River/Riparian birding habitat

Pickering Creek Audubon Center

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pickering Creek Audubon Center is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/21/2026Sandy Point State Park3 observed

Greater White-fronted x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser albifrons x Branta canadensis

7/21/2026Sandy Point State Park1 observed

Sandwich Tern (Cabot's)

Thalasseus sandvicensis

7/20/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/20/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/20/2026133 Kilby Pt, Queenstown US-MD 38.85533, -76.204442 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/17/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/16/2026Gannon Farm North (private)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/15/2026Sandy Point State Park1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/15/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/19/2026

Purple Martin

37/19/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/19/2026

American Goldfinch

27/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/19/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/19/2026

Killdeer

17/18/2026

Black Vulture

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

57/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Barn Swallow

17/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/18/2026

Field Sparrow

27/18/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

67/17/2026

Bald Eagle

17/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pickering Creek Audubon Center for birding?
The best months to visit Pickering Creek Audubon Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pickering Creek Audubon Center?
Notable species at Pickering Creek Audubon Center include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mourning Dove, American Woodcock. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pickering Creek Audubon Center?
Birding at Pickering Creek Audubon Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pickering Creek Audubon Center?
Pickering Creek Audubon Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.