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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

5/31/2026Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/31/2026Chesapeake Beach Marina1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/31/2026hillsmere annapolis2 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/30/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

5/30/2026Battle Creek Cypress Swamp1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

5/30/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Patuxent River Park--Selby's Landing1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/29/2026Chesapeake Beach Marina1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

65/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Osprey

55/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

115/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

95/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

125/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

35/31/2026

Tree Swallow

45/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

25/31/2026

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.