Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$3 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 284 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

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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

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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/4/2026Roaring Point10 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/4/2026Cedar Hill Marina2 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

15003/5/2026

Canada Goose

125003/5/2026

Tundra Swan

5203/5/2026

Blue-winged Teal

23/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

573/5/2026

Mallard

243/5/2026

American Black Duck

13/5/2026

Northern Pintail

653/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

43/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

123/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

53/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

953/5/2026

American Herring Gull

653/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

53/5/2026

Bald Eagle

43/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
The entrance fee at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is $3 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.