Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail

Maryland · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Canada Goose Mallard Mourning Dove Ring-billed Gull Pied-billed Grebe

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii)

Larus fuscus

6/2/2026North Beach-9119 Bay Avenue1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

6/1/2026Battle Creek Cypress Swamp1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/1/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

6/1/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/31/2026hillsmere annapolis2 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Patuxent River Park--Selby's Landing1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/29/2026Chesapeake Beach Marina1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/29/2026Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/31/2026

Mallard

255/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

25/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Great Horned Owl

15/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Purple Martin

45/31/2026

Barn Swallow

205/31/2026

Marsh Wren

15/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

House Sparrow

405/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

355/31/2026

Common Grackle

55/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Maryland

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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 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.