Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

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-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/5/20263002 Beckleysville Rd, Parkton US-MD 39.65994, -76.752692 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Home Depot Pond (Harford Co.)2 observed

Brant (Pale-bellied)

Branta bernicla

3/4/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Race Road1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Loch Raven Reservoir--Paper Mill Flats2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Tundra Swan

133/5/2026

Gadwall

3/5/2026

American Wigeon

3/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

Redhead

3/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

3/5/2026

Bufflehead

3/5/2026

Common Merganser

3/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

3/5/2026

American Coot

3/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

3/5/2026

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 Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed for birding?
The best months to visit Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed?
Notable species at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed?
Birding at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed?
Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.