The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland · Northeast

EasyOfficial Site
Habitat
WetlandMarshForest
Best Seasons
FallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-March

Entrance Fee

$3 per vehicle

Hours

Dawn to dusk, visitor center 9 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Blackwater NWR on Maryland's Eastern Shore hosts one of the highest concentrations of nesting Bald Eagles on the East Coast, along with tens of thousands of wintering waterfowl. The refuge's vast tidal marshes, forests, and open water habitats make it one of the mid-Atlantic's top birding destinations.

The Wildlife Drive offers outstanding roadside birding, and the observation tower provides panoramic views of the marsh. Over 250 species have been recorded, including rare species like Black Rail and Swainson's Warbler in appropriate seasons.

Location

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Notable Species

Bald EagleBlack RailSwainson's WarblerAmerican Black DuckGreat Blue Heron

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)5 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)5 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/4/2026Roaring Point10 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Home Depot Pond (Harford Co.)2 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/4/2026Cedar Hill Marina2 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/4/2026stakeout Painted Bunting, Pasadena (2023-2026)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Middle of overflow 208 Peat Moss Rd, Accident US-MD (39.5733,-79.2761)2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Lakeside Loop, Flintstone US-MD 39.71140, -78.641882 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Ocean City Inlet1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

3/4/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Nutters Neck (Nanticoke R. WMA)1 observed

Brant (Pale-bellied)

Branta bernicla

3/4/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Race Road1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/4/2026133 Kilby Pt, Queenstown US-MD 38.85531, -76.204432 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Indian Point (private)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

3/4/2026Swan Harbor Farm Park1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/4/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Susquehanna SP--Lapidum1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/4/2026Backyard, Howard County1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Loch Raven Reservoir--Paper Mill Flats2 observed

Recent Observations

American Robin

Michaels Mill Road, Frederick, Maryland, US

3/4/2026

1 birds

Hooded Merganser

Michaels Mill Road, Frederick, Maryland, US

3/4/2026

12 birds

Carolina Wren

Michaels Mill Road, Frederick, Maryland, US

3/4/2026

1 birds

Carolina Chickadee

Michaels Mill Road, Frederick, Maryland, US

3/4/2026

1 birds

Hairy Woodpecker

Michaels Mill Road, Frederick, Maryland, US

3/4/2026

1 birds

Northern Cardinal

Michaels Mill Road, Frederick, Maryland, US

3/4/2026

1 birds

Belted Kingfisher

Michaels Mill Road, Frederick, Maryland, US

3/4/2026

1 birds

Blue Jay

Michaels Mill Road, Frederick, Maryland, US

3/4/2026

1 birds

Osprey

8th Avenue, Glen Burnie

3/4/2026

1 birds

Great Blue Heron

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Crow

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

4 birds

Common Merganser

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

1 birds

Ring-necked Duck

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

29 birds

Redhead

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

2 birds

Common Goldeneye

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-winged Blackbird

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

1 birds

Mallard

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

4 birds

Canada Goose

Columbia Gateway and GE Retention Pond

3/4/2026

14 birds

Common Raven

Meadowridge Cemetery

3/4/2026

2 birds

Tufted Titmouse

Centennial Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Take the Wildlife Drive in early morning for the best eagle and waterfowl viewing

  2. 2

    Climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the marsh — bring a scope

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Visitor Center
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument
  • Cambridge waterfront

Birding Guides

Best Places to See Bald Eagles in North America

11 min read

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

The Beginner's Guide to Birding

8 min read

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 October-March. The best seasons are Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Notable species at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge include Bald Eagle, Black Rail, Swainson's Warbler, American Black Duck, Great Blue Heron. The area supports wetland, marsh, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Birding at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?▼
The entrance fee at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is $3 per vehicle. Hours: Dawn to dusk, visitor center 9 AM - 4 PM.
What amenities are available at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.