Forest birding habitat

Merkle NRMA

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Merkle NRMA is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Merganser, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

7/21/2026Hillsmere Shores Community Beach, Annapolis (private)1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/21/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/20/2026Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis US-MD 38.84449, -76.460432 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area2 observed

Sandwich Tern (Cabot's)

Thalasseus sandvicensis

7/20/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/20/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/19/2026Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, Prince Frederick US-MD (38.4901,-76.5915)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/18/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026North Beach--fishing pier3 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/17/2026Hillsmere Beach1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/17/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

47/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/19/2026

Osprey

77/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/19/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

27/19/2026

White-eyed Vireo

37/19/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

47/19/2026

Blue Jay

17/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/19/2026

Carolina Wren

27/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

37/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

House Finch

37/19/2026

American Goldfinch

47/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

37/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Merkle NRMA for birding?
The best months to visit Merkle NRMA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Merkle NRMA?
Notable species at Merkle NRMA include Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merkle NRMA?
Birding at Merkle NRMA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Merkle NRMA?
Merkle NRMA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.