Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Delaware Bay is noted for attracting an incredible array of migratory birds, especially shorebirds. Because of its location, several shorebird species rely on horseshoe crab eggs to fuel their migration to their breeding grounds in the North.
In the fall, some of these species are still present, in addition to others such as the Dunlin, Marbled Godwit, American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, and even rare birds such as the Hudsonian Godwit and European vagrants. There are also large numbers of ducks, including the Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and American Black Duck. Raptors such as the Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, and even the Peregrine Falcon can be observed this time of year.
Grab your binoculars and spotting scope if you have one, and spend a day with naturalist Matt Felperin at Bombay Hook, perfectly timed for great viewing, to seek out this fascinating array of avian wildlife. Enjoy a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant and some unscheduled time in the afternoon to explore any recent bird sightings at the time of the tour.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus from the Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C St., SW (corner of 6th and C Sts., SW), with a pickup stop at the New Carrollton Metro Rte. 50/east-side Kiss and Ride kiosk at about 6:30 a.m.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Friday, November 3, 2023.
- Smithsonian is a mask-friendly environment. Masks are strongly recommended to be worn on buses at all times and may also be required at various indoor sites.
- For additional tour information:
