Coastal birding habitat

Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/29/2026Assateague I. NS--Life of the Marsh1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026The Cottage Golf Course Rd., W. Ocean City US-MD1 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/27/2026Chincoteague Island Nature Trail1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

5/27/2026Assateague Island (Virginia)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/26/2026Sinepuxent Bay Boat Trip3 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

5/26/2026Ocean City--Sunset Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/26/20267 Beach Side Mews, Ocean City US-MD (38.3911,-75.0718)2 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

5/25/2026Ocean City Inlet15 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Nighthawk

15/30/2026

American Oystercatcher

55/30/2026

Willet

245/30/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

1005/30/2026

Red Knot

115/30/2026

Sanderling

2705/30/2026

Laughing Gull

555/30/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

55/30/2026

Least Tern

25/30/2026

Forster's Tern

25/30/2026

Common Tern

15/30/2026

Royal Tern

25/30/2026

Common Loon

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

285/30/2026

Brown Pelican

245/30/2026

Black Vulture

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/30/2026

Carolina Wren

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

Field Sparrow

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone for birding?
The best months to visit Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone?
Notable species at Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone?
Birding at Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone?
Assateague I. National Seashore - OSV Zone offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.