Broad Creek, in Laurel, DE, is a spot we return to often. Beginning at Roger C Fisher River Park in Laurel the three miles downstream to Bethel, DE is surrounded by hardwood forest. An occasional cypress tree reminds us we are at the northern edge of cypress swamps.

The hardwood trees lining the banks are filled with birds and by floating gently one will spot many of the assortment of birds. On June 2, 2025 we launched in the early afternoon while the tide was high. This allowed us to paddle into all of the side guts and streams lining Broad Creek. It was a bird filled day. Some we captured in photo. Some we identified using the Merlin app by their song.

We highly recommend this stretch of Broad Creek for those interested in a relaxing paddle and birding. By the time we reached Bethel, paddled in many of the side guts and returned to Laurel we had completed over five miles.

A male red bellied woodpecker looking for insects.

An Eastern Kingbird guarding it’s nest.

Great Blue Heron

We spotted a heron rookery high in some pine trees, the type of location herons prefer for a rookery.

Bald Eagle sightings are guaranteed on Broad Creek.

Osprey are abundant along Broad Creek, particularly on the section from Bethel downstream to Phillips Landing.

Roger C Fisher Park is on 6th Street in Laurel.

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