Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 302 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Cape Island--The Beanery/Rea Farm (restricted access)16 observed

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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

2/28/2026Indian River2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/1/2026

Mallard

23/1/2026

American Black Duck

43/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

33/1/2026

Killdeer

83/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

43/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/1/2026

American Herring Gull

3/1/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

43/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Black Vulture

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

53/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

43/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

43/1/2026

Carolina Wren

23/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/1/2026

American Robin

13/1/2026

Field Sparrow

13/1/2026

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 Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge 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?
Notable species at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.