Urban Park birding habitat

Southwest Area Park

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Southwest Area Park is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026home1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Carrie Murray Nature Center1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Road1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026Fort Smallwood Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/30/2026Masonville Cove (Open Mon - Sat 9-4, Closed Sun)1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake2 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/30/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

25/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/30/2026

Least Tern

25/30/2026

Great Egret

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Black Vulture

25/30/2026

Osprey

75/30/2026

Bald Eagle

35/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

25/30/2026

Purple Martin

15/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

125/30/2026

Barn Swallow

45/30/2026

European Starling

45/30/2026

Gray Catbird

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

American Robin

45/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Southwest Area Park for birding?
The best months to visit Southwest Area Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Southwest Area Park?
Notable species at Southwest Area Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Southwest Area Park?
Birding at Southwest Area Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Southwest Area Park?
Southwest Area Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.