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

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

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026National Arboretum--Azalea Collection and Mt. Hamilton1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

4/16/2026National Museum of the American Indian20 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/16/2026BARC--Soil Conservation Rd. power line cut (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)41 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Private Residence - Bowie US-MD (38.9074,-76.7549)1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/16/2026Private Residence - Riva US-MD (38.9518,-76.5933)3 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/16/2026Greenbelt Lake - Buddy Attick Lake Park2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/16/2026Patuxent River Park--Aquasco Farm1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

234/16/2026

Wood Duck

204/16/2026

Mallard

14/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

64/16/2026

Mourning Dove

44/16/2026

Chimney Swift

14/16/2026

Wilson's Snipe

54/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

134/16/2026

Laughing Gull

3394/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/16/2026

American Herring Gull

54/16/2026

Caspian Tern

44/16/2026

Forster's Tern

24/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

224/16/2026

Great Egret

14/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

74/16/2026

Black Vulture

304/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Bald Eagle

54/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

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.