Lake birding habitat

Oxbow Lake

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oxbow Lake is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

6/3/2026Woodside Neighborhood1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/2/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)3 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/2/2026BARC--North Farm (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026Wheaton Branch Stormwater Ponds1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/2/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/2/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/1/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/2/2026

American Goldfinch

36/2/2026

Canada Goose

106/2/2026

Wood Duck

76/2/2026

Mallard

36/2/2026

Mourning Dove

56/2/2026

Chimney Swift

306/2/2026

Green Heron

46/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Black Vulture

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/2/2026

Osprey

36/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

56/2/2026

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 Oxbow Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Oxbow Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oxbow Lake?
Notable species at Oxbow Lake include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oxbow Lake?
Birding at Oxbow Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oxbow Lake?
Oxbow Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.