Lake birding habitat

Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/21/2026Rock Creek Park--Beach Drive west of Kensington Parkway1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/2026Welsh Park, Rockville2 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/20/2026Gunners Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/21/2026

Chimney Swift

107/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/21/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/21/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

47/21/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

27/21/2026

Northern Flicker

17/21/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

47/21/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

57/21/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/21/2026

White-eyed Vireo

27/21/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

47/21/2026

Blue Jay

147/21/2026

American Crow

27/21/2026

Fish Crow

17/21/2026

Carolina Chickadee

157/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch for birding?
The best months to visit Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch?
Notable species at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch?
Birding at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch?
Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.