Lake Elkhorn

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Elkhorn is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ring-necked Duck, Tufted Titmouse, and Northern Mockingbird 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

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

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/6/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Backyard, Howard County1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Elkridge Crew Yard1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

3/5/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Lake Roland1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Konterra Drive fields and ponds (private property, restricted access)2 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/4/2026Home2 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

253/5/2026

American Wigeon

23/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

33/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Crow

253/5/2026

Fish Crow

403/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/5/2026

Carolina Wren

33/5/2026

European Starling

63/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/5/2026

House Sparrow

153/5/2026

House Finch

73/5/2026

American Goldfinch

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Elkhorn for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Elkhorn for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Elkhorn?
Notable species at Lake Elkhorn include Ring-necked Duck, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Mockingbird, House Sparrow, House Finch. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Elkhorn?
Birding at Lake Elkhorn is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Elkhorn?
Lake Elkhorn offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.