Bombay Hook is a 15,978-acre National Wildlife Reserve located on the Western Shore of the Delaware Bay and is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Washington, DC. Bombay Hook was established in 1937 as a link in the chain of refuges that extends from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It is primarily a refuge and breeding ground for migrating birds and other wildlife. The marsh, with its intersecting tidal streams and rivers, provides excellent natural habitat for the birds and mammals of the area.

We will also visit the Allee house built in 1753 that is located on the wildlife refuge. The house that Abraham Allee built at Bombay Hook features fine brickwork laid in Flemish bond with a few glazed header bricks. The interior of the house is distinguished by the handsome wood paneling of the parlor.

The Refuge is rich with nature trails, observation towers, and a 12-mile auto-tour route. This auto-tour route makes it easy to just stop, get out of your car and set up your camera gear. The photo opportunities are endless. Throughout the day (especially on these cold, sunny fall days) and through sunset the golden marsh grass and the deep blue waters make a beautiful backdrop for these migrating birds.

There are numerous species of migratory birds that can be seen during the time of our trip which include: great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, green backed heron, glossy ibis, various sandpipers, red-tailed and northern harrier hawks, snow geese, Canadian geese, wood duck, American black duck and other wintering ducks just to name a few. To watch thousands of snow geese fly at sunset is a spectacular site, not to mention the sound.

Dress warm, in layers, as the weather is unpredictable. December can be pretty cold, but we will be close to our cars if we can need to get warm. Be sure to bring a hat and gloves, even some of those hand warmers that last for several hours. These can be purchased at sporting goods stores. They come in handy on those really cold fall days.

You may also want to bring snacks and a warm beverage in a thermos. There are restaurants in the area that we will drive to for lunch and there are restrooms at the visitor's center when you enter the refuge.

This is one of the most spectacular of our field trips and we are sure you will have a great time!

Price does not include lodging, but does include two sunsets and a sunrise.

Recommended lodging is the Best Western in Smyrna, De.