Coastal Delaware is home to a diverse range of fascinating wildlife. Whether you’re combing the shorelines, exploring tide pools, or just lounging on the beach, the unique creatures that inhabit the region make every encounter special. Here are a few examples of the wildlife in Coastal Delaware that you might be lucky enough to see!
Life in the Tide Pools
Tide pools along the Delaware coast teem with life, from tiny sand shrimp to colorful mollusks. Hermit crabs, whelks, and moon snails roam the shallow waters, searching for food or shelter. While hermit crabs often hide in abandoned shells, whelks and moon snails are hunters. These creatures, despite their delicate appearance, are some of the top predators in the tide pool ecosystem. Moon snails, for example, drill through clam shells to extract their meals, showcasing the fascinating circle of life in these habitats.
As you explore the tide pools, you might also see small fish like killifish or spot blue crabs and lady crabs scuttling across the sand. With the changing tides, you never know what you’ll discover, but remember to tread lightly and respect the fragile environment by leaving the wildlife undisturbed. Two great places to find tide pooling in the area are Cape Henlopen State Park and the beaches of Lewes — both close to our upcoming neighborhood Suncrest.
Birds Along the Shoreline
Delaware’s beaches are home to a variety of bird species, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. One of the most notable sights is the shorebird migration each May, when species like the red knot, dunlin, and ruddy turnstone make their way through Delaware Bay. These birds feast on horseshoe crab eggs, fueling up for their long journey to the Arctic. If you’d like to see this exciting event in person, the DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor is one of the best places to do it.
Other birds, such as sanderlings, are frequently seen chasing the receding waves to catch small crabs and clams. If you’re lucky, you may also spot majestic ospreys or bald eagles hunting along the coastline, diving feet-first into the water to snatch their prey.
Marine Life in the Surf
The surf itself is full of surprises. While you might notice the usual suspects like sand crabs or jellyfish, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins leaping out of the water. Common bottlenose dolphins are a frequent sight in Delaware’s coastal waters, traveling in pods and occasionally putting on playful displays for beachgoers. In rare cases, you might even catch a glimpse of seals basking on the rocks, or spot a stingray gliding through the shallow waters. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is a great place to catch a glimpse of them — or you could book a dolphin watch cruise!
For those who love beachcombing, Delaware’s shores are also home to the world’s largest horseshoe crab breeding ground, a remarkable spectacle each May and June. These ancient creatures, with their hard shells and spiked tails, add to the diverse array of wildlife in Coastal Delaware.
Experience Wildlife in Coastal Delaware as a Local
There is a plethora of wildlife that call Coastal Delaware home — and you can, too. Foxlane Homes is currently building impeccable luxury homes in two incredible locations: The Knoll at Irons Lane in Dagsboro, DE, and Sweetbay in Frankford, DE. (Hurry, only one home at Sweetbay remains!) You can also look forward to our newest neighborhood in Coastal Delaware, Suncrest, coming soon to Lewes. Schedule a tour to see our models in person and learn more about these special homes and neighborhoods.