Wetland birding habitat

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 281 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, 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

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Calams Run1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/16/2026Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Church Creek US-MD 38.44398, -76.106491 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/15/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive2 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/13/2026Key Wallace Road, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge US-MD 38.44831, -76.095501 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

4/12/2026Greenbrier Swamp--Bucktown Rd.1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/11/2026Blackwater NWR--Maple Dam Rd.1 observed

Tundra Swan (Whistling)

Cygnus columbianus

4/11/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

54/11/2026

Wood Duck

14/11/2026

Mallard

44/11/2026

American Black Duck

24/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

104/11/2026

Mourning Dove

14/11/2026

King Rail

24/11/2026

Killdeer

14/11/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/11/2026

Dunlin

34/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/11/2026

Great Egret

54/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

84/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/11/2026

Osprey

24/11/2026

Bald Eagle

34/11/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Northern Flicker

14/11/2026

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 Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.