The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road

Maryland · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy Woodpecker among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Red-tailed HawkRed-bellied WoodpeckerDowny WoodpeckerPileated WoodpeckerAmerican Kestrel

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

3/4/2026Peat Moss Rd. (pond is private)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Middle of overflow 208 Peat Moss Rd, Accident US-MD (39.5733,-79.2761)2 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

2/27/2026Old Hemlock Clear Cut (39.646, -79.623)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2/26/2026Kingwood, farm fields6 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/20/2026Wisp Resort1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 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 Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road for birding?▼
The best months to visit Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road?▼
Notable species at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road include Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Kestrel. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road?▼
Birding at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road?▼
Youghiogheny River Reservoir - Old Morgantown Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.