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Beaches serve as the main event for many visiting Delaware during the summer. However, sunbathing can’t hold a candle to the throngs of horseshoe crabs and thousands of migrating shorebirds that visit the Delaware Bay as the season begins. 
Each May and June an amazing display of nature unfolds on the shores of the Delaware Bay. Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds converge on this region to feast on the eggs of the horseshoe crab.
As many as 30 species of shorebirds and up to a million birds may visit the Delaware Bay between May and June. The Delaware Bay is a major stop for shorebirds traveling from their wintering grounds in South America to the breeding grounds in the Canadian Arctic. Shorebirds, like the Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Dunlin, have made non-stop flights of up to 5,000 miles and arrive weary and low in weight.
The birds’ arrival in May perfectly coincides with spawning and egg laying of the horseshoe crab. The shorebirds come to rest and gorge themselves on the protein-packed eggs so they can continue the long journeys to their Arctic breeding grounds.
Experience the Horseshoe Crab-Shorebird Phenomenon
- DNREC's Dupont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve 2992 Lighthouse Road near Slaughter Beach, Delaware (302) 422-1329 The distinctive red-roofed center includes an observation deck with telescopes to view the harbor, bay and shoreline and the animals that inhabit the area. Large outdoor tanks hold live, adult horseshoe crabs allowing visitors to see and touch one of the longest-surviving creatures on earth. Inside the center, visitors can view shorebirds and horseshoe crabs along the shoreline more than 100 yards away, courtesy of a remote camera and a 42-inch plasma viewing screen. An indoor tank containing juvenile horseshoe crabs is on-display inside the center.
Explore the Delaware Bay
- The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary unveiled ecoDelaware.com, a new website promoting ecotourism events and destinations throughout the State of Delaware. The mission of ecoDelaware.com is to increase awareness, appreciation and, ultimately, environmental stewardship for Delaware’s creeks, rivers, and estuaries. This website not only equips users to experience these destinations, but it also features outdoor events and preplanned “ecotours,” the latter of which helps to cut down on exhaustive research that can often hinder an excursion.
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Volunteer with the Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey
Since 1990, surveys have been conducted of horseshoe crabs spawning in Delaware Bay. Despite the horseshoe crab’s importance to the ecology of the Bay, little is known about its population status. Spawning surveys give scientists an index of the spawning population to assist them in the management of the species. Now, every spring on several peak spawning days, volunteers donate their time to count crabs on key beaches in Delaware and in New Jersey.
Volunteer with the Delaware Shorebird Project
The Delaware Shorebird Project is a dedicated team of scientists, local volunteers, researchers and birders working to mitigate the threat to our shorebirds. Since 1997, they have researched the populations and health of migratory shorebirds. Their research is vital to an international network that supports and directs shorebird habitat protection and management plans. You can be a part of this important work, helping to preserve this awe-inspiring natural cycle. Find out more about the Delaware Shorebird Project, and how you can get involved.
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Participate by giving public comment on items of interest to you. You are an important stakeholder – the state and federal government need to hear from you!
Get to Know your Legislator in Delaware
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