Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Forest

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Green-winged Teal among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose American Black Duck Green-winged Teal Bufflehead Mourning Dove

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/15/2026Saxis WMA3 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

7/15/2026Saxis WMA4 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/11/2026Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/10/2026Assawoman Island (no access 15 Mar-15 Sep)9 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/10/2026Assawoman Island (no access 15 Mar-15 Sep)3 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

7/8/2026Saxis WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Clapper Rail

27/15/2026

Killdeer

17/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

37/15/2026

Willet

57/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

137/15/2026

Laughing Gull

47/15/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/15/2026

Forster's Tern

47/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/15/2026

White Ibis

47/15/2026

Snowy Egret

17/15/2026

Great Egret

47/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Bald Eagle

17/15/2026

Purple Martin

67/15/2026

Barn Swallow

117/15/2026

Marsh Wren

67/15/2026

Seaside Sparrow

157/15/2026

Song Sparrow

27/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Maryland

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland's premier birding refuge with nesting Bald Eagles and vast tidal marshes.

Rock Creek Park

DC's largest urban forest with spring warbler migration, breeding owls, and Pileated Woodpeckers.

C&O Canal National Historical Park

184-mile riparian corridor along the Potomac with exceptional spring warbler diversity and Bald Eagles.

Maryland Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Maryland →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary for birding?▼

The best months to visit Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary?▼

Notable species at Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary?▼

Birding at Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary?▼

Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.