Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

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

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

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

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/4/2026stakeout Painted Bunting, Pasadena (2023-2026)1 observed

Brant (Pale-bellied)

Branta bernicla

3/4/2026Fort McHenry NM1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Race Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

62/22/2026

Northern Shoveler

22/22/2026

American Wigeon

42/22/2026

Mallard

192/22/2026

Green-winged Teal

92/22/2026

Ring-necked Duck

22/22/2026

Greater Scaup

22/22/2026

Hooded Merganser

12/22/2026

Common Merganser

122/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

42/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

72/22/2026

American Herring Gull

12/22/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/22/2026

Bald Eagle

22/22/2026

Northern Flicker

12/22/2026

American Crow

42/22/2026

Carolina Chickadee

22/22/2026

Carolina Wren

12/22/2026

European Starling

62/22/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/22/2026

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 Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) for birding?
The best months to visit Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds)?
Notable species at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds)?
Birding at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds)?
Patapsco Ponds #4 & #5 (Halethorpe Farms Ponds) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.