Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts American Woodcock, Canada Goose, and Ring-billed Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

American Woodcock Canada Goose Ring-billed Gull Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

4/18/2026Chesapeake Beach Marina6 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/18/2026Chesapeake Beach Marina1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/18/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)6 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/18/2026Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary--Nature Center1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/18/2026Patuxent River Park--Jackson Landing1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/18/2026Private Residence - Riva US-MD (38.9518,-76.5933)2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/18/2026Private Residence - Riva US-MD (38.9518,-76.5933)1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/18/2026meyer's station road2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Common Loon

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

64/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

14/18/2026

American Crow

14/18/2026

Common Raven

24/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

84/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

64/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

34/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

84/18/2026

Carolina Wren

34/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

74/18/2026

House Finch

64/18/2026

American Goldfinch

24/18/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
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

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for birding?▼

The best months to visit Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center?▼

Notable species at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center include American Woodcock, Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center?▼

Birding at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center?▼

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.