Forest birding habitat

Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Killdeer 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

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/2/2026Backyard1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/2/2026BARC--North Farm (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026Wheaton Branch Stormwater Ponds1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/2/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/2/2026Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) 1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/20262610 Belle Crest Lane, Silver Spring, MD1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

6/2/2026Junco Meadow1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/2/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/1/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

6/1/2026Arlington1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/1/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

6/1/2026Brookside Gardens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Dickcissel

16/2/2026

Chimney Swift

26/2/2026

Killdeer

36/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

26/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

16/2/2026

European Starling

106/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

16/2/2026

Chipping Sparrow

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/2/2026

Common Grackle

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

46/2/2026

Indigo Bunting

26/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Beltsville Agricultural Research Center for birding?
The best months to visit Beltsville Agricultural Research Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center?
Notable species at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center?
Birding at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center?
Beltsville Agricultural Research Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.