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

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026100 Warner Drive, Chestertown, Maryland, US (39.231, -76.068)2 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/16/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/15/2026Sandy Point State Park1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/15/2026Offshore North Of Poplar Island, Maryland, US (38.801, -76.359)2 observed

Sandwich Tern (Cabot's)

Thalasseus sandvicensis

7/15/2026Offshore South Of Kent Point, Stevensville, Maryland, US (38.83, -76.373)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

107/16/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/16/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/16/2026

Virginia Rail

37/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/16/2026

Laughing Gull

67/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

207/16/2026

American Herring Gull

37/16/2026

Least Tern

107/16/2026

Caspian Tern

17/16/2026

Forster's Tern

407/16/2026

Common Tern

17/16/2026

Royal Tern

57/16/2026

Common Loon

17/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

807/16/2026

Green Heron

57/16/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

17/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/16/2026

Osprey

87/16/2026

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.