Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 16,000 acres of tidal salt marsh, freshwater impoundments, upland fields, and wooded swamp along the western shore of the Delaware Bay, near Smyrna in central Delaware. Established in 1937 and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge is one of the most significant migratory bird stopover sites on the Atlantic Flyway — the primary north-south migration corridor used by more than a million birds traveling between Arctic breeding grounds and wintering areas in the south. The refuge is among the premier birding destinations on the entire East Coast of the United States.

A 12-mile auto tour route winds through the refuge's varied habitats, passing four managed freshwater impoundments — Raymond Pool, Shearness Pool, Bear Swamp Pool, and Finis Pool — each maintained through water-level control to maximize value for migrating and resident wildlife. Five observation towers positioned at intervals along the route provide elevated views over the marshes. Walking trails of varying lengths branch from parking areas along the route, including the boardwalk through tidal marsh vegetation and the Bear Swamp Trail through wooded swamp.

The refuge's peak visitor seasons are spring (April-May) for migratory shorebirds and nesting wading birds, and fall (October-November) when tens of thousands of snow geese, Canada geese, tundra swans, and dabbling ducks concentrate on the impoundments during their southward migration. The October gathering of snow geese — sometimes exceeding 100,000 birds on a single pool — is one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on the Delaware coast. Great blue herons, osprey, bald eagles, and a wide diversity of shorebirds are observable at various times throughout the year. The visitor center near the Whitehall Neck Road entrance displays wildlife exhibits and provides refuge maps. Access is by private vehicle only.