Wetland birding habitat

Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 281 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/13/2026Chincoteague NWR--Wash Flats30 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/10/2026Tern Raft1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/10/2026Assateague State Park2 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/9/2026Assateague I. NS--OSV Zone2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/9/2026Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

27/21/2026

Willet

87/21/2026

Sanderling

407/21/2026

Laughing Gull

37/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/21/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

17/21/2026

Least Tern

57/21/2026

Forster's Tern

27/21/2026

Common Tern

27/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

Chuck-will's-widow

27/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Glossy Ibis

127/20/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

117/20/2026

Green Heron

27/20/2026

Great Egret

37/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Brown Pelican

77/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail) for birding?
The best months to visit Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail)?
Notable species at Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail) include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail)?
Birding at Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail)?
Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.