Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)

Maryland · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Horned Grebe Canada Goose Tundra Swan Northern Shoveler Gadwall

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii)

Larus fuscus

6/2/2026North Beach-9119 Bay Avenue1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Pat Tate's Back Yard1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/1/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

6/1/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/31/2026hillsmere annapolis2 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Patuxent River Park--Selby's Landing1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/29/2026Hwy 501 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Sandy Point State Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/29/2026Chesapeake Beach Marina1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/29/2026Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

86/1/2026

Canvasback

16/1/2026

Long-tailed Duck

16/1/2026

Virginia Rail

16/1/2026

American Avocet

96/1/2026

Black Skimmer

16/1/2026

Common Tern

16/1/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

25/29/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

25/29/2026

Tricolored Heron

25/29/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/29/2026

Gadwall

15/27/2026

Mallard

25/27/2026

Clapper Rail

15/27/2026

Common Gallinule

25/27/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/27/2026

American Herring Gull

65/27/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

95/27/2026

Marsh Wren

35/27/2026

Seaside Sparrow

25/27/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
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 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.