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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

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

Turkey Vulture

37/18/2026

Barn Swallow

17/18/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

17/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

37/16/2026

American Goldfinch

27/16/2026

Killdeer

17/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Western Sandpiper

27/15/2026

Least Tern

27/15/2026

Forster's Tern

27/15/2026

Great Egret

17/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/15/2026

Osprey

47/15/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/15/2026

Bald Eagle

27/15/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/15/2026

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.