Urban Park birding habitat

Fort Smallwood Park

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Smallwood Park is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Black Duck 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-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Pat Tate's Back Yard1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026My Yard Baltimore US-MD1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/31/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--North Tract--Pine Trail1 observed

Northern Cardinal (Common)

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/31/202665 Weber Ave, Essex US-MD (39.3154,-76.4350)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/31/2026Patuxent Research Refuge: North Tract - Vernal Pools Trail1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/31/2026Herring Run Park--North1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026Herring Run Park--North1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

266/1/2026

Mallard

26/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Chimney Swift

66/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

96/1/2026

American Herring Gull

136/1/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

26/1/2026

Least Tern

76/1/2026

Caspian Tern

16/1/2026

Common Tern

126/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

426/1/2026

Little Blue Heron

56/1/2026

Snowy Egret

16/1/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

16/1/2026

Great Egret

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Black Vulture

46/1/2026

Osprey

116/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/1/2026

Bald Eagle

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Smallwood Park for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Smallwood Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Smallwood Park?
Notable species at Fort Smallwood Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Hooded Merganser, Killdeer. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Smallwood Park?
Birding at Fort Smallwood Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Fort Smallwood Park?
Fort Smallwood Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.