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

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

6/3/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

6/2/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/2/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026Bishops Head1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/30/2026Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Church Creek US-MD 38.45498, -76.092231 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

5/28/2026Harrison Point Rd, Deal Island US-MD (38.1779,-75.9508)1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/28/2026Blackwater NWR--Visitors Center2 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/27/2026Bishops Head6 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/27/2026Bishops Head4 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

5/26/2026Hurlock WWTP2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/25/2026Hurlock WWTP1 observed

Tundra Swan (Whistling)

Cygnus columbianus

5/25/2026Hurlock WWTP2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/2/2026

American Black Duck

66/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

King Rail

16/2/2026

Clapper Rail

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

16/2/2026

Glossy Ibis

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

56/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Osprey

36/2/2026

Bald Eagle

56/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

116/2/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

Marsh Wren

46/2/2026

European Starling

56/2/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/2/2026

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.