Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This coastal 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

Loading map...

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

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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

3/5/2026Chesapeake Beach Railroad Trail1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1703/5/2026

Tundra Swan

783/5/2026

Wood Duck

143/5/2026

Gadwall

43/5/2026

Mallard

63/5/2026

American Black Duck

23/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

33/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

53/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Common Merganser

503/5/2026

Mourning Dove

33/5/2026

American Coot

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1703/5/2026

American Herring Gull

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

153/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/5/2026

Bald Eagle

53/5/2026

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 Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary?
Notable species at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary?
Birding at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary?
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.