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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/20/2026Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis US-MD 38.84449, -76.460432 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

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/19/2026Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, Prince Frederick US-MD (38.4901,-76.5915)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026North Beach--fishing pier3 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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/16/2026Fairhaven1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/16/2026North Beach-9119 Bay Avenue1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/15/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

297/20/2026

Mallard

397/20/2026

Laughing Gull

57/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/20/2026

Forster's Tern

77/20/2026

Snowy Egret

17/20/2026

Green Heron

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/20/2026

Purple Martin

17/20/2026

Barn Swallow

87/20/2026

European Starling

37/20/2026

House Sparrow

7/20/2026

Song Sparrow

37/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

167/20/2026

Common Grackle

47/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/20/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

27/14/2026

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.