Fort McHenry National Monument

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort McHenry National Monument is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Bufflehead 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026Oxbow Lake160 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/6/2026Centennial Park1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Loch Raven Reservoir--Liliana’s Loop1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Backyard, Howard County1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/20262nd Street Park1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Elkridge Crew Yard1 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/5/2026Back River--Diamond Point Rd.1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

3/5/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Lake Roland1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/4/2026Home2 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

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

Brant (Pale-bellied)

Branta bernicla

3/4/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

783/6/2026

Mallard

23/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

303/6/2026

Bufflehead

183/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/6/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

13/6/2026

Horned Grebe

43/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

203/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

Fish Crow

13/5/2026

American Robin

43/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

33/5/2026

Song Sparrow

123/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

33/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/5/2026

Greater Scaup

53/5/2026

American Herring Gull

23/5/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort McHenry National Monument for birding?
The best months to visit Fort McHenry National Monument for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort McHenry National Monument?
Notable species at Fort McHenry National Monument include Brant, Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort McHenry National Monument?
Birding at Fort McHenry National Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort McHenry National Monument?
Fort McHenry National Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.