Wetland birding habitat

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Maple Dam Road

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Maple Dam Road is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Short-eared Owl, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/14/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 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

54/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/14/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

74/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

104/14/2026

Dunlin

34/14/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

24/14/2026

Osprey

24/14/2026

Bald Eagle

34/14/2026

Northern Flicker

14/14/2026

Tree Swallow

34/14/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

14/14/2026

Seaside Sparrow

114/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

204/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

34/14/2026

Common Grackle

104/14/2026

Common Yellowthroat

34/14/2026

Mallard

4/11/2026

Clapper Rail

14/11/2026

Great Egret

4/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

54/11/2026

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