Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

06/11/2026

From Jean on behalf of the Purple Martin team: (photo courtesy of Traci)

It’s been a joy watching our Purple Martins become so active since our last nest check! We were delighted to find nests in almost all the original gourds today, with some clutches already holding up to six or seven eggs.

Just a fun note: these clever females usually wait until the very last eggs are laid before they start incubating. This strategy helps the chicks hatch together so they can all grow strong and share their meals fairly. Since incubation takes about 15-16 days, we might even welcome our first tiny hatchlings as early as next week!

We are also thrilled to see so much excitement at the new Visitor’s Center tower. We spotted four busy pairs building their homes, and it looks like other Martins may be eager to join the neighborhood.

We’d love for you to join our team for nest checks on Tuesday mornings at 9 am. We guarantee you'll walk away with a smile!



Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges Experience Delaware River Region Explore Coastal Delaware Southern Delaware Explorer Magazine Delaware Bayshore Byway Southern Delaware Tourism Delaware Greenways The Delaware Project Spotlight Delaware Purple Martin Conservation Association

06/08/2026

I'm curious about what you've been seeing from the osprey pair that nests on the snag at the end of the D**e Trail. They were back early but they haven't seemed to be very focused on making babies. Some days I see both birds near the nest, other times, I don't see either of them. This morning, I happened to see one sitting very low in the nest calling to its mate. Do you all think they might finally have some eggs up there?!?!

Please share your thoughts and any photos you've captured of these birds in the comments.



Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges

06/08/2026

Friends of Bombay Hook needs store volunteers!

Hello Friends!!!!
We love operating the Blue Heron Gift Shoppe but we can't do it without volunteers. We are in some serious need for store help. We only ask for 4 hr shifts. Even if you can only come out once a month, it makes a big difference.

9-12:30 or 12:30-4
M-Sunday
15% discount in store

Week days and weekends needed.

Training is provided, please email me at: [email protected]

Thanks and please share!

06/04/2026

Enjoy this week's Purple Martin report from Jean Solomon with photos provided by Cindy Misner!

Tuesday's check reveals an active and productive colony! After a late arrival, likely due to cold spring weather, the three existing towers are 100% occupied for a total of 72 nests. Of those nests, 17 have eggs! Purple Martin eggs incubate for 15-16 days so we hope to see our first hatchlings later next week.

In other big news, it appears we have our first pair of birds setting up housekeeping in the new tower by the visitor center! It is unusual to attract Martins to a new setup so quickly, but this pair has been seen making multiple trips a day bringing nesting materials to the gourd. Thanks to the Martin team and to all that keep an eye on the colonies offering daily activity reports! Please join us Tuesday mornings at 9am to watch and/or assist with nest checks.



Southern Delaware Tourism Delaware Bayshore Byway Southern Delaware Explorer Magazine Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges Experience Delaware River Region Explore Coastal Delaware The Delaware Project Delaware Greenways The Delaware Project

06/03/2026

Welcome back for another episode of Plove Cove!

This year at Fowler Beach our Piping Plovers have hit the ground running on the hunt for love. Plover flirting is a showy affair – males fly around their territory in a figure-eight pattern while peeping constantly to both attract a lady and ward off rival males. Once they’ve attracted an eligible lady, they’ll have to work hard to keep her affection!

Several early couples are forming, but tensions are high as the single males try to steal the attention of the coupled ladies. For the past few years, male Blueberry has been a bit of a player and nested with different females, but this year he’s been busy wooing Furiosa, his mate from 2024. Unfortunately for Blueberry, David also has his sights set on Furiosa, and he has been intruding on Blueberry’s territory to try to turn her head!

So far, Furiosa and Blueberry are having none of David’s shenanigans, and they work together to chase the troublemaker away. Since Blueberry and David have neighboring territories on Plove Cove, only time will tell if David can manage to win Furiosa over to his side! Still, it's early days, and we are expecting the arrival of more single ladies looking for love. There’s plenty of time for someone new to shake things up, so stay tuned for the next installment of Plove Cove!

**
This series was conceived by and is being written collaboratively by the A-Team, the three women who're working with the beach-nesting birds this season: Erin, Jaclyn, and Clare.
**

(All media captured by trained personnel during routine threatened and endangered species monitoring activities or during state and federally sanctioned research activities under permits from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.)



Southern Delaware Tourism Delaware Bayshore Byway Southern Delaware Explorer Magazine Delaware Greenways The Delaware Project Visit Delaware Spotlight Delaware Explore Coastal Delaware Experience Delaware River Region

06/02/2026

'Fess up. How many of you have stopped walking the Boardwalk Trail because it makes you feel claustrophobic? Here's a look at today's views from both boardwalks. Thanks to staff for getting it done! Now lace up your walking shoes and hit the trail!



Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges Explore Coastal Delaware Experience Delaware River Region Southern Delaware Tourism Delaware Bayshore Byway Southern Delaware Explorer Magazine Delaware Greenways Visit Delaware The Delaware Project Spotlight Delaware

06/01/2026

There's been so much happening at the refuge that I haven't had time to share my photos of what I've seen around the refuge in the past week. Special thanks to Randy Fisher for the photo of the Common Nighthawk!



Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges Explore Coastal Delaware Experience Delaware River Region The Delaware Project Southern Delaware Tourism Delaware Bayshore Byway Southern Delaware Explorer Magazine Visit Delaware Delaware Greenways Spotlight Delaware