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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Pat Tate's Back Yard1 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/1/2026Senate Parks and Taft Memorial1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

5/31/2026Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/31/2026Chesapeake Beach Marina1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/31/2026hillsmere annapolis2 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/30/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

125/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

45/31/2026

Chimney Swift

35/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Black Vulture

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Osprey

115/31/2026

Bald Eagle

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

35/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

35/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

25/31/2026

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.