For my second day exploring the Delmarva Peninsula, I drove north through Maryland to the Delaware coastline. On the western shore of Delaware Bay, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary of tidal salt marsh, freshwater impoundments, and forest. Approximately 80% of Bombay Hook is tidal salt marsh. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the refuge has one of the largest expanses of nearly unaltered tidal salt marsh in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Bombay Hook is designated as both a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area.
A 12-mile gravel auto tour route offers accessible wildlife viewing through the heart of the refuge. Winding along tidal marshes and four primary impoundments – Raymond, Shearness, Bear Swamp, and Finis – the drive provides excellent vantage points from your vehicle. Below are the stops I made during my June visit, along with the wildlife I encountered along the way.
Raymond Pool and Observation Tower
First on the tour was the observation tower at Raymond Pool. It’s a short 0.25-mile path from the trailhead to the 30-foot tower.
On my walk through the forest, I ran across a tiny Fowler’s toad and an eastern cottontail rabbit.
I was rewarded for the climb with sweeping views of Raymond Pool’s southern shore. From that height, all the birds in the water were small dots except through my camera lens. Enjoying the shallow waters were black-bellied plovers, great egrets, greater yellowlegs, snowy egrets, and willets.
Later the wildlife drive loops around the pool and I also found blue grosbeaks and red-winged blackbirds in bushes along the road.
Boardwalk Trail
My next stop was the salt marsh Boardwalk Trail. This universally accessible 0.5-mile elevated boardwalk loops over brackish ponds and the tidal salt marsh. American robins, gray catbirds, northern mockingbirds, and a couple of great blue herons were early sightings.
Midway on the loop there is an observation platform overlooking Raymond Gut, a creek that leads to the Leipsic River. I spent half an hour there watching a handful of barn swallows swoop through the air.
Marsh wrens called from inside the cattails and cordgrass, but I couldn’t see them. Right as I turned to leave, one popped out to sit on the top of a reed.
Fiddler crabs crawled through the mudflats, scurrying into holes to hide as I passed.
Shearness Pool and Photo Blind
Shearness Pool is the largest freshwater impoundment. Great blue herons and dozens of mute swans gathered in the water.
Along the road, I spotted barn swallows, common grackles, common yellowthroats, marsh wrens, and red-winged blackbirds. I loved how the yellowthroat’s bright feathers popped against the rich colors and subtle textures of the pool.
With minimal traffic on the refuge roads, I was able to stop and watch a diamondback terrapin make its slow crawl across the gravel.
Instead of an observation tower, Shearness offers a photo blind facing the back edge of the pool. It wasn’t very active during my visit, but I can imagine that is would be perfect during winter migrations.
Bear Swamp Pool and Observation Tower
There is a second 30-foot observation tower at Bear Swamp Pool. A quarter-mile loop wanders through the forest to the tower and a floating deck overlooking the marsh.
Driving past Bear Swamp, I caught sight of a black-necked stilt tending to four chicks in the water as Forster’s terns swept overhead. A red-winged blackbird perched high atop branches, peering across its domain.
My favorite moment of the day was watching a red fox prance along the road before disappearing into the cordgrass.
Finis Pool
Finally, I explored Finis Pool. Fed by Finis Branch, this pool contains the freshest water in the refuge
Tucked away from the main auto route, this quieter stretch made it easy to hear the songbirds. I could clearly pick out common yellowthroats, indigo buntings, and scarlet tanagers. Near the road, a flash of white revealed a pair of mute swans calmly feeding and bathing.
Know Before You Go
- Consider the Season: I recommend avoiding the refuge in the height of summer. It was very hot and many of the pools had low water levels. Early spring and late fall have comfortable weather with peak bird migrations.
- Use Strong Insect Repellent: The biting flies and mosquitos are relentless in June, July, and August. Even with bug spray from head to toe, sometimes they would follow me for an entire trail attacking my face and hands.
- Bring Binoculars or a Scope: While some animals were near the road, many rest farther out in the pools or high in the trees.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for wildlife photographers and travelers looking for quiet, coastal Mid-Atlantic landscapes. Multiple short walking trails allow visitors to stretch their legs and offer a different perspective on the refuge’s ecosystems.