Wings Over Wilmington & the Brandywine: Exploring Birding Hotspots in Delaware's State Parks

Embark on a birding adventure through the landscapes of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley's state parks. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast looking to explore diverse habitats, these parks offer enticing opportunities to observe a variety of bird species throughout the year. 

Alapocas Run State Park 

Alapocas Run State Park hosts over 150 bird species. Within the park’s boundaries, wander from the open spaces near the Blue Ball Barn to the forested hillsides of the Brandywine Valley. Look out for migrating songbirds in spring and fall, and winter sparrows in the open fields and scrub habitat. 

Auburn Valley State Park  

This park's diverse habitats, including man-made wetlands and gravel bars along Red Clay Creek, attract migrating and breeding birds. Keep an eye (and ear) out for common ravens, a recent addition to Delaware's Piedmont (its northernmost sections) birdlife. 

Bellevue State Park  

In this oasis not far away from the city limits, explore forests, fields, wetlands, and ponds accessible via smooth gravel and paved trails. Witness migrating songbirds like warblers, orioles, and flycatchers in spring and fall, and spot Eastern bluebirds nesting in the open fields. 

Brandywine Creek State Park  

Known for its extensive forested areas, hillside meadows, and the Brandywine Creek, this park boasts over 200 bird species. Enjoy exceptional birding year round, with highlights including migrating songbirds in spring and fall, and the spectacular sight of migrating common nighthawks around sunset. 

Fort Delaware State Park 

Situated on Pea Patch Island, Fort Delaware hosts a large heron rookery and offers views of nesting herons, egrets, and ibis. Take the Prison Camp Trail to spot nesting songbirds, and observe gulls, terns, and waterbirds during the boat trip to the island. 

Lums Pond State Park

Lums Pond State Park can offer productive birding year-round with trails that access forests, fields, Delaware's largest pond, and lots of edge habitat. A nice variety of songbirds can be found in the park's forests and fields. Look for a variety of waterfowl, herons, and egrets on the pond or around its edges. 

White Clay Creek State Park

One of the best places in Delaware to find migrant songbirds during spring migration is White Clay Creek State Park. On good days in spring, birders may see and hear more than twenty warbler species and a host of other songbirds. Summer breeders include Baltimore orioles; Kentucky, hooded, and cerulean warbler; the Louisiana Waterthrush; American redstart; northern parula; and barred owl. With more than 3,000 acres and 40 miles of trails, the birding opportunities are nearly limitless year-round. 

Wilmington State Parks

Urban parks like Rockford and Brandywine Park provide islands of habitat in a sea of concrete, glass, and steel. Especially during spring and fall migration, they provide important habitat for tired and hungry migrants. Visit in May and September to early October to look for warblers, thrushes, finches, and other songbirds. Also, look out for the local pair of nesting peregrine falcons as they hunt along the Brandywine. Winter birding can also be productive in the corridor along the Brandywine Creek. 

Bonus Spot! Bombay Hook

While not a state park, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is an exceptional destination for birding enthusiasts. Spanning over 15,000 acres along the western coast of Delaware Bay, this refuge protects one of the largest remaining tidal salt marshes in the Mid-Atlantic region. Each season brings exciting changes and diverse bird species. From winter's flocks of Pintail ducks to the vibrant warbler migration in spring, and from fall's gatherings of Canadian geese to winter's majestic eagles, there's always something new to capture with your camera in this remarkable refuge.

Grab your binoculars, pack your camera, and immerse yourself in the diverse birdlife of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley's state parks. For more information on specific parks and their birding programs, contact the respective Nature Centers listed or visit their eBird hotspots.  

If you come across an injured or distressed bird during your birding adventures, reach out to Tri State Bird Rescue. Located nearby in Newark, Delaware, Tri State Bird Rescue specializes in wildlife rehabilitation and can provide assistance and care for injured birds. Their dedicated team of professionals and volunteers are committed to helping birds recover and return to their natural habitats whenever possible. For more information or to report a bird in need, visit their website at tristatebird.org or give them a call at (302) 737-9543. 

Happy birding!