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

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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

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/15/2026Greenbelt Lake - Buddy Attick Lake Park1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

4/15/2026Greenbelt Lake - Buddy Attick Lake Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/15/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/15/2026Schooley Mill Park1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/15/2026Kerwin Home1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/15/2026Cavey Lane Yard1 observed

American Coot (Red-shielded)

Fulica americana

4/15/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA3 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/15/202611A Laurel Hill Road, Greenbelt, MD2 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/15/2026Hughes Rd. polo fields1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/15/2026McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area Trail System, Poolesville US-MD 39.08358, -77.405141 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

Killdeer

44/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/14/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

64/14/2026

American Crow

14/14/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/14/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/14/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/14/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/14/2026

American Robin

74/14/2026

Purple Finch

14/14/2026

American Goldfinch

34/14/2026

Chipping Sparrow

44/14/2026

Field Sparrow

64/14/2026

White-throated Sparrow

64/14/2026

Song Sparrow

14/14/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/14/2026

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.