black and brown bird

C&O Canal - Violette's Lock

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

C&O Canal - Violette's Lock is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/20/2026Welsh Park, Rockville1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/19/2026Gunners Lake1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/19/2026Lake Fairfax Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

17/18/2026

Common Merganser

37/18/2026

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Chimney Swift

77/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

107/18/2026

Great Egret

47/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Bald Eagle

57/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

47/18/2026

American Crow

27/18/2026

Fish Crow

27/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/18/2026

Bank Swallow

17/18/2026

Tree Swallow

507/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

1107/18/2026

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 C&O Canal - Violette's Lock for birding?
The best months to visit C&O Canal - Violette's Lock for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock?
Notable species at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, American Kestrel, Carolina Chickadee. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock?
Birding at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock?
There is no entrance fee at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock?
C&O Canal - Violette's Lock offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.