Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Maryland · Northeast
Easy
October-March
$3 per vehicle
Dawn to dusk, visitor center 9 AM - 4 PM
About This Location
Blackwater NWR on Maryland's Eastern Shore hosts one of the highest concentrations of nesting Bald Eagles on the East Coast, along with tens of thousands of wintering waterfowl. The refuge's vast tidal marshes, forests, and open water habitats make it one of the mid-Atlantic's top birding destinations.
The Wildlife Drive offers outstanding roadside birding, and the observation tower provides panoramic views of the marsh. Over 250 species have been recorded, including rare species like Black Rail and Swainson's Warbler in appropriate seasons.
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
Orchard Oriole (Orchard)
Icterus spurius
Purple Martin (subis/arboricola)
Progne subis
American Robin (migratorius Group)
Turdus migratorius
Common Yellowthroat (trichas Group)
Geothlypis trichas
Eastern Bluebird (Eastern)
Sialia sialis
White Ibis
Eudocimus albus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Eastern Kingbird
Tufted Titmouse
Barn Swallow
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Chipping Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Summer Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Birding Tips
- 1
Take the Wildlife Drive in early morning for the best eagle and waterfowl viewing
- 2
Climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the marsh — bring a scope
- 3
Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors
- 4
Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument
- Cambridge waterfront
More in Maryland
Rock Creek Park
DC's largest urban forest with spring warbler migration, breeding owls, and Pileated Woodpeckers.
C&O Canal National Historical Park
184-mile riparian corridor along the Potomac with exceptional spring warbler diversity and Bald Eagles.
Assateague I. National Seashore - Bayside peninsula (point, campground & marsh trail)
Wetland birding hotspot in Maryland with 281 recorded species.
Maryland Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Maryland →