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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/27/2026Bishops Head1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

5/20/2026Calvert Cliffs State Park1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

5/19/20263101–3145 Elliott Island Rd, Vienna US-MD 38.35038, -75.937411 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Purple Martin

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

45/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

35/31/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

155/31/2026

Common Grackle

35/31/2026

Canada Goose

185/30/2026

Mallard

55/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

265/30/2026

Glossy Ibis

85/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

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.