a butterfly on a plant

Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler 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

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/16/20263101 Fox Den Ln, Oakton US-VA 38.88990, -77.338611 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/16/2026Offutt Road @ Mt. Nebo Road1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/16/2026Ashburn Park1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA--sunflower area and eastern fields1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/16/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Sycamore Landing Rd. fields1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/15/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/15/2026Bazil Newman Riverfront Park1 observed

American Coot (Red-shielded)

Fulica americana

4/15/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA3 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/15/202613713 Deakins Ln, Germantown US-MD 39.08053, -77.301451 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/16/2026

American Coot

14/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/16/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/16/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/16/2026

Tree Swallow

204/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

64/16/2026

Carolina Wren

24/16/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/16/2026

Swamp Sparrow

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

204/16/2026

Common Grackle

34/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

24/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

54/16/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Eastern Phoebe

4/16/2026

Blue Jay

4/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area?
There is no entrance fee at Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area?
Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.