Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Loading map...

Notable Species

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/20267 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt US-MD 39.00197, -76.881491 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail4 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/30/2026Lake Varuna1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Wootton's Mill Park1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/30/2026Lake Whetstone1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

5/30/2026Blue Mash Nature Trail1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/30/2026Morgan Run DNR Access, 4529 Cherry Tree Ln, Sykesville US-MD 39.45233, -76.967991 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

15/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

5/26/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

85/26/2026

Blue Jay

5/26/2026

Tufted Titmouse

5/26/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

5/26/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

5/26/2026

Ovenbird

5/26/2026

Louisiana Waterthrush

5/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

5/26/2026

Northern Cardinal

5/26/2026

Indigo Bunting

5/26/2026

Northern Flicker

15/24/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

75/24/2026

American Goldfinch

15/24/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/24/2026

Northern Parula

15/24/2026

Mourning Dove

15/24/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
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

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

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.