the night sky is filled with stars and trees

Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Trails: dawn to dusk daily; center: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Black Vulture among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mourning Dove Black Vulture Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker American Woodcock Northern Mockingbird Tundra Swan White-throated Sparrow Eastern Towhee Northern Cardinal American Robin

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026home1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail4 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Carrie Murray Nature Center1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)2 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Chimney Swift

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Black Vulture

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Common Raven

15/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

35/30/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
5
Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Centennial Park
Lake Kittamaqundi
Patapsco Valley State Park

More in Maryland

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland's premier birding refuge with nesting Bald Eagles and vast tidal marshes.

Rock Creek Park

DC's largest urban forest with spring warbler migration, breeding owls, and Pileated Woodpeckers.

C&O Canal National Historical Park

184-mile riparian corridor along the Potomac with exceptional spring warbler diversity and Bald Eagles.

Maryland Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Maryland →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy for birding?▼

The best months to visit Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy?▼

Notable species at Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Black Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Woodcock, Northern Mockingbird, Tundra Swan, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, American Robin. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy?▼

Birding at Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy?▼

There is no entrance fee at Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy. Hours: Trails: dawn to dusk daily; center: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM.

What amenities are available at Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy?▼

Mount Pleasant Farm - Howard County Conservancy offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.