Forest birding habitat

Rocky Gap State Park

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rocky Gap State Park is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/30/2026Finzel Swamp--Field and Pond1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

5/30/2026Finzel Swamp--Field and Pond1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/30/2026Finzel Swamp--Field and Pond1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/30/2026Nee Weaver Avenue1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/29/2026Finzel Swamp1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/27/2026Mexico Farms (Restricted Access)2 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/27/2026C&O Canal--North Branch1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/26/2026Cumberland--Terminus1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/26/2026North Branch Potomac River, Ridgeley (WV shoreline)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Black Vulture

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/30/2026

Blue Jay

25/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Common Raven

15/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

35/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/30/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

35/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/30/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rocky Gap State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Rocky Gap State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rocky Gap State Park?
Notable species at Rocky Gap State Park include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rocky Gap State Park?
Birding at Rocky Gap State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Rocky Gap State Park?
Rocky Gap State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.