Photo by Kevin Karlson
Birding in Delaware
Listed below are links to web sites of interest for those wishing to learn more about birding in Delaware.
Visitors from across the country and around the world come to see the birds of Bombay Hook NWR. The refuge is recognized as an Important Birding Area by the American Bird Conservancy.
Bombay Hook is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway, a major bird migration route, making it an important stopover for spring and fall migrants. 278 species of birds have been recorded at the refuge; of those, 103 of those species nest here.
Bombay Hook is well-known for its wintering flocks of Greater Snow Geese. The geese arrive in October and depart for the Arctic in February and March. Seasonal counts exceeding 200,000 have been recorded.
Resources for Birders at Bombay Hook NWR
Web resources to help you plan your visit to the refuge:
| Recent Postings to Delaware Birds | Read the most recent postings to the Delaware Birds mailing list. Includes Delaware RBA and Bombay Hook bird sightings. |
| Subscribe to DE Birds Mailing List | Learn all about the Delaware Birds mailing list and how to subscribe to it. |
| Weather | Get the complete weather forecast for Smyrna, Delaware. |
| Sunrise and sunset | Get sunrise and sunset times from the U. S. Naval Observatory. |
| Tide Tables | Get high and low tide information. Select Leipsic, Leipsic River as the location. |
| Directions to the refuge | Get detailed directions to Bombay Hook. For ending location, enter 2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. |
| Accomodations | Find out about lodging and dining in Kent County, Delaware. |
| Visitor Information page | See our Visitor Information page for refuge hours and entrance fees; download the Bombay Hook Bird List, Auto Tour Brochure, and Public Tour Route map. |
Things to do when you get to the refuge:
| Bird sighting list | Located in the lobby of the public restrooms at the Visitor Center. Check bird sightings posted by refuge visitors. |
| Visitor Center | Stop in to pick up a bird list, public tour route map, or auto tour brochure. Discuss bird sightings with refuge staff or volunteer. |