River/Riparian birding habitat

Back River WWTP

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Back River WWTP is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/21/2026East West Blvd, W of Rustling Oaks Dr3 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/21/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Masonville Cove1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/20/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour4 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/16/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/15/2026I-895 S, Brooklyn US-MD 39.23069, -76.622811 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island25 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

17/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1507/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

97/21/2026

Osprey

57/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

European Starling

37/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

American Robin

27/21/2026

House Sparrow

17/21/2026

House Finch

17/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/21/2026

American Black Duck

37/21/2026

Chimney Swift

57/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/20/2026

Blue Jay

27/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/20/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

27/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Back River WWTP for birding?
The best months to visit Back River WWTP for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Back River WWTP?
Notable species at Back River WWTP include Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Turkey Vulture, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Back River WWTP?
Birding at Back River WWTP is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Back River WWTP?
Back River WWTP offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.