A vast field extends under a cloudy sky.

Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor center: 9 AM - 4:30 PM

About This Location

Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/21/2026Rock Creek Park--Beach Drive west of Kensington Parkway1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)2 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

7/21/2026Hillsmere Shores Community Beach, Annapolis (private)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Masonville Cove1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/17/2026Hillsmere Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

147/19/2026

Mourning Dove

47/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/19/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

87/19/2026

Blue Jay

47/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

47/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

57/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/19/2026

Carolina Wren

17/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) for birding?
The best months to visit Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)?
Notable species at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, American Woodcock, Northern Mockingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)?
Birding at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)?
There is no entrance fee at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor center: 9 AM - 4:30 PM.
What amenities are available at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)?
Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.