Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail

Maryland · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/6/2026Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

3/6/2026Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/6/2026Quiet Waters Park1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

3/6/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Poplar Island (access by guided tour only)1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

3/5/2026Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Private residence2 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

2/28/2026Thomas Point Park1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

2/28/2026Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary--Nature Center5 observed

Osprey (American)

Pandion haliaetus

2/28/2026Fairhaven1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3763/6/2026

Tundra Swan

5673/6/2026

Mallard

173/6/2026

Bufflehead

13/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

503/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Wilson's Snipe

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2043/6/2026

American Herring Gull

83/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Black Vulture

63/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

13/6/2026

European Starling

23/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

43/6/2026

American Robin

3703/6/2026

House Sparrow

293/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail?
Notable species at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail?
Birding at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail?
Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.