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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/17/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/17/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail4 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/16/2026BARC--North Farm (sanctioned groups only)2 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

6/16/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/16/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/16/2026Oxbow Lake3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

86/17/2026

Mallard

36/17/2026

Mourning Dove

16/17/2026

Chimney Swift

56/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/17/2026

Green Heron

16/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/17/2026

Osprey

16/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/17/2026

Northern Flicker

16/17/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/17/2026

Blue Jay

16/17/2026

American Crow

26/17/2026

Fish Crow

166/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/17/2026

Purple Martin

36/17/2026

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.