C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Wood Duck Mallard Canvasback Ring-necked Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/21/2026Rock Creek Park--Beach Drive west of Kensington Parkway1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)2 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/20/2026Gunners Lake1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/19/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/21/2026

Black Vulture

17/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/21/2026

American Crow

67/21/2026

Horned Lark

27/21/2026

Gray Catbird

17/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/21/2026

American Robin

57/21/2026

American Goldfinch

57/21/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/21/2026

Field Sparrow

27/21/2026

Song Sparrow

37/21/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/21/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/21/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/21/2026

Carolina Wren

37/21/2026

Eastern Bluebird

37/21/2026

Wood Thrush

17/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

167/21/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Maryland

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland's premier birding refuge with nesting Bald Eagles and vast tidal marshes.

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.

Maryland Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Maryland →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock for birding?▼

The best months to visit C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock?▼

Notable species at C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock?▼

Birding at C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock?▼

C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.