Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Canada Goose Rock Pigeon Killdeer Ring-billed Gull Red-bellied Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/21/2026Rock Creek Park--Beach Drive west of Kensington Parkway1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)2 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/21/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/15/2026

Bald Eagle

17/15/2026

Barred Owl

27/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/15/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

27/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/15/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

87/15/2026

Blue Jay

17/15/2026

Common Raven

27/15/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/15/2026

Tree Swallow

57/15/2026

Barn Swallow

37/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

37/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Maryland

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland's premier birding refuge with nesting Bald Eagles and vast tidal marshes.

Rock Creek Park

DC's largest urban forest with spring warbler migration, breeding owls, and Pileated Woodpeckers.

C&O Canal National Historical Park

184-mile riparian corridor along the Potomac with exceptional spring warbler diversity and Bald Eagles.

Maryland Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Maryland →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.