Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only)

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

WetlandRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, American Black Duck, and Canvasback among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Mallard American Black Duck Canvasback Redhead Greater Scaup

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Lake Elkhorn1 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

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Maryland

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland's premier birding refuge with nesting Bald Eagles and vast tidal marshes.

Rock Creek Park

DC's largest urban forest with spring warbler migration, breeding owls, and Pileated Woodpeckers.

C&O Canal National Historical Park

184-mile riparian corridor along the Potomac with exceptional spring warbler diversity and Bald Eagles.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only)?▼

Notable species at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) include Mallard, American Black Duck, Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup. The area supports wetland, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only)?▼

Birding at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only)?▼

Swan Creek Wetland - Cox Creek DMCF (access by guided tour only) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.