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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/16/2026118–172 Saw Mill Rd, Townsend US-DE 39.34896, -75.745891 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/16/2026118–172 Saw Mill Rd, Townsend US-DE 39.34896, -75.745891 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Springlawn Road, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, US (39.737, -75.866)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Springlawn Road, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, US (39.737, -75.866)1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Blackbird State Forest Tybout Tract, Smyrna US-DE 39.34193, -75.683061 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/15/2026University of Delaware Farm1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/15/2026277 Thoroughfare Neck Rd, Townsend US-DE (39.3759,-75.5478)1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

4/14/2026stakeout Eurasian Collared-Dove, Havre de Grace (2024–2025)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/13/2026Bethel WMA1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/13/2026Bethel WMA1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/13/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/13/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/13/2026Swan Harbor Farm Park2 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/12/2026Unnamed Road, North East, Maryland, US (39.571, -75.905)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/13/2026

Wood Duck

14/13/2026

Mourning Dove

14/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/13/2026

Dunlin

14/13/2026

Great Egret

14/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/13/2026

Osprey

24/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

34/13/2026

American Crow

14/13/2026

Fish Crow

14/13/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/13/2026

Tree Swallow

114/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/13/2026

Carolina Wren

34/13/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/13/2026

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.