Wetland birding habitat

Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, American Black Duck, and Canvasback 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026home1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/31/2026hillsmere annapolis2 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

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

Swainson's Thrush

15/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

205/30/2026

American Goldfinch

25/30/2026

Scarlet Tanager

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

125/30/2026

Mallard

35/30/2026

Chimney Swift

45/30/2026

Least Sandpiper

35/30/2026

American Herring Gull

15/30/2026

Least Tern

25/30/2026

Common Tern

55/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/30/2026

Black Vulture

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) for birding?
The best months to visit Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only)?
Notable species at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) include Mallard, American Black Duck, Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup. The area supports wetland, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only)?
Birding at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only)?
Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.