Wetland birding habitat

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 278 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and American Wigeon 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

Northern Cardinal (Common)

Cardinalis cardinalis

4/15/2026Washington College, Chestertown1 observed

American Robin (migratorius Group)

Turdus migratorius

4/15/2026Washington College, Chestertown1 observed

Turkey Vulture (Northern)

Cathartes aura

4/15/2026Washington College, Chestertown1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/15/2026Fort Smallwood Park1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/15/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/15/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

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

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/14/2026133 Kilby Pt, Queenstown US-MD 38.85534, -76.204472 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

34/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/12/2026

Osprey

34/12/2026

Bald Eagle

34/12/2026

Blue Jay

14/12/2026

Tree Swallow

34/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/12/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/12/2026

American Robin

24/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

34/12/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/12/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

104/12/2026

Palm Warbler

14/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/12/2026

Canada Goose

14/12/2026

Gadwall

24/12/2026

American Black Duck

334/12/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

44/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.