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

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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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/21/2026East West Blvd, W of Rustling Oaks Dr3 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

7/21/2026Fort Howard Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Masonville Cove1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/15/2026I-895 S, Brooklyn US-MD 39.23069, -76.622811 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island25 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/14/2026Hart-Miller Island2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/20/2026

Mallard

57/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Chimney Swift

57/20/2026

Great Egret

37/20/2026

Osprey

37/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

57/20/2026

Barn Swallow

107/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/20/2026

European Starling

107/20/2026

Gray Catbird

17/20/2026

American Robin

17/20/2026

American Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

37/20/2026

Common Grackle

17/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

47/20/2026

Indigo Bunting

37/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

87/19/2026

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.