Merkle NRMA

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Merkle NRMA is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Merganser, and Ring-billed Gull 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

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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Private residence2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4003/1/2026

Common Merganser

23/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

303/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

American Crow

33/1/2026

Common Raven

13/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/1/2026

American Robin

303/1/2026

House Finch

23/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/1/2026

Song Sparrow

13/1/2026

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 Merkle NRMA for birding?
The best months to visit Merkle NRMA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Merkle NRMA?
Notable species at Merkle NRMA include Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merkle NRMA?
Birding at Merkle NRMA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Merkle NRMA?
Merkle NRMA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.