Birding in Maryland
Maryland wraps around the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in North America and a magnet for waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors.
Overview
Maryland's birding revolves around the Chesapeake Bay, whose tidal marshes and open waters support hundreds of thousands of wintering waterfowl and migrant shorebirds. The western mountains add Appalachian forest species, while the coastal barrier islands of the Eastern Shore provide excellent shorebirding. Blackwater NWR is one of the premier birding sites on the East Coast. TrailBird is expanding to cover Maryland's birding hotspots with live eBird data, trail maps, and seasonal guides.
Seasonal Birding Guide
Warbler migration peaks in early May across the state. Shorebirds fill Chesapeake Bay mudflats.
Saltmarsh and Seaside Sparrows breed in tidal marshes. Black-throated Green Warblers nest in western mountains.
Hawk migration is strong at Washington Monument SP. Waterfowl begin filling the Chesapeake by November.
Blackwater NWR hosts thousands of geese and ducks. Bald Eagles are abundant. Pelagic trips from Ocean City produce alcids and storm-petrels.
Quick Facts
🚨 Recent Rare Bird Alerts in Maryland
Notable sightings in the last 14 days
No rare alerts in the last 14 days.
🔥 Top Birding Hotspots in Maryland
Ranked by total species recorded
🪶 What's Being Seen in Maryland
Species spotted in the last 14 days
No recent species data available yet.
📍 Most Active Hotspots This Week
Where birders are reporting right now
🥾 Trails Near the Action
Hiking trails near recent rare sightings