Bombay Hook

Bombay Hook - A National Wildlife Refuge
by Sue Alden

Bombay Hook, a National Wildlife Refuge located in Kent County, Delaware, is a rare find. Comprising 15,978 acres, it is managed primarily for migrating and wintering waterfowl. One can also find turtles, fox, raccoon and, of course, deer among other species. Different habitats are found including salt marsh, fresh and brackish waters, bay, grasslands, croplands and forest. There are a few 'tour stops' marked along the roads, but I will only mentioned the main focal points:

Shearness Pool (Tour Stop 4) - Largest of the four freshwater impoundments. Bald eagles may be seen in this area, however, I have yet to witness this. A trail is marked for the bald eagle nesting. I walked down this trail, but the only thing I found was a bunch of people-eating flies! Might be a seasonal thing.

Tidal Saltmarsh (Tour Stop 5) - Home to black ducks, mallards, gadwalls, and the blue-winged teal nest in this area. Mid to low tide is best for viewing in this area.

Loafing Area (Tour Stop 7) - Islands in the Bear Swamp Pool are primarily used by wading birds. Here snowy egrets, great egrets, great blue herons and black-crowned night herons can be photographed. It was here that I spotted the fox. I have seen him twice, but have yet to get that photograph.

What to See:

January: Redtailed hawks, marsh and rough-legged hawks, Bald eagles and white-tailed deer.
February: Bald eagles and pintail ducks.
March: Spring migration at its peak. Ducks, Canada geese, snow geese, woodchucks, turtles and woodcocks.
April: Bald eagle eggs hatch. Songbird migration and purple Martins return.
May: Shorebirds, horseshoe crabs, bullfrogs and green frogs, snapping turtles, wildflowers bloom.
June: Diamond back terrapins, baby eagles and black necked stilts begin nesting.
July: Herons, egrets and ibis, as well as a variety of ducks.
August: Shorebirds, green-winged and blue-wing teal. Cardinal flowers, rose mallow and meadow beauties are in bloom.
September: Shorebirds and songbirds. Duck population increases. I did see an Osprey on several occasions.
October: Avocets, Canada and Snow geese. Pintail, mallards and black ducks begin fall migration.
November: Canada and snow geese, gadwall, mallard, black ducks, pintail, American Widgeon, wood duck, northern shoveler, blue-winged and green-winged teal, scaup, bufflehead, ruddy duck, red-breasted and hooded merganser.
December: Eagles, wintering birds - waterfowl.

What To Bring:

Flies are bad. I would highly suggest to bring netting, especially during the summer months.
Water and snacks - it is a bit of a drive if you get the munchies.

Hours of Operation: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center and The Refuge Store is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 4:00 pm. On spring (March-May) and fall (September - mid-December) weekends it is open from 9 am to 5 pm. On Saturday and Sunday. A fee is charged ($4.00 per car).

Directions: Taken from the Bombay Hook Web site.
From the North - Philadelphia Area
Take I-95 South into Delaware
Take Route 1 South (Christiana exit) (toll road $1.00)
Route 1 South will merge into Route 13 South
Before Smyrna, the road turns back into Route 1
Take Exit 114 (Route 13 North) for Smyrna. RT 13 North will be a right turn at the end of the exit ramp at a traffic light.
Turn right at the next light on to Road 12 East (Smyrna-Leipsic Road)
This road merges with Route 9 South (5 miles)
Turn left onto Whitehall Neck Road which ends at the Refuge entrance

From the South - Washington, DC Area
Take I-95 North to Washington, DC Beltway
Take Route 50 East over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Take 301 North
Take Route 300 East to Smyrna
Take Route 13 South
Turn left on Route 12 East (Symrna-Leipsic Road) until it merges with Route 9 (5 miles)
Turn left on Whitehall Neck Road which ends at the Refuge entrance

From Dover, Delaware

Take Route 13 North
Turn right onto Route 42 East into Leipsic
Turn left onto Route 9 and proceed north for 2 miles
Turn right onto Whitehall Neck Road which ends at the Refuge entrance

The Bombay Hook Website has tidal information.

Hotels and restaurants are not that close by. I would suggest to bring a box lunch with you. Restrooms are available at the entrance to the refuge at the information building. Information on hotels, motels, and camping can be found here. Click here for restaurant locations.

Links:

Bombay Hook Website
Visit Dover Website

If you decide to visit Bombay Hook, you will not be disappointed. I try to make it up that way at least once a month, if not more. I have not stayed overnight, opting to make only day trips. The trip takes approximately 2 hours from Delta, PA.

Sue Alden