Loch Raven Reservoir - Paper Mill Flats

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/20263002 Beckleysville Rd, Parkton US-MD 39.65994, -76.752691 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/5/20263002 Beckleysville Rd, Parkton US-MD 39.65994, -76.752692 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

3/5/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Lake Roland1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Backyard, Howard County1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Home Depot Pond (Harford Co.)2 observed

Brant (Pale-bellied)

Branta bernicla

3/4/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Loch Raven Reservoir--Paper Mill Flats2 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/2/2026Back River--Diamond Point Rd.1 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/1/2026Back River--Diamond Point Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

23/5/2026

Canada Goose

843/5/2026

American Wigeon

193/5/2026

Mallard

2003/5/2026

American Black Duck

403/5/2026

Northern Pintail

143/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

123/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

823/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

Hermit Thrush

13/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

Field Sparrow

13/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

63/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Eastern Towhee

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

283/5/2026

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.