C&O Canal - Pennyfield Lock

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026Sligo Middle School1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026N Boundary Dr, Arlington US-VA 38.87767, -77.052642 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/1/2026Algonkian Regional Park--Sanctuary Trail1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026McMillan Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

503/2/2026

Wood Duck

23/2/2026

Mallard

163/2/2026

Canvasback

13/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

263/2/2026

Greater Scaup

43/2/2026

Lesser Scaup

13/2/2026

Bufflehead

343/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

53/2/2026

Common Merganser

63/2/2026

Mourning Dove

43/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1003/2/2026

American Herring Gull

13/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

73/2/2026

Bald Eagle

33/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/2/2026

Barred Owl

23/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

23/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

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.