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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026home1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Carrie Murray Nature Center1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Road1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake2 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026Lake Roland1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/29/2026

Mallard

55/29/2026

Ring-billed Gull

45/29/2026

Common Tern

25/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Osprey

55/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Fish Crow

15/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

55/29/2026

Barn Swallow

25/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/29/2026

European Starling

35/29/2026

Gray Catbird

15/29/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/29/2026

American Robin

15/29/2026

Cedar Waxwing

35/29/2026

House Finch

25/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/29/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/29/2026

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.