Lake Artemesia

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Lake Artemesia is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Osprey, and Northern Mockingbird 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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026Sligo Middle School1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Lake Elkhorn1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Konterra Drive fields and ponds (private property, restricted access)2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

53/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/5/2026

Cedar Waxwing

143/5/2026

Canada Goose

543/5/2026

Wood Duck

53/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Canvasback

43/5/2026

Redhead

33/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

American Coot

43/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

413/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

53/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

53/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

  5. 5

    Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Artemesia for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Artemesia for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Artemesia?
Notable species at Lake Artemesia include Hooded Merganser, Osprey, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Canada Goose, American Woodcock, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Tundra Swan. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Artemesia?
Birding at Lake Artemesia is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Lake Artemesia?
There is no entrance fee at Lake Artemesia. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Lake Artemesia?
Lake Artemesia offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.