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

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Canada Goose Northern Shoveler American Wigeon Mallard Green-winged Teal

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/20267 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt US-MD 39.00197, -76.881491 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026home1 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

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

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Spotted Sandpiper

25/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/30/2026

Great Egret

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Osprey

25/30/2026

Bald Eagle

25/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/30/2026

Bank Swallow

35/30/2026

Tree Swallow

85/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

255/30/2026

Barn Swallow

15/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/30/2026

European Starling

35/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

House Sparrow

25/30/2026

House Finch

45/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

45/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

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.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Maryland

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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 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.