Forest birding habitat

Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

4/19/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA10 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

4/19/2026C&O Canal--Mouth of the Monocacy (Fred. Co.)2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/19/2026C&O Canal--Mouth of the Monocacy (Fred. Co.)12 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/19/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/19/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/18/2026Monocacy National Battlefield--Gambrill Mill Trail1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/18/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/18/2026

Common Merganser

14/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

Barred Owl

14/18/2026

American Crow

14/18/2026

Common Raven

14/18/2026

Tree Swallow

14/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/18/2026

Carolina Wren

14/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/18/2026

American Goldfinch

24/18/2026

Field Sparrow

14/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/15/2026

Killdeer

24/15/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025) for birding?
The best months to visit Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025)?
Notable species at Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025) include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025)?
Birding at Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025)?
Lilypons Water Gardens (permanently closed from early 2025) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.