Bombay Hookwinter wildlife
The fall waterfowl migration peaks in November, and wintering waterfowl stay in high numbers through December unless a hard freeze pushes them south, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Nov 1–Dec 31). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Bombay Hook · September
- Late flowers: cardinal flower, rose mallow, then goldenrod and Joe-Pye-weed · Aug–Sep
- Mosquitoes and biting flies · Jun–Sep
- Dutch Neck Road and Allee House area closed · Sep–Feb
34days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 1–Dec 31, local timing
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Bald eagles nest: building in January, eggs in February, hatching in AprilJan–Apr
- Feb: Large flocks of pintails arrive with February's first mild weatherFeb
- Mar: Spring waterfowl migration peaks: ducks, snow geese and Canada geeseMar
- Spring wildflowersApr–May
- May: Peak concentrations of shorebirdsMay
- Mosquitoes and biting fliesNowJun–Sep
- Jun: Water lilies bloomJun
- Late flowers: cardinal flower, rose mallow, then goldenrod and Joe-Pye-weedNowAug–Sep
- Dutch Neck Road and Allee House area closedNowSep–Feb
- Oct: Large numbers of Canada and snow geese arriveOct
- Waterfowl: fall migration peaks in November, high numbers through DecemberNov–Dec
Where to watch
- Wildlife Drive12 miles by car, bike or on foot past freshwater pools, salt marsh, woods and fields; open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, with an entrance pass
- Bear Swamp TrailA quarter-mile accessible trail off the Wildlife Drive through woods and freshwater marsh, with a 30 ft observation tower and a floating platform (those two aren't accessible)
Bombay Hook in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Wildlife (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
The fall waterfowl migration peaks in November, and wintering waterfowl stay in high numbers through December unless a hard freeze pushes them south, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Nov 1–Dec 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 34 days (Nov 1–Dec 31, local timing).
When can I drive the Wildlife Drive?
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?
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)
Can I use a bird call or a drone to get closer?
No. Drones are banned, and using electronic or mechanical devices to lure birds, or flushing them, counts as disturbing wildlife, which refuge rules prohibit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bike or walk the drive instead of driving?
Yes: the 12-mile Wildlife Drive is open to cars, bikes and people on foot, and five flat walking trails branch off it.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where should I navigate to?
2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Wildlife Drive: 12 miles by car, bike or on foot past freshwater pools, salt marsh, woods and fields; open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, with an entrance pass; Bear Swamp Trail: a quarter-mile accessible trail off the Wildlife Drive through woods and freshwater marsh, with a 30 ft observation tower and a floating platform (those two aren't accessible).
Are there closures or permits to know about in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Dutch Neck Road and Allee House area closed (Sep–Feb).
What is Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Spring wildflowers (Apr–May), Water lilies bloom (Jun), Late flowers: cardinal flower, rose mallow, then goldenrod and Joe-Pye-weed (Aug–Sep), Mosquitoes and biting flies (Jun–Sep), Dutch Neck Road and Allee House area closed (Sep–Feb), Waterfowl: fall migration peaks in November, high numbers through December (Nov–Dec), Large numbers of Canada and snow geese arrive (Oct), Bald eagles nest: building in January, eggs in February, hatching in April (Jan–Apr), Large flocks of pintails arrive with February's first mild weather (Feb), Spring waterfowl migration peaks: ducks, snow geese and Canada geese (Mar) and Peak concentrations of shorebirds (May).