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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

8/24/2026NCI/JHU Pond1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

8/24/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

8/24/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

8/24/2026MIKI Spot1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

8/24/2026Rock Creek Park--Peirce Mill1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

8/24/2026Ken-Gar Palisades Park1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

8/24/2026Riverbend Park2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

8/24/2026Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Hyattsville, Maryland, US (38.929, -76.94)2 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

8/24/2026Garrett Park (town)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

38/19/2026

Chimney Swift

208/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

28/19/2026

Osprey

18/19/2026

Bald Eagle

18/19/2026

Blue Jay

28/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

18/19/2026

European Starling

28/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

208/19/2026

Baltimore Oriole

18/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

18/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

28/19/2026

Mourning Dove

48/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

38/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

18/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

18/19/2026

American Crow

18/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

28/19/2026

Barn Swallow

18/19/2026

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.