Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Wood Duck among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan Wood Duck Mallard Ring-necked Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/31/2026Patuxent Research Refuge: North Tract - Vernal Pools Trail1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--North Tract - Power Line section1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Wheaton Regional Park--Shorefield/mini-train tracks/Pine Lake1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/31/2026hillsmere annapolis2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/31/2026Oxbow Lake1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

45/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

35/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

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

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

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 Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract for birding?▼

The best months to visit Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract?▼

Notable species at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract?▼

Birding at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract?▼

Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.