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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail4 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 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

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026C&O Canal--Edwards Ferry1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

75/29/2026

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

35/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

45/29/2026

American Crow

15/29/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/29/2026

American Goldfinch

35/29/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/29/2026

Northern Parula

25/29/2026

Scarlet Tanager

15/29/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/29/2026

Mallard

35/28/2026

Hooded Merganser

15/28/2026

Chimney Swift

25/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

85/28/2026

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.