Forest birding habitat

Franklin Point State Park

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Franklin Point State Park is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, and Great Blue Heron among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

7/21/2026Hillsmere Shores Community Beach, Annapolis (private)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/21/2026Sandy Point State Park3 observed

Greater White-fronted x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser albifrons x Branta canadensis

7/21/2026Sandy Point State Park1 observed

Sandwich Tern (Cabot's)

Thalasseus sandvicensis

7/20/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/20/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/20/2026133 Kilby Pt, Queenstown US-MD 38.85533, -76.204442 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026North Beach--fishing pier3 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/17/2026Hillsmere Beach1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/17/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/16/2026Fairhaven1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/16/2026North Beach-9119 Bay Avenue1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

17/9/2026

Mallard

27/9/2026

Mourning Dove

77/9/2026

Chimney Swift

27/9/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/9/2026

Killdeer

17/9/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/9/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/9/2026

Laughing Gull

977/9/2026

American Herring Gull

17/9/2026

Least Tern

17/9/2026

Forster's Tern

167/9/2026

Common Tern

67/9/2026

Royal Tern

17/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

487/9/2026

Glossy Ibis

17/9/2026

Least Bittern

37/9/2026

Snowy Egret

47/9/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

17/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/9/2026

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 Franklin Point State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Franklin Point State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Franklin Point State Park?
Notable species at Franklin Point State Park include Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Franklin Point State Park?
Birding at Franklin Point State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Franklin Point State Park?
Franklin Point State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.