Forest birding habitat

Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Masonville Cove1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/15/2026I-895 S, Brooklyn US-MD 39.23069, -76.622811 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island25 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

7/14/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

177/20/2026

Mallard

17/20/2026

Chimney Swift

127/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Great Egret

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

17/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

European Starling

127/20/2026

Gray Catbird

27/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

House Sparrow

17/20/2026

American Goldfinch

27/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/20/2026

Common Grackle

47/20/2026

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 Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) for birding?
The best months to visit Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds)?
Notable species at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds)?
Birding at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds)?
Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.