Coastal birding habitat

Assateague Island National Seashore

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Assateague Island National Seashore is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 290 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, and Great Blue Heron 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

6/2/2026Figgs Landing Rd.4 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

5/31/202610361 Hotel Road, Bishopville, Maryland, US (38.444, -75.207)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Rackcliffe House and trails1 observed

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

5/31/2026Assateague Is. km 8-91 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Brown Pelican

36/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

46/2/2026

Field Sparrow

26/2/2026

Eastern Towhee

16/2/2026

Prairie Warbler

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/2/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

16/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/2/2026

Willet

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

46/2/2026

American Herring Gull

46/2/2026

Fish Crow

36/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/2/2026

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 Island National Seashore for birding?
The best months to visit Assateague Island National Seashore for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Assateague Island National Seashore?
Notable species at Assateague Island National Seashore include Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron, Yellow-rumped Warbler. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Assateague Island National Seashore?
Birding at Assateague Island National Seashore is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Assateague Island National Seashore?
Assateague Island National Seashore offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.