a group of birds on a fence

Patterson Park

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/21/2026East West Blvd, W of Rustling Oaks Dr3 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

77/20/2026

Green Heron

47/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/20/2026

Fish Crow

17/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

Gray Catbird

37/20/2026

American Robin

47/20/2026

House Finch

37/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

37/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

17/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/19/2026

American Crow

27/19/2026

European Starling

77/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/19/2026

House Sparrow

87/19/2026

Common Grackle

17/19/2026

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.