Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Maple Dam Road

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Maple Dam Road is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Short-eared Owl, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

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

Short-eared Owl

13/4/2026

Canada Goose

753/4/2026

Mallard

23/4/2026

American Black Duck

93/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Virginia Rail

13/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

73/4/2026

American Herring Gull

43/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

93/4/2026

Northern Harrier

43/4/2026

Bald Eagle

63/4/2026

Fish Crow

13/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

Song Sparrow

23/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

503/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

22/22/2026

Dunlin

42/22/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

62/21/2026

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