Forest birding habitat

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Calvert Cliffs State Park is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked 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

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

6/3/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

6/2/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/2/2026Blackwater NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

6/1/2026Battle Creek Cypress Swamp1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/30/2026Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Church Creek US-MD 38.45498, -76.092231 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/28/2026Blackwater NWR--Visitors Center2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/24/2026Wathen Road1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/23/202641441 Knight Road, Leonardtown, Maryland, US (38.274, -76.641)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/20/2026Blackwater NWR--Pool 51 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Summer Tanager

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

65/28/2026

Wood Duck

15/28/2026

Mourning Dove

25/28/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

35/28/2026

Semipalmated Plover

45/28/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

265/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

145/28/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/28/2026

Black Vulture

15/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/28/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

55/28/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/28/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Calvert Cliffs State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Calvert Cliffs State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Calvert Cliffs State Park?
Notable species at Calvert Cliffs State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Calvert Cliffs State Park?
Birding at Calvert Cliffs State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Calvert Cliffs State Park?
Calvert Cliffs State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.