Lake birding habitat

Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/2/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)3 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

Turkey Vulture (Northern)

Cathartes aura

6/2/2026Sparks Park, Sparks Glencoe5 observed

Carolina Wren (Northern)

Thryothorus ludovicianus

6/2/2026Sparks Park, Sparks Glencoe2 observed

Eastern Bluebird (Eastern)

Sialia sialis

6/2/2026Sparks Park, Sparks Glencoe1 observed

Northern Cardinal (Common)

Cardinalis cardinalis

6/2/2026Sparks Park, Sparks Glencoe4 observed

American Robin (migratorius Group)

Turdus migratorius

6/2/2026Sparks Park, Sparks Glencoe3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

436/1/2026

Mallard

126/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

176/1/2026

Black Vulture

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/1/2026

Osprey

36/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/1/2026

Bald Eagle

16/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

26/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/1/2026

Blue Jay

16/1/2026

American Crow

36/1/2026

Tree Swallow

86/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

26/1/2026

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 Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats for birding?
The best months to visit Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats?
Notable species at Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats?
Birding at Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats?
Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.