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

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

Canada Goose

177/19/2026

American Black Duck

67/19/2026

Mourning Dove

107/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

37/19/2026

Clapper Rail

27/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

57/19/2026

Killdeer

127/19/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

347/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

137/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

197/19/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

127/19/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

647/19/2026

American Herring Gull

17/19/2026

Least Tern

157/19/2026

Caspian Tern

47/19/2026

Forster's Tern

107/19/2026

Least Bittern

17/19/2026

Great Egret

47/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

127/19/2026

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.