Bethel Wildlife Management Area

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bethel Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Tundra Swan 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

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

3/6/20261213 Duck Creek Rd, Smyrna US-DE 39.31346, -75.623141 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/6/2026Duck Creek Rd1 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

3/6/2026Duck Creek Rd1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026333 Green St, Havre de Grace US-MD 39.54983, -76.088472 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/6/2026Swan Harbor Farm Park1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/5/2026APG: Spesutie Island Causeway11 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026APG: Spesutie Island Causeway1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/5/2026Driscoll Yard, Newark US-DE1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/5/2026Tydings Memorial Park, Havre de Grace1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2/28/2026

Tundra Swan

32/28/2026

American Black Duck

62/28/2026

Northern Pintail

92/28/2026

Ring-necked Duck

442/28/2026

Hooded Merganser

32/28/2026

Common Merganser

292/28/2026

Mourning Dove

32/28/2026

Killdeer

22/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

62/28/2026

American Herring Gull

12/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/28/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Northern Flicker

32/28/2026

Blue Jay

42/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bethel Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Bethel Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bethel Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Bethel Wildlife Management Area include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Tundra Swan, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bethel Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Bethel Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bethel Wildlife Management Area?
Bethel Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.