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Overview
"Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located in central Delaware along the western shore of the Delaware Bay. Situated on the Atlantic migratory flyway, Bombay Hook refuge has become increasingly important as a stopover for migratory birds as habitat elsewhere has vanished. It is recognized as one of America's 100 'Important Bird Areas' by the American Bird Conservancy.
Much of the 16,000 acre refuge is pristine. 13,000 acres are tidal salt marsh, considered to be Delaware's most valuable wildlife habitat. Impounded fresh water pools and brushy and timbered swamps cover about 1,100 acres; agricultural fields cover another 1,100 acres; and timbered and grassy upland covers the other 1,100 acres.
Such diversity of habitat yields an abundance and diversity of wildlife: 278 species of birds are found on the refuge; 103 of those species are known to breed here.
Birds
Notable Species
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Rarities
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Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
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Other Wildlife
In addition to the birds, 34 species of mammal, 14 species of amphibians, 21 species of reptiles and 21 species of fish are found on the refuge.
Site Information
History and Use
It was established in 1937 as a link in the chain of refuges extending from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and serves as a sanctuary for migratory waterfowl.
Areas of Interest
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Access and Facilities
The refuge, which hosts about 170,000 visitors each year, is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset.
The Visitor Center is open weekdays year round from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on spring and fall weekends from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
From the 12 mile round-trip public tour route, which traverses many of the habitats found here, opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife and study nature are plentiful. Along the route are five walking trails and three observation towers, each overlooking a fresh water impoundment.
The historic Allee House, an eighteenth century farmhouse located on the refuge, is open for tours on spring and fall weekends.
Contact Details
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References
The information has been quoted directly from: http://www.friendsofbombayhook.org/aboutbombayhook.html
External Links
Content and images originally posted by Balcony Birder
Reviews
Balcony Birder's review The car tour is approx. 13 miles. Stop anywhere to bird. Binoculars are nice, scopes are even better. Taking tides into consideration helps if you are under time constraints or want to limit your stay - if not, pack breakfast, lunch, and dinner. :o) Regular visitors pop in and out sometimes for only a few minutes to a half an hour. Semi-regulars may spend a few hours or half a day. First time visitors wishing to spend the day should make other plans in the event conditions are not optimal. Pros
- positive aspects are listed under the description
