Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool

Maryland · Northeast

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Loading map...

Notable Species

Canada Goose American Wigeon Mallard American Black Duck Redhead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/16/202613211 Keefer Rd, Big Pool US-MD (39.6720,-78.0236)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/15/2026Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/14/2026Antietam National Battlefield at the intersection of Smoketown Road and Mumma Farm Lane1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/12/2026Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve1 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

4/11/2026Sideling Hill Creek State Park3 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/10/2026Fort Frederick SP--Big Pool1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/4/2026A Hedgesville Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/10/2026

Common Merganser

14/10/2026

Bald Eagle

14/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

54/10/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

24/10/2026

Blue Jay

64/10/2026

Fish Crow

14/10/2026

Carolina Chickadee

44/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/10/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/10/2026

Brown Creeper

14/10/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

34/10/2026

Carolina Wren

14/10/2026

American Robin

34/10/2026

American Goldfinch

34/10/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/10/2026

Field Sparrow

14/10/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/10/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/10/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Maryland

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland's premier birding refuge with nesting Bald Eagles and vast tidal marshes.

Rock Creek Park

DC's largest urban forest with spring warbler migration, breeding owls, and Pileated Woodpeckers.

C&O Canal National Historical Park

184-mile riparian corridor along the Potomac with exceptional spring warbler diversity and Bald Eagles.

Maryland Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Maryland →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

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.