Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road

Maryland · Northeast

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Habitat

LakeRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy Woodpecker among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Red-tailed Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker American Kestrel

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/21/2026Ft. Necessity National Battlefield1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

7/14/2026Bear Run Nature Reserve (WPC) - Red Trail4 observed

Merlin (Taiga)

Falco columbarius

7/9/2026Youghiogheny River, Oakland1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/8/2026New Germany State Park2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/7/2026Cranesville Swamp (WV)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

57/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/20/2026

Northern Flicker

27/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

27/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

37/20/2026

Barn Swallow

17/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/20/2026

European Starling

507/20/2026

Gray Catbird

37/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

57/20/2026

Wood Thrush

17/20/2026

American Robin

57/20/2026

American Goldfinch

27/20/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/20/2026

Field Sparrow

47/20/2026

Song Sparrow

47/20/2026

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

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 Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road for birding?▼

The best months to visit Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road?▼

Notable species at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road include Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Kestrel. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road?▼

Birding at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road?▼

Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.