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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Masonville Cove1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

7/14/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/12/2026Gunpowder Falls SP--Jones Road Area1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/8/2026Masonville Cove4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1447/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

257/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

Gray Catbird

27/20/2026

American Robin

17/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/20/2026

American Goldfinch

37/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

147/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/20/2026

Chimney Swift

17/18/2026

Killdeer

27/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/18/2026

Purple Martin

37/18/2026

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.