Pine branches frame a calm blue sea under clear sky.

Lake Artemesia

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/19/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.11 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/19/2026Wheaton Regional Park--Shorefield/mini-train tracks/Pine Lake1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/19/2026Wheaton Regional Park--Shorefield/mini-train tracks/Pine Lake1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/19/2026Rock Creek Park--Maintenance Yard1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/19/2026Private residence2 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

4/19/2026C&O Canal--Great Falls1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/19/2026C&O Canal--Great Falls1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

74/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/19/2026

Fish Crow

14/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/19/2026

American Robin

24/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/19/2026

Canada Goose

44/19/2026

Mourning Dove

24/19/2026

Bald Eagle

14/19/2026

Blue Jay

4/19/2026

American Crow

14/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/19/2026

Barn Swallow

74/19/2026

Carolina Wren

24/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/19/2026

House Sparrow

4/19/2026

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.