Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 281 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/6/2026Roaring Point Park6 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Cedar Hill Marina1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Cedar Hill Marina1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/5/2026Blackwater NWR Offices1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/5/2026Blackwater NWR--Visitors Center2 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/5/2026Nutters Neck (Nanticoke R. WMA)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/3/2026Special goose1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

653/2/2026

Canada Goose

10003/2/2026

Tundra Swan

193/2/2026

Mallard

1003/2/2026

American Black Duck

23/2/2026

Northern Pintail

33/2/2026

Canvasback

143/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

33/2/2026

Common Merganser

163/2/2026

Mourning Dove

63/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

123/2/2026

American Herring Gull

883/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

113/2/2026

Northern Harrier

33/2/2026

Bald Eagle

123/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

American Kestrel

23/2/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

13/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/2/2026

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 Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.