Oxbow Lake

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oxbow Lake is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Elkridge Crew Yard1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026Sligo Middle School1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

3/5/2026Fort McHenry NM1 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/4/2026Home2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)5 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

3/5/2026

Tundra Swan

603/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

43/5/2026

Gadwall

63/5/2026

Mallard

63/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

503/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

323/2/2026

Mourning Dove

33/2/2026

American Herring Gull

13/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

53/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/2/2026

Carolina Wren

13/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

13/2/2026

White-throated Sparrow

503/2/2026

Song Sparrow

303/2/2026

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