I had to get out of the wind. The blue sky and fleecy clouds belied the penetrating chill from the 30 mile per hour late October wind gusting from the north down Delaware Bay and across the vast wetlands. The birds were hunkered down, barely visible in my wind battered scope, and I needed some relief as well. The Parson Point trailhead looked inviting, winding through a sheltered deciduous woods. The only sound there was the wind rustling the high canopy, the crunching of dry leaves underfoot, and the distant call of a Red-bellied Woodpecker.
The last thing I expected to see was an old crumbling concrete structure just off the trail. A worn sign indicated it was the ruins of the foundation for a Army Air Force World War II radio and observation tower. In the midst of an innocent birding trip I was reminded again of that existential struggle waged by an earlier generation worldwide, and that today’s relative peace and freedom has been bought with a price.
Bombay Hook is a 16,251 acre National Wildlife Refuge established in 1934 along the western shore of Delaware Bay. The name comes from the Dutch “Bompies Hoeck” meaning little tree point. The Dutch colonial settlers harvested salt hay from the marsh and found sustenance from plentiful muskrat, water fowl, fish, oysters, and crabs. The Allee House is a large 18th century home in the preserve, currently closed and awaiting restoration. The attraction for me, however, is the birding, scenery, and photography.
The refuge is a popular breeding, wintering, and migratory stopover location along the Atlantic Flyway. Meandering tidal rivers crisscross the marsh where low grasses seemingly stretch to the horizon. In the slightly higher areas one finds small hummocks filled with blackbirds, perching herons, and the occasional kingfisher. Larger wooded areas contain trails leading to several observation towers which allow an expansive view of the entire preserve.
Water control dikes have been built creating three large pools. Gravel access roads on the dikes wind their way around these pools giving both close and distant views of the wildlife. If you are lucky you’ll catch some shorebirds feeding on the near mudflats in perfect light. But more often it seems, you’ll be using your scope and telephoto lens to see the mixed flocks on the opposite shore, often back-lit in the afternoon sun.
I bird Bombay Hook both from the car and on foot. By car I make frequent stops shooting through the open windows, and occasionally exit to set up the scope in the lee of the car or to catch a flyover of a Bald Eagle, harrier, or flock of shorebirds heading from the marsh to the pools’ mudflats. The cold, wind, and/or mosquitoes favor birding from the car, but don’t forget to sample the wooded trails and an opportunity to observe the Passerines. I especially recommend the trail to the Shearness Pool Tower from which you can see the vast panoramic expanse of the preserve.
Memorable trips to BH for me include a wintertime visit and the racket and spectacle of thousands of Snow Geese rising out of the marsh at dusk, the variety of wintering waterfowl, and my first sighting of Horned Larks in the snowy fields near the refuge entrance. I’ve seen large flocks of American Avocets there and a huge flock of mixed shorebirds rising as one, spooked by an approaching Northern Harrier. Even when the birds are sparse the vistas surround and reward you. Visit in any season but pack some fly dope in the warmer weather. Bombay Hook NWR easily makes my list of top ten birding sites.
Amazing. I especially love snow geese. I have been lucky to catch them on our small lake heading north but never south. You’ve given me incentive to brave the chilly weather today and go birding. Thanks.
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That Snow Geese shot is from Bombay Hook, but from a prior visit later in the year. It’s likely too early to see them here yet. Thanks for your comment and good birding.
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I’ll keep looking. Thanks.
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What an amazing place. Terrific article and photographs.
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Hope you get a chance to check it out someday. Thanks.
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You will have to take me on one of these trips!
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That would be my pleasure. More likely you’ll introduce me to some Kansas wildlife refuges in the next year, a whole new area of the country for me.
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How lovely. You captured the place and birds so well with your words and photos. Thank you.
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Thank you for your kind comment.
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I really like seeing snow geese too. I have see an estimated 10,000 of them up here in spring. You mentioned winter as being a good time to see them there. What month? I am headed to MD Nov. 29 to Dec. 2. Any suggestions where I might go for a day?
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I usually see Snow Geese down here a little later in winter than first of December. Along with Bombay Hook favorite birding sites on the Eastern Shore are Blackwater NWR near Cambridge, Pickering Creek Audubon Center near Easton, and Adkins Arboretum near Ridgely. Good luck.
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Thank you. I do hope my readers see the Duck Stamp post on your blog. You have such fine work, they need to visit your blog.
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Nice! This is one of my favorite locations, especially for landscapes! I enjoy the diversity you can find there. Birds are a challenge here, they are usually pretty far out, but with long lenses you can usually find subjects.
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Yes, the shorebirds seem to know the limits of my scope and lens and are generally just past that point on the mudflats. Occasionally you get a close shot. Thanks for the comment.
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A great tribute to Bombay Hook, a favorite of mine as well!
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Thanks for that.
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Awesome! I’ve heard about Bombay Hook before and it’s definitely on my list of places to visit. The Snow Geese look amazing!
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I know you will not be disappointed. Thanks for your interest and comment.
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That’s the best answer by far! Thanks for couiirbnttng.
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