State guide
When to catch Delawarethrough the year
We follow 2 places in Delaware for wildflowers, winter wildlife and spring migration: winter at Bombay Hook and spring at Bombay Hook and Prime Hook Refuge. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in Delaware
Good in fall
- Bombay HookLate flowers: cardinal flower, rose mallow, then goldenrod and Joe-Pye-weed
- Prime Hook RefugeFall waterfowl migration peaks (November)
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Winter in Delaware
- SEASON · WINTER WILDLIFEBombay HookNovember (the peak) and DecemberDelaware
“November (the peak) and December” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Also good in winter
- Bombay HookWaterfowl: fall migration peaks in November, high numbers through December
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Spring in Delaware
- SEASON · WILDFLOWERSBombay HookApril and May (full bloom in May)Delaware
“April and May (full bloom in May)” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Also good in spring
- Bombay HookSpring wildflowers
- Prime Hook RefugeSpring waterfowl migration peaks: ducks, snow geese and Canada geese (March)
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in Delaware
Good in summer
- Bombay HookWater lilies bloom
- Prime Hook RefugeShorebirds: peak concentrations in May; migration continues to mid-June
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Places in Delaware
- Bombay HookLocal timing: April and May (full bloom in May)
- Prime Hook RefugeLocal timing: March
Planning a Delaware trip
Towns to stay in
- Wilmington, DEBombay Hook · 33 mi
- Dover, DEBombay Hook · 7 mi
Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.
Browse by season and event
- Wildflowers · 1 place hereWildflowers, everywhere →
- Winter wildlife · 1 place hereWinter wildlife, everywhere →
- Spring migration · 1 place hereSpring migration, everywhere →
Questions people ask
When do the wildflowers bloom at Bombay Hook?
Spring wildflowers bloom in April and are in full bloom in May. Water lilies follow in June; cardinal flowers, rose mallow and meadow beauties in August; tickseed sunflower, goldenrod and Joe-Pye-weed in September; bur marigolds in October.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Wildlife ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are the bugs bad at Bombay Hook?
From June through September, mosquitoes and biting flies are very high. Refuge staff suggest long sleeves and pants, insect repellent and a head net.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Wildlife ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When can I drive the Wildlife Drive at Bombay Hook?
Every day, year-round, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. You need an entrance pass for the drive and trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there closure days during waterfowl season at Bombay Hook?
As of September 2026, the refuge page lists the headquarters and auto tour route as closed for hunting on October 10, November 14 and December 17. Roads can also close in bad weather and during hunting season, so check the refuge website or call (302) 653-9345 before you go.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee, and when is the refuge open at Prime Hook Refuge?
There's no entrance fee. The refuge is open every day from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. The visitor center at 12322 Turkle Pond Road, Milton (off Route 16, 1.1 miles east of Route 1) is open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on weather and volunteers.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Prime Hook NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk on Fowler Beach in spring at Prime Hook Refuge?
No. Fowler Beach is closed for shorebird nesting from March 1 to October 1. The rest of the year it's walk-in only, with no dogs on the beach.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Prime Hook NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nearby state guides: New Jersey · Maryland · District of Columbia · Virginia
Delaware in pictures
How we know
- Sep 28Park ServiceMonth-by-month calendar: spring wildflowers April–May, water lilies in June, late-summer and fall flowers; biting insects June–SeptemberSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Wildlife in a new tab)
- Sep 29Park ServiceMonth-by-month wildlife calendar: March spring waterfowl peak, May shorebird and warbler peaks, November fall waterfowl peakSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Prime Hook NWR: Nature's Calendar of Events (PDF) in a new tab)