Maryland, a state known for its diverse geography and rich history, is also home to a captivating array of water birds. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, and interspersed with numerous rivers and wetlands, the state provides varied habitats that cater to these unique creatures.
Maryland water birds
| Water Bird Species | Frequency in Maryland | Where to Find in Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Uncommon | Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, occasionally at larger bodies of water |
| Brown Pelican | Common | Chesapeake Bay, Assateague Island |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Chesapeake Bay, Coastal areas |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Wetlands, rivers, and lakes statewide |
| Great Egret | Common | Wetlands, Eastern Shore, Blackwater Refuge |
| Snowy Egret | Common | Coastal areas, Assateague Island |
| Green Heron | Common | Wetlands and small bodies of water statewide |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Urban and suburban parks, wetlands |
| Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Suburban areas, Chesapeake Bay |
| Mallard | Very Common | Lakes, ponds, and rivers statewide |
| Wood Duck | Common | Forested wetlands, rivers statewide |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Wetlands, Eastern Shore |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Wetlands, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| Canvasback | Common | Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Shore |
| Redhead | Common | Chesapeake Bay, coastal wetlands |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Lakes, ponds statewide |
| Bufflehead | Common | Coastal areas, Chesapeake Bay |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Freshwater bodies statewide |
| Common Merganser | Common | Rivers and large lakes statewide |
| Ruddy Duck | Common | Coastal areas, Chesapeake Bay |
| American Coot | Common | Lakes, ponds statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Uncommon | Eastern Shore, open fields, and marshes |
| American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands, coastal areas |
| American Avocet | Uncommon | Eastern Shore, coastal wetlands |
| Osprey | Very Common | Near water bodies statewide |
| Black Skimmer | Uncommon | Coastal areas, sandy beaches |
Water Bird Species Found in Maryland
Where to Spot Maryland’s Water Birds
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Dorchester County: This large refuge in the Chesapeake Bay region is known for migratory waterfowl, including the American Black Duck, and wading birds like the Great Blue Heron.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Worcester County: This barrier island is excellent for seeing shorebirds like Piping Plovers and a variety of gulls and terns. In the bay side, you can spot waders and ducks. Many are on the way to over winter in South america.
Patuxent Research Refuge, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties: This refuge, centered around the Patuxent River, hosts water birds such as the Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, and a variety of herons.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Kent County: Situated at the mouth of the Chester River, this refuge is known for a range of waterfowl, especially Tundra Swans and Snow Geese in winter, and wading birds.
Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel County: This park on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay is great for viewing a variety of gulls, ducks, and wading birds. The park is also known for its winter population of water birds and for Maine’s birds of prey including bald eagles, or a red tailed hawk who often prey on small birds and medium sized birds, and other wildlife refuges in the park.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Water Birds | Conneaut Harbor, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area |
| West Virginia Water Birds | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, New River Gorge National Park |
| Virginia Water Birds | Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge |
| Delaware Water Birds | Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware Seashore State Park |