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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/21/20265298 Lakeview1 observed

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

37/9/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/9/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

87/9/2026

Willet

7/9/2026

Sanderling

27/9/2026

Laughing Gull

137/9/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/9/2026

American Herring Gull

27/9/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

387/9/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

17/9/2026

Least Tern

67/9/2026

Forster's Tern

47/9/2026

Common Tern

57/9/2026

Roseate Tern

27/9/2026

Sandwich Tern

47/9/2026

Royal Tern

477/9/2026

Brown Pelican

177/9/2026

Osprey

17/9/2026

Fish Crow

27/9/2026

Purple Martin

37/9/2026

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.