C&O Canal - Violette's Lock

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

C&O Canal - Violette's Lock is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/6/2026Needwood Mansion, pond and trails2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/5/2026Yonder's Run1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/1/2026Algonkian Regional Park--Sanctuary Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3003/6/2026

American Wigeon

83/6/2026

Mallard

23/6/2026

American Black Duck

23/6/2026

Northern Pintail

43/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

253/6/2026

Common Merganser

113/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

503/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/6/2026

American Robin

33/6/2026

White-throated Sparrow

53/6/2026

Song Sparrow

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit C&O Canal - Violette's Lock for birding?
The best months to visit C&O Canal - Violette's Lock for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock?
Notable species at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, American Kestrel, Carolina Chickadee. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock?
Birding at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock?
There is no entrance fee at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at C&O Canal - Violette's Lock?
C&O Canal - Violette's Lock offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.