Most people forget about all the great things you can see and do in our second smallest state. But, the truth is, Delaware packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, especially by the sea.
In this area of the country, where the land meets the Atlantic Ocean is truly special. You’ll find miles of salt water tidal marsh, home to all sorts of native bird and waterfowl species. Plus, the sunsets? Well, they rival anywhere else in the country.
Here you’ll also find Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Tucked in along the waters and byways of the Delaware Bay, it features over 16,000 acres of protected land. In this post, we’re going to give you a guide to the very best that Bombay Hook has to offer.
So, let’s take a look.
Bird Watcher’s Paradise
When Bombay Hook was first designated as protected land back in 1937 because the area was such an important place for migratory birds. As the year moves into fall and winter, this area becomes a haven for migratory birds like geese and ducks.
The marshlands and tidal waters provided a natural protection for these birds to rest, eat, and recoup before they head on to the next stage of their journey.
Today, these migratory birds are also joined by a great number of shore birds that have made Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge their home. These include sandpipers and plovers. In the spring, you can catch many of them making nests as they prepare for their chicks to be hatched.
As you might imagine, Bombay Hook is a huge destination for bird watchers. Spend just a few hours here and you’ll likely see dozens of different species of birds. Don’t forget those binoculars!
History Comes Alive
Allee House at Bombay Hook
Beyond the miles of hiking trails and bird watching, this area is also quite historic in its own right. if you want to do a little bit of exploring, you can find the Allee House also on the grounds of the refuge too.
First built in 1753, the house is still standing, albeit in need of repairs. You can visit the area around the Allee House to see what the height of style was in the mid 1700’s, something almost impossible to do in most of the rest of the country!
Bombay Hook is also a stop along Delaware’s Costal Heritage Greenway. So, if you’re in the area for a few days and want to take a mini road trip to many of the places of historical importance in the region, this is the perfect way to do it.
Have Fun!
As with many of the Fish and Wildlife Reserves, Bombay Hook also hosts a number of classes and events all year round. If you want to learn more about birds or have your aspiring junior park rangers with you, be sure to check out the events and see what’s happening.
Chances are, you can interact with a ranger or wildlife interpreter and learn quite a bit about the area!
Now it’s your turn. Have you had the pleasure of visiting Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge? What were some of your favorite sights? Let us know in the comments!
