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

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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Road1 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

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026Lake Roland1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Scarlet Tanager

15/31/2026

Mallard

85/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

35/30/2026

Chimney Swift

105/30/2026

Caspian Tern

15/30/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/30/2026

Green Heron

25/30/2026

Cooper's Hawk

25/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

45/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/30/2026

American Crow

45/30/2026

Fish Crow

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

55/30/2026

European Starling

205/30/2026

Gray Catbird

65/30/2026

American Robin

165/30/2026

House Sparrow

25/30/2026

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.