Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor center: 9 AM - 4:30 PM

About This Location

Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Elkridge Crew Yard1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026Sligo Middle School1 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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/3/2026

Mallard

263/3/2026

American Black Duck

13/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

163/3/2026

Hooded Merganser

53/3/2026

Mourning Dove

13/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Northern Flicker

13/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

43/3/2026

Hermit Thrush

53/3/2026

American Robin

13/3/2026

Song Sparrow

123/3/2026

Eastern Towhee

43/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/3/2026

Wood Duck

83/2/2026

Gadwall

13/2/2026

Greater Scaup

13/2/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) for birding?
The best months to visit Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)?
Notable species at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, American Woodcock, Northern Mockingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)?
Birding at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)?
There is no entrance fee at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor center: 9 AM - 4:30 PM.
What amenities are available at Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)?
Patuxent Research Refuge - South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.