Wetland birding habitat

Bethel Wildlife Management Area

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bethel Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Tundra Swan 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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/20/2026Thousand Acre Marsh1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/19/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/19/2026Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace2 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/19/2026Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii)

Larus fuscus

7/19/2026Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/17/2026Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace2 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/16/20261000 Chesapeake Dr, Havre de Grace US-MD (39.5356,-76.0981)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/13/2026Thousand Acre Marsh2 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

7/12/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

17/19/2026

Mourning Dove

47/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/19/2026

Osprey

37/19/2026

Bald Eagle

17/19/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

American Crow

27/19/2026

Tree Swallow

147/19/2026

Gray Catbird

17/19/2026

Brown Thrasher

47/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

47/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/19/2026

Common Grackle

87/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/19/2026

Blue Grosbeak

27/19/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bethel Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Bethel Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bethel Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Bethel Wildlife Management Area include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Tundra Swan, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bethel Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Bethel Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bethel Wildlife Management Area?
Bethel Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.