Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Killdeer among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Rock Pigeon Killdeer Ring-billed Gull Red-bellied Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Elkridge Crew Yard1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026Sligo Middle School1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Lake Elkhorn1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Konterra Drive fields and ponds (private property, restricted access)2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

403/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/4/2026

Killdeer

383/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

73/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

American Crow

13/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

43/4/2026

Fish Crow

23/3/2026

Horned Lark

13/3/2026

Carolina Wren

23/3/2026

European Starling

253/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/3/2026

American Robin

103/3/2026

American Pipit

33/3/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/3/2026

Song Sparrow

13/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Beltsville Agricultural Research Center for birding?▼

The best months to visit Beltsville Agricultural Research Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center?▼

Notable species at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center?▼

Birding at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center?▼

Beltsville Agricultural Research Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.