Best Time to See Pelicans in Delaware
July, August and September is the best time to see pelicans in Delaware. Based on 310 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Delaware.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
310 verified observations of pelicans in Delaware, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Delaware
Peak month
July
62 records (20% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | 2.6% |
| February | 7 | 2.3% |
| March | 8 | 2.6% |
| April | 4 | 1.3% |
| May | 25 | 8.1% |
| June | 40 | 12.9% |
| Julypeak | 62 | 20% |
| Augustpeak | 61 | 19.7% |
| Septemberpeak | 47 | 15.2% |
| October | 26 | 8.4% |
| November | 20 | 6.5% |
| December | 2 | 0.6% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 278 |
| American White Pelican | 32 |
Sightings of pelicans in Delaware peak in July, when 62 of the year's 310 verified observations are logged — about 20% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and September.
The quietest stretch is December, when pelicans are hardest to find — December sees just 2 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in Delaware are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see pelicans in Delaware
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
- First State National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Cape Henlopen State Park
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a pelican tour in Delaware
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in Delaware.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Delaware?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and September, based on 310 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Delaware?+
December is the quietest month for pelicans in Delaware, with only 2 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Delaware?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Delaware, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Delaware