Coastal birding habitat

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)2 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

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

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/20/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/20/2026Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis US-MD 38.84449, -76.460432 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area2 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Great Egret

27/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Osprey

57/18/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/18/2026

Purple Martin

47/18/2026

Barn Swallow

47/18/2026

Carolina Wren

27/18/2026

European Starling

167/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/18/2026

Common Grackle

17/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/18/2026

Green Heron

17/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/18/2026

American Crow

17/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

47/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

57/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary?
Notable species at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary?
Birding at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary?
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.