Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Wood Duck 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

3/6/2026Centennial Park1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/6/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Backyard, Howard County1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Elkridge Crew Yard1 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

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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

263/1/2026

Wood Duck

33/1/2026

Mallard

43/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

583/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

123/1/2026

Mourning Dove

63/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Black Vulture

23/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

163/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

43/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

23/1/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

83/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Merlin

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 Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract for birding?
The best months to visit Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract?
Notable species at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract?
Birding at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract?
Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.