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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/21/20263118 Bay View Dr, Church Creek US-MD 38.37247, -76.260832 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/20/2026Hurlock WWTP1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026Hurlock WWTP3 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/20/2026Hurlock WWTP1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/14/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Orchard Oriole (Orchard)

Icterus spurius

7/12/2026Le Compte WMA1 observed

Purple Martin (subis/arboricola)

Progne subis

7/12/2026Le Compte WMA1 observed

American Robin (migratorius Group)

Turdus migratorius

7/12/2026Le Compte WMA2 observed

Common Yellowthroat (trichas Group)

Geothlypis trichas

7/12/2026Le Compte WMA4 observed

Eastern Bluebird (Eastern)

Sialia sialis

7/12/2026Le Compte WMA10 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/10/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

47/21/2026

Forster's Tern

37/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/21/2026

Northern Harrier

17/21/2026

Bald Eagle

37/21/2026

Purple Martin

27/21/2026

Marsh Wren

57/21/2026

Seaside Sparrow

17/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

197/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/21/2026

Clapper Rail

17/12/2026

Laughing Gull

47/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/12/2026

Osprey

27/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/12/2026

American Goldfinch

27/12/2026

Song Sparrow

37/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/12/2026

Blue Grosbeak

27/12/2026

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.