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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026White Horse Park, Berlin US-MD 38.39867, -75.159781 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/15/2026Bear Swamp1 observed

Common Yellowthroat (trichas Group)

Geothlypis trichas

4/14/2026Atlantic White Cedar2 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/14/2026Colbourne Mill Rd.1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/12/2026Pocomoke SF--Blades Road3 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/12/2026Nassawango Creek--Mt. Olive Church (TNC)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/12/2026Nassawango Creek--Mt. Olive Church (TNC)1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

4/11/2026Assateague I. NS--Pine Tree1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

4/11/2026Nassawango Creek--Mt. Olive Church (TNC)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

24/12/2026

Canada Goose

24/2/2026

Mallard

34/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

214/2/2026

Wild Turkey

44/2/2026

Mourning Dove

14/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

14/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/2/2026

Laughing Gull

174/2/2026

American Herring Gull

64/2/2026

Great Egret

34/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/2/2026

Osprey

14/2/2026

American Crow

34/2/2026

Fish Crow

34/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/2/2026

Carolina Wren

24/2/2026

European Starling

114/2/2026

Gray Catbird

14/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/2/2026

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.