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

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

WetlandRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Mallard American Black Duck Canvasback Redhead Greater Scaup

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

7/21/2026Hillsmere Shores Community Beach, Annapolis (private)1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/21/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Masonville Cove1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/21/2026Sandy Point State Park3 observed

Greater White-fronted x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser albifrons x Branta canadensis

7/21/2026Sandy Point State Park1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/20/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour4 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/17/2026Hillsmere Beach1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/16/2026Chesapeake Farms Habitat (Auto) Tour1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/15/2026Sandy Point State Park1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Cattle-Egret

47/8/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
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

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.