Spring Is The Best Time To See Eagles And Ospreys In Delaware’s Wilderness Areas

Spring is in the air, and everyone's bird feeders are getting emptier by the day! When you want to step out of your backyard and into a world of enormous and rare shorebirds, head to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, or Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, to find a world of Ospreys and Eagles soaring above and caring for their nests.

Delaware is known for being one of the best states for birding in the entire country.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge are both important stops on the International Flyway, and in the spring and through summer, you can find eagles and ospreys making themselves at home.

Eagles first come to nest over the winter, and in April, their eggs begin to hatch.

By May, birdwatchers can enjoy the eagles parenting their young, and in June, the fledglings begin to leave their nests and head out into the world.

While the general public loves to see Bald Eagles at play, birdwatchers and nature lovers find their eyes trained to spot ospreys and osprey nests.

Ospreys themselves are particularly needy. They only eat fish, so they must nest near the water.

Their nests are made with heavy material, and they often find it hard to nest in traditional spots. Wildlife conservation programs along the Delaware coast build stands like these to encourage and support nesting.

These playful birds are so fun to watch!

Visit Bombay Hook or Prime Hook in Spring and early Summer to see ospreys and eagles in Delaware's National Wildlife Refuges. You can find more information on the Bombay Hook NWR website, here, or the Prime Hook NWR website, here. Don't forget to bring binoculars!