Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Visitors Center

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Visitors Center is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Snow Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Snow Goose

703/2/2026

Canada Goose

55003/2/2026

Tundra Swan

1003/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

243/2/2026

Mallard

303/2/2026

Northern Pintail

253/2/2026

Bufflehead

23/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2503/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

73/2/2026

Northern Harrier

13/2/2026

Bald Eagle

73/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

American Kestrel

13/2/2026

Blue Jay

13/2/2026

American Crow

23/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/2/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

33/2/2026

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