Coastal birding habitat

Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/17/2026Cedarville State Forest (Charles Co.)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/17/2026Flag Ponds Nature Park1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/17/2026Indian Point (private)1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/17/2026Smithsonian Environmental Research Center1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/16/2026PF2Bay1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)41 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/16/2026Gymnocladus Way (Private)1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/16/2026Gymnocladus Way (Private)2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/16/2026Private Residence - Riva US-MD (38.9518,-76.5933)3 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/16/2026Patuxent River Park--Aquasco Farm2 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary1 observed

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

4/15/2026Beverly-Triton Nature Park and Playground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

54/8/2026

Mallard

34/8/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/8/2026

Snowy Egret

24/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/8/2026

Osprey

24/8/2026

Fish Crow

54/8/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/8/2026

Carolina Wren

14/8/2026

European Starling

74/8/2026

House Sparrow

654/8/2026

American Goldfinch

24/8/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/8/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

124/8/2026

Northern Cardinal

44/8/2026

Great Egret

24/5/2026

Black Vulture

24/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/5/2026

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 Beach Railroad Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail?
Notable species at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail?
Birding at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail?
Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.