Bird-watching has recently become a fun new hobby of mine. I love wandering around my yard and neighborhood with my regional bird book, bird app, and binoculars in hand. I am always fascinated by the number of different species of birds that I can spot in one afternoon. I also love to bird-watch when I travel. I enjoy the opportunity to observe various types of birds from all different regions. Delaware is a wonderful area for birding. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the state and there are many wonderful hiking trails and wildlife areas where birdwatchers can go to see these beautiful creatures. If you are looking for a scenic spot to view a variety of feathered friends, be sure to put Little Creek Wildlife Area in Dover on your birding list.

Little Creek Wildlife Area spans 4,700 acres of agricultural fields and tidal marshes. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles, deer, snakes, and fish. Hunting and fishing are popular sports within the wildlife area. 

This scenic nature area is also a prime stop on the Delaware Birding Trail (a list of the state's top birding areas). If you enjoy an afternoon of bird watching, it is a fantastic place to visit. More than 100 species of birds have been observed here.

From spring to early summer, thousands of horseshoe crabs spawn on the wildlife area’s beach. Migrating shore birds like the red knot travel to this area to feed off of the crabs. This is quite a sight to witness. 

You can also visit the marsh during the wintertime. During this time, you are likely to spot northern harriers, short-eared owls, and other raptors. Shorebirds, herons, bald eagles, gulls, terns, egrets, waterfowl, bitterns, and rails have also been observed to frequent the area throughout the year.

The David Small Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk and Tower is a wonderful place to watch birds in the park. A short boardwalk brings you directly to the tower. The first level of the 400-foot observation area is wheelchair accessible. There is also an additional second level that is reached by climbing some stairs. You will be able to get a wonderful view of the marsh and its wildlife from each platform.

Have you visited the Little Creek Wildlife Area? If so, please tell us what species of birds you observed. More information about this scenic nature area can be found at the Little Creek Wildlife Area website. If you are looking for even more great places to bird-watch in Delaware, I suggest visiting Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Milton.