Patterson Park

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Patterson Park is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Loch Raven Reservoir--Liliana’s Loop1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Backyard, Howard County1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/20262nd Street Park1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Elkridge Crew Yard1 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/5/2026Back River--Diamond Point Rd.1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

3/5/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Lake Roland1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/4/2026Home2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Home Depot Pond (Harford Co.)2 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/4/2026stakeout Painted Bunting, Pasadena (2023-2026)1 observed

Brant (Pale-bellied)

Branta bernicla

3/4/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Race Road1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Loch Raven Reservoir--Paper Mill Flats2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Crow

53/6/2026

Brown Creeper

13/6/2026

European Starling

303/6/2026

American Robin

203/6/2026

House Sparrow

103/6/2026

American Goldfinch

13/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

103/6/2026

Song Sparrow

33/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

103/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

203/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

213/6/2026

Mallard

803/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

93/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

13/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

American Woodcock

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3603/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Patterson Park for birding?
The best months to visit Patterson Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Patterson Park?
Notable species at Patterson Park include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, American Woodcock, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patterson Park?
Birding at Patterson Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Patterson Park?
There is no entrance fee at Patterson Park. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Patterson Park?
Patterson Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.