white and black bird flying during daytime

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$3 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan 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

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

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

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

Canada Goose

65/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

35/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

85/31/2026

Snowy Egret

35/31/2026

Great Egret

75/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

125/31/2026

Black Vulture

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

105/31/2026

Osprey

65/31/2026

Bald Eagle

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

45/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

55/31/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

25/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
The entrance fee at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is $3 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.