Forest birding habitat

Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/21/2026Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/21/2026Hagerstown FedEx Ponds1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/18/2026“This is Heaven” - 2200–2298 Gem Rd, Needmore US-PA1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/17/2026Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/17/2026Indian Springs WMA--Blairs Valley Lake1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/14/2026Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/13/2026Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/11/2026I-70 W, Clear Spring US-MD 39.65123, -77.876521 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/9/2026Corner of Basin Dr. and Catch Release Ct.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

American Kestrel

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

407/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/18/2026

Canada Goose

207/18/2026

Gray Catbird

17/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

American Robin

27/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

57/18/2026

Black Vulture

17/18/2026

Fish Crow

17/18/2026

European Starling

87/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/15/2026

Blue Jay

27/15/2026

Purple Martin

17/15/2026

Carolina Wren

17/15/2026

House Finch

17/15/2026

American Goldfinch

27/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool?
Notable species at Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck, Redhead. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool?
Birding at Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool?
Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.