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

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/31/2026Wilmington Airport1000 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/31/2026Swan Harbor Farm Park9 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/31/2026Swan Harbor Farm Park1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/31/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Home:110 E. Wallace Ave NE1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Augustine Wildlife Area--Ashton Tract1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/31/2026Charles E. Price Memorial Park2 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

5/31/2026Swan Harbor Farm Park3 observed

Seaside Sparrow

Ammospiza maritima

5/31/2026Stave Landing Rd. - The Rocks Tract1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/25/2026

Mourning Dove

15/25/2026

Killdeer

15/25/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/25/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/25/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/25/2026

European Starling

85/25/2026

American Robin

25/25/2026

Cedar Waxwing

35/25/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/25/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/25/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/25/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/25/2026

Least Tern

15/25/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/25/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/25/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/25/2026

Purple Martin

35/25/2026

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.