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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail4 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

5/30/2026C&O Canal--Point of Rocks4 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Wootton's Mill Park1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/30/2026Lake Whetstone1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026C&O Canal--Edwards Ferry1 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/29/2026Bradmoor Drive House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

85/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Least Bittern

25/31/2026

Green Heron

25/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Barred Owl

15/31/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

115/31/2026

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.