Lake birding habitat

Lake Elkhorn

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Elkhorn is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ring-necked Duck, Tufted Titmouse, 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/20267 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt US-MD 39.00197, -76.881491 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail4 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Carrie Murray Nature Center1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

625/29/2026

Chimney Swift

15/29/2026

Osprey

15/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

Blue Jay

15/29/2026

American Crow

15/29/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/29/2026

Barn Swallow

25/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/29/2026

European Starling

15/29/2026

Cedar Waxwing

125/29/2026

American Goldfinch

15/29/2026

Song Sparrow

15/29/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

5/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

5/27/2026

Black Vulture

5/27/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

5/27/2026

Fish Crow

5/27/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Elkhorn for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Elkhorn for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Elkhorn?
Notable species at Lake Elkhorn include Ring-necked Duck, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Mockingbird, House Sparrow, House Finch. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Elkhorn?
Birding at Lake Elkhorn is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Elkhorn?
Lake Elkhorn offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.