Lake Needwood

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Needwood is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Lake Elkhorn1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

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

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

23/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

13/6/2026

House Finch

13/6/2026

Eastern Towhee

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/6/2026

Mallard

43/4/2026

Common Merganser

103/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/4/2026

American Goldfinch

13/4/2026

Song Sparrow

13/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

63/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/3/2026

Bald Eagle

23/3/2026

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 Needwood for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Needwood for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Needwood?
Notable species at Lake Needwood include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Needwood?
Birding at Lake Needwood is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Needwood?
Lake Needwood offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.