The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a 64.66 km2 protected wildlife habitat on the east coast of Kent County in Delaware, United States. Located directly on Delaware Bay, it was protected on March 16, 1937 as a sanctuary for migratory waterfowl. See existingcountries.com to learn more about the state of Delaware.
Today the area protects all wild animals that come to or live in this area. In addition, the many different areas offer an ideal habitat for all wild animals. Here you will find a habitat with salt marsh, grasslands, forests, small lakes and streams.
For visitors, Bombay Hook offers a visitor center, several hiking trails and nature trails for exploring and wildlife viewing. Along the hiking trails you will find lookout towers that offer a good view of the area.
The highlight here is the Allee House, a pre-Revolutionary house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Flora & Fauna in Bombay Park
The conservation program in the park was designed primarily for waterfowl, bald eagles and other migratory birds. A large number of ducks and geese arrive here every autumn to spend the winter. But the area also provides excellent habitat for other mammals, such as rabbits, marmots, squirrels, foxes, wild boar, salamanders, toads, frogs, turtles, lizards and snakes. In addition to the animals, many beautiful plants and trees grow here, which you can admire while walking around the area.
Activities at Bombay Hook
Visit this beautiful Delaware wildlife sanctuary for hiking, photography and wildlife viewing. A 19 km round trip car trail and five nature trails are available to explore the park. There are observation towers on three hiking trails, from which you can easily observe the many wild animals. Or visit the visitor center where you can learn all you need to know about this area and its inhabitants. We have put together some activities for you here:
Hunting
Deer, small game, turkey and waterfowl are abundant in the Bombay Hook area. There is an opportunity to participate in a wild animal hunt, but only with a special permit. It is best to inquire about this at the visitor center.
Wildlife
Viewing Wild animals can be observed in their free environment throughout the park. Depending on the season, different wild animals can be observed. Waterfowl and wood warblers are plentiful here in the spring. Many herons, black stilts and terns come here in summer. Canada geese, snow geese, and a variety of waterfowl are good sightings in the fall and winter months. Birds of prey can be spotted all year round. Mammals, amphibians and reptiles, fish and lush flora are best seen in spring through late fall.
Environmental Education
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors the opportunity to explore many different habitats from tidal salt marshes to freshwater, upland fields and forests. It is about understanding complex environmental problems and promoting the preservation of nature.
Avenue House
The Allee-Haus stands today as it was built in the 18th century. From here you have a good view over the fields and marshes of Kent County. It was built of brick by John Allee and is considered one of the finest and best preserved examples of an early brick farmhouse in Delaware. The interior of the house is characterized by the beautiful wood paneling of the salon. The house is currently not open to the public.
History of Bombay Hook
Bombay Hook got its name after the corruption of the Dutch “Boompjes” or “Boompjes Hoeck” meaning “little tree point”. In 1682, a canal was built from the town of Smyrna to Delaware Bay, which was named the Smyrna River.
In 1753 the Abraham Allee house was built by a Huguenot refugee from Artois. In 2016 it was renovated to look like it was in its original state.
A lighthouse, the Bombay Hook Lighthouse or Smyrna River Lighthouse was built in 1831 by the US government. Since 1912 he has had an automatic light.
In 1848 a hotel was built on Bombay Hook Island, making the island a popular resort. In addition, steamers went back and forth between Bombay Hook and Philadelphia.
In 1878, there was a severe storm that destroyed the summer resorts on Collins and Fraland Beach. The dunes in Bombay Bay were destroyed by the storm and not restored.
In 1937 49 km² along the Delaware Bay was purchased to establish the Bombay Hook Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. A start has been made on cleaning up the area and planting dozens of trees.
In 1939, the Bombay Hook Migratory Waterfowl Refuge was renamed the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
During World War II, the refuge was used as a gunner and for research on air missiles.
In 1961 four freshwater ponds were created to provide a good environment for the many waterfowl.
The area now consists of wet swamps, agricultural land, grass fields and a large habitat for the many wild birds.
Attraction address Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
2591 Whitehall Neck Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook
