Pelicans in Delaware in May
Yes, May is a good month to see pelicans in Delaware. It is the 6th busiest month of the year, with 25 of the 310 sightings logged across the year (8.1%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in Delaware
8.1%
of yearly sightings
25
records in May
#6
busiest month of 12
310
verified records a year
April 1.3%, May 8.1%, June 12.9%. Busiest month is July at 20%.
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 |
In Delaware, May carries 8.1% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 0.2 points below an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 6th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (1.3%) into May, and it heads toward June (12.9%) after. The busiest month is July (20%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in Delaware are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- Brown Pelican278 records
- American White Pelican32 records
Plan your pelican trip in Delaware
Start with live tours near Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Delaware.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Delaware
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in Delaware in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 25 of the 310 verified pelicans sightings logged in Delaware across the year, which is 8.1% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see pelicans in Delaware?+
May is the 6th busiest month. It is workable, though July and August is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in Delaware?+
July is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through July, August and September, based on 310 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Delaware?+
The most-recorded species in Delaware are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in Delaware in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Delaware