Photo Gallery of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

"Solitude in the presence of natural beauty and grandeur is the cradle of thought and aspirations which are not only good for the individual, but which society could ill do without." ~ John S. Mill

Prime Hook National Wildlife refuge was established in 1963 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act for use as a sanctuary for migratory birds. The refuge is in Milton, Delaware on the western shore of the Delaware Bay and is recognized as one of finest wetland habitat areas along the Atlantic Coast. It consists of 10,000 acres featuring freshwater and salt marshes, woodlands, grasslands, scrub-brush habitats, ponds, bottom-land forested areas, and a 7 mile long creek. Approximately 296 species of birds, 37 different mammals and 38 species of reptiles seek refuge within the wildlife's boundaries including some species which are endangered such as the Delmarva fox squirrel, nesting bald eagles and migrating peregrine falcons. Many species of birds pass through the area every fall and spring.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is not only an oasis for wildlife but also for people who can get out and enjoy the natural beauty of this area.

The refuge is open to the public for wildlife-oriented recreation. Facilities include walking trails, a canoe trail, a bird blind and other wildlife observation areas, and a visitors center.

The photos in this hub were all taken by Gail Sobotkin during late November, 2011 and October 2012.

The views around the wetlands are stunningly beautiful and change momentarily depending upon whether the sun is shining, the sky is dotted with white fluffy clouds or more ominous dark clouds are rolling in. On this late fall afternoon I experienced all three scenarios which made for some dramatically different photos. The wetland area was extremely peaceful and soothing as the only people there at the time of my visit were my husband and myself.

The walk onto the Delaware Bay was breathtaking as thousands of waterfowl were spread out along the shoreline and on the bay. Now the near total silence that we'd experienced by the wetlands was a cacophony of squawking waterfowl and rhythmically lapping waves. It is an absolutely thrilling sound and view.

"Everything that ever walked or crawled the face of the earth, swum the depths of the ocean or soared through the skies left its imprint here." ~ Robert M. Fresco

"All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God." ~ Thomas Browne

One of the best things about walking along the Delaware Bay is the driftwood, seaweed balls, seashells, fish egg casings, horseshoe crab shells, soft shell crabs and other natural items that wash up onshore and form what I like to refer to as "natural sea art". I simply photograph it as I find it. Hope you enjoy looking at this "natural sea art" as much as I enjoyed photographing it.

For those of you who would like to learn more about Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and experience some more views of this beautiful area I am including a four part video series. Each video is only a few minutes long and is an enjoyable way of expanding your knowledge about wildlife and the importance of preserving refuges such as this one.