Wetland birding habitat

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Visitors Center

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Visitors Center is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Snow Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Killdeer

24/15/2026

Great Egret

64/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

84/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Bald Eagle

34/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/15/2026

Common Grackle

44/15/2026

Canada Goose

34/12/2026

Tundra Swan

14/12/2026

Mallard

54/12/2026

Green-winged Teal

84/12/2026

Tree Swallow

4/12/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/12/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/11/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/11/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/11/2026

Chipping Sparrow

44/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/8/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/5/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

34/5/2026

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