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

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/2/2026Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) 1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Hydes Rd. Park1 observed

Northern Cardinal (Common)

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/31/202665 Weber Ave, Essex US-MD (39.3154,-76.4350)1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026Herring Run Park--North1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/31/2026Herring Run Park--North1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

House Sparrow

46/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

66/2/2026

Chimney Swift

36/2/2026

European Starling

26/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

26/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

266/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

116/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

26/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

36/2/2026

Wild Turkey

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

56/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

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.