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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/15/2026Rocky Gap SP4 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/15/2026Rural home site1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/14/202621543, Midlothian US-MD 39.64613, -78.972461 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/14/2026Mark - Back Area1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/14/20261464 Knobley Rd, Ridgeley US-WV 39.52905, -78.827571 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

4/11/2026Sideling Hill Creek State Park3 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/7/2026AES Warrior Run Detention Basins1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/4/202622100–22152 Old Williams Rd SE, Oldtown US-MD 39.66557, -78.553901 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/4/2026Hoop Pole Road, Little Orleans, Maryland, US (39.682, -78.361)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

4/3/202613400 Pleasant Valley Rd NE, Flintstone US-MD 39.70833, -78.641031 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/3/2026Rocky Gap SP11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/15/2026

Mourning Dove

34/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

24/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/15/2026

Blue Jay

34/15/2026

American Crow

34/15/2026

Tree Swallow

24/15/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

34/15/2026

Northern House Wren

24/15/2026

Carolina Wren

24/15/2026

European Starling

54/15/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/15/2026

American Robin

54/15/2026

House Finch

44/15/2026

American Goldfinch

124/15/2026

Chipping Sparrow

64/15/2026

Field Sparrow

64/15/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/15/2026

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.