a blue and white bird sitting on top of a green bush

Blue Mash Nature Trail

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Blue Mash Nature Trail is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/20267 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt US-MD 39.00197, -76.881491 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail4 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Wootton's Mill Park1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/30/2026Lake Whetstone1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

55/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

75/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

55/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

45/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Chimney Swift

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Tree Swallow

35/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/30/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blue Mash Nature Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Blue Mash Nature Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blue Mash Nature Trail?
Notable species at Blue Mash Nature Trail include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, American Black Duck, Tundra Swan, American Woodcock, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blue Mash Nature Trail?
Birding at Blue Mash Nature Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Blue Mash Nature Trail?
There is no entrance fee at Blue Mash Nature Trail. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Blue Mash Nature Trail?
Blue Mash Nature Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.