Lake birding habitat

Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Masonville Cove1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/15/2026I-895 S, Brooklyn US-MD 39.23069, -76.622811 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island25 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

7/14/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Carolina Wren

17/21/2026

Wood Thrush

17/21/2026

American Robin

17/21/2026

Fish Crow

17/21/2026

European Starling

97/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

127/21/2026

Blue Jay

17/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Gray Catbird

17/21/2026

House Sparrow

37/21/2026

House Finch

17/21/2026

American Goldfinch

17/21/2026

Song Sparrow

17/21/2026

Common Grackle

27/21/2026

Canada Goose

17/21/2026

Chimney Swift

27/21/2026

Black Vulture

17/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

37/21/2026

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 & Watershed for birding?
The best months to visit Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed?
Notable species at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed?
Birding at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed?
Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.