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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/31/2026Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/30/2026Little Pool1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Fort Frederick SP--Beaver Pond1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/30/202620276–20354 Landis Rd, Hagerstown US-MD 39.60669, -77.664341 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/30/2026Sterling Rd. retention pond (Washington Co.)12 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/29/202665 Healthcare Ln.1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/27/2026Antietam National Battlefield1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/25/2026Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/25/2026Hagerstown FedEx Ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

45/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

65/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

25/30/2026

Ovenbird

25/30/2026

Northern Waterthrush

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

85/30/2026

Common Gallinule

15/30/2026

Green Heron

25/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

25/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/30/2026

Carolina Wren

15/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/30/2026

American Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/30/2026

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.