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

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)41 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

4/16/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/16/2026American Chestnut Land Trust--North1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/16/2026Private Residence - Riva US-MD (38.9518,-76.5933)3 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/15/2026736 Red Cedar Road, Annapolis1 observed

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

4/15/2026Beverly-Triton Nature Park and Playground1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/14/2026133 Kilby Pt, Queenstown US-MD 38.85534, -76.204472 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/14/2026Fairhaven1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/14/2026Gymnocladus Way (Private)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/12/2026US 50 - Easton1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/12/2026Terrapin Nature Park1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/12/2026Terrapin Nature Park2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/12/20264304 Tenthouse Court, West River, Maryland, US (38.858, -76.575)3 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/12/2026Private residence1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

54/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

34/16/2026

Gadwall

34/16/2026

Mallard

114/16/2026

American Black Duck

34/16/2026

Green-winged Teal

204/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/16/2026

Black Scoter

14/16/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/16/2026

Black-necked Stilt

74/16/2026

Killdeer

44/16/2026

Willet

34/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/16/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

24/16/2026

Caspian Tern

184/16/2026

Forster's Tern

44/16/2026

Horned Grebe

54/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

504/16/2026

Glossy Ibis

54/16/2026

Little Blue Heron

14/16/2026

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.