Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

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

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/2/2026Larriland Farm Pond1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/2/202664801 observed

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
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

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

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

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch for birding?▼

The best months to visit Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch?▼

Notable species at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch?▼

Birding at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch?▼

Triadelphia Reservoir - Pigtail Branch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.