Coastal birding habitat

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

7/21/2026Hillsmere Shores Community Beach, Annapolis (private)1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/21/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/21/2026Sandy Point State Park3 observed

Greater White-fronted x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser albifrons x Branta canadensis

7/21/2026Sandy Point State Park1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/20/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour4 observed

Sandwich Tern (Cabot's)

Thalasseus sandvicensis

7/20/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/20/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/20/2026133 Kilby Pt, Queenstown US-MD 38.85533, -76.204442 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/17/2026Hillsmere Beach1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/17/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/16/2026Gannon Farm North (private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

27/21/2026

Mallard

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

37/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Laughing Gull

17/21/2026

Forster's Tern

67/21/2026

Snowy Egret

167/21/2026

Green Heron

57/21/2026

Great Egret

17/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

Bald Eagle

17/21/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

27/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Carolina Chickadee

37/21/2026

Purple Martin

7/21/2026

Barn Swallow

97/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/21/2026

Carolina Wren

27/21/2026

European Starling

7/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead) for birding?
The best months to visit Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead)?
Notable species at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead) include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Mallard, Great Blue Heron, Blue Jay. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead)?
Birding at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead)?
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Horsehead) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.