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

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Private Residence - Bowie US-MD (38.9074,-76.7549)1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/16/2026Private Residence - Riva US-MD (38.9518,-76.5933)3 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/16/2026Patuxent River Park--Aquasco Farm1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/16/2026Patuxent River Park--Aquasco Farm2 observed

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

4/15/2026Beverly-Triton Nature Park and Playground1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/14/2026Home1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/14/2026American Chestnut Land Trust--South1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/14/2026American Chestnut Land Trust--South1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/14/2026Fairhaven1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/14/2026Fairhaven1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/14/2026Gymnocladus Way (Private)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/13/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/12/20264304 Tenthouse Court, West River, Maryland, US (38.858, -76.575)3 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/12/2026Private residence1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Northern)

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

4/11/2026North Beach-9119 Bay Avenue1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/11/2026PF2Bay1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/11/2026Rosaryville State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Black Vulture

24/12/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

Bald Eagle

14/12/2026

American Crow

24/12/2026

Tree Swallow

64/12/2026

Barn Swallow

14/12/2026

European Starling

14/12/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/12/2026

Eastern Bluebird

54/12/2026

House Finch

14/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/12/2026

Canada Goose

144/11/2026

Wood Duck

74/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/11/2026

Mallard

74/11/2026

American Black Duck

24/11/2026

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.