53/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/2/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

53/2/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Henlopen State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Henlopen State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Notable species at Cape Henlopen State Park include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, American Robin, House Sparrow, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Birding at Cape Henlopen State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Cape Henlopen State Park?
The entrance fee at Cape Henlopen State Park is $10 per vehicle (in-state), $20 (out-of-state). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Cape Henlopen State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.