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

Loading map...

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

Canada Goose

4/15/2026

Wood Duck

24/15/2026

Mallard

34/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

14/15/2026

King Rail

14/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

134/15/2026

Great Egret

84/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

64/15/2026

Osprey

74/15/2026

Bald Eagle

4/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

34/15/2026

Blue Jay

44/15/2026

Carolina Chickadee

4/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

4/15/2026

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.

  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.