Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Eastern Shore, Md.): The Delmarva Peninsula is dotted with wildlife refuges and protected lands, havens for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife. Blackwater is the largest of these. During peak migration season, you'll see ducks, tundra and mute swan, and snow geese, as well as the ever-present herons, Canada geese, and osprey, plus the occasional bald eagle. If you explore the wooded areas, you may even catch sight of the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel.
Butterfly-Watching at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (Eastern Shore, Md.): The trees here fill up with colorful little travelers as they make their way to South America every fall. Fans of the tundra swan also await the waterfowls' arrival to this resting place. The refuge's website keeps nature lovers up-to-date on the migrating creatures' arrival.
Whale- & Dolphin-Watching on the Mid-Atlantic: The Atlantic coast of Maryland and Delaware, particularly near Cape Henlopen State Park (Del.), is a good place to spot whales and dolphins. The Great Dune at Cape Henlopen is a perfect vantage point (bring binoculars). There are also whale- and dolphin-watching cruises available -- even sea kayaking with the dolphins.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Central Del.): The largest of Delaware's wildlife refuges, Bombay Hook, northeast of Dover, has nearly 16,000 acres of tidal marsh, freshwater pools, and timbered swamps. You'll see a lot of migratory waterfowl in fall and spring; then the migrant shorebirds and songbirds appear in April, May, and June.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
