Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Maryland · Northeast
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
Bufflehead
Bucephala albeola
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotos
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
Black Skimmer
Rynchops niger
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianus
Greater Scaup
Aythya marila
Tundra Swan (Whistling)
Cygnus columbianus
Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus carolinus
White Ibis
Eudocimus albus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Common Gallinule
Short-billed Dowitcher
Greater Yellowlegs
Canada Goose
Mallard
Semipalmated Plover
Dunlin
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Northern House Wren
European Starling
American Robin
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
- 2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
Amenities
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 →