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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/31/2026hillsmere annapolis2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Road1 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

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026NASA Goddard (restricted access)1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/29/2026Chesapeake Beach Marina1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/29/2026Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/29/2026N Cherry Grove Ave1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/28/2026Merkle NRMA1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/28/2026Patuxent River Park--Jackson Landing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

35/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/20/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/20/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

45/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/20/2026

Blue Jay

25/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

35/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/20/2026

Carolina Wren

15/20/2026

Wood Thrush

15/20/2026

House Finch

45/20/2026

American Goldfinch

25/20/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/20/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/20/2026

Ovenbird

15/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

45/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/20/2026

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.