Forest birding habitat

Fort McHenry National Monument

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort McHenry National Monument is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Bufflehead 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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/21/2026East West Blvd, W of Rustling Oaks Dr3 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Masonville Cove1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/15/2026I-895 S, Brooklyn US-MD 39.23069, -76.622811 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island25 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

157/20/2026

Chimney Swift

47/20/2026

Laughing Gull

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/20/2026

American Herring Gull

47/20/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

37/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/20/2026

Osprey

87/20/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/20/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/20/2026

American Crow

57/20/2026

Barn Swallow

67/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

American Goldfinch

47/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

37/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/14/2026

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 McHenry National Monument for birding?
The best months to visit Fort McHenry National Monument for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort McHenry National Monument?
Notable species at Fort McHenry National Monument include Brant, Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort McHenry National Monument?
Birding at Fort McHenry National Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort McHenry National Monument?
Fort McHenry National Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.