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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026home1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Carrie Murray Nature Center1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Road1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026Lake Roland1 observed

California Gull

Larus californicus

5/29/2026Harbor Hospital1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

55/30/2026

House Sparrow

45/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/30/2026

American Kestrel

25/30/2026

Canada Goose

55/30/2026

Mallard

55/30/2026

Least Tern

355/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/30/2026

Green Heron

15/30/2026

Osprey

25/30/2026

Fish Crow

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

15/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

65/30/2026

European Starling

85/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

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.