Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region.

Latest News

The setting sun casts a golden glow on coastal marshes.
History and Culture
Cultural connections on Service lands
Conserving land for wildlife also preserves our cultural heritage
woman in FWS uniform smiles next to blue goose mascot
Climate Change
Snapshot of Sandy: Prime Hook and the power of planning ahead
The ebbs and flows of Susan Guiteras’ life, professional and personal, have always been in sync with the tides of the environment she works in. As the supervisory wildlife biologist of the Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuge Complex since 2007 and at the refuge since 2002, Guiteras is one of...
Sunrise over wetland with treeline silhouette in the distance.
History and Culture
Nature That Nurtures
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is partnering with the National Park Service to share the experiences of members of the Civil Rights Movement and African American and Black leaders enjoying and finding well-being in the outdoors. The Nature That Nurtures project was introduced on social media...
a raised, wooden platform trail snakes through a mature forest
Recreation
Wheelchair-accessible trails of the Northeast
Explore the scenic and accessible trails on national wildlife refuges in the Northeast, from Maine to Virginia.
Four tan-black-and-white birds with long gray bills probing sand for food at the beach
Recreation
Where the Birds Are
For experienced birders and newbies alike, national wildlife refuges are wonderful places to see birds in natural habitat. Visitor services specialist Mike Carlo shares his mental list of refuges across the country that are well suited to people of varying birding experience.
Bighorn sheep block cars on the road at National Elk Refuge in Wyoming.
Recreation
Great Drives on National Wildlife Refuges
Here’s a sampling of some super refuge drives that offer a chance to see birds and other wildlife.
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Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh salt marsh
Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.

Learn more about salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region. The refuge, located along the coast of Delaware, is mostly marsh, but also includes freshwater wetlands and upland habitats that are managed for other wildlife. 

Location and Contact Information

      New visitor center building at Bombay Hook NWR
      Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge New Exhibit Listening Session

      Do you love visiting Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge? Are you excited about our new visitor center? Do you want to share thoughts on what you would like to see in the exhibit hall? Join us for an Exhibit Development Listening Session. Saturday April 1, 1pm Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. No foolin', we want your input! Our building is nearing completion and we’d love YOUR input on what kinds of exhibits you’d like to see and what you think are the most important things for visitors to know about Bombay Hook. Help us make our center one for all visitors to enjoy!

      About Us

      Bombay Hook was established in 1937 as a link in the chain of refuges extending from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It is primarily a refuge and breeding ground for migrating birds and other wildlife. The value and importance of Bombay Hook for migratory bird protection and conservation has increased through the years, primarily due to the management of the refuge and the loss of high quality habitat along the Atlantic Flyway. 

      Bombay Hook is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Portions are also designated a research natural area research natural area
      The National Wildlife Refuge System contains 210 research natural areas (RNAs) that are part of a nationwide network of ecological areas set aside for both research and education. The areas "contain important ecological and scientific values and are managed for minimum human disturbance.” Recreation activities are allowed, but some RNAs may be closed to the public if incompatible with an individual refuge's primary conversation purposes.

      Learn more about research natural area       . The refuge, a nationally recognized birding spot attracting birders from across the country, is designated a Globally Important Bird Area. The Refuge, as well as the entire State of Delaware, is part of the New England/Mid Atlantic Coast Bird Conservation Region Implementation Plan (BCR 30).

      Our Species

      Bald eagle up close with wing raised

      A large raptor, the bald eagle has a wingspread of about seven feet. Adults have a dark brown body and wings, white head and tail, and a yellow beak. Juveniles are mostly brown with white mottling on the body, tail, and undersides of wings. Adult plumage usually is obtained by the sixth year. In...

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      Animalia
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