Coastal birding habitat

Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Poplar Island (access by guided tour only) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 281 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Horned Grebe, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan 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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

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

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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026North Beach--fishing pier3 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/17/2026Hillsmere Beach1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/16/2026Fairhaven1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/16/2026North Beach-9119 Bay Avenue1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

407/20/2026

American Black Duck

47/20/2026

Common Gallinule

27/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

107/20/2026

American Avocet

27/20/2026

Black-bellied Plover

87/20/2026

Killdeer

27/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

67/20/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

157/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

47/20/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

57/20/2026

Willet

37/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

77/20/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

157/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

2107/20/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

2657/20/2026

Laughing Gull

117/20/2026

American Herring Gull

1957/20/2026

Least Tern

307/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Poplar Island (access by guided tour only) for birding?
The best months to visit Poplar Island (access by guided tour only) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)?
Notable species at Poplar Island (access by guided tour only) include Horned Grebe, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)?
Birding at Poplar Island (access by guided tour only) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)?
Poplar Island (access by guided tour only) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.