Winter birdwatching can open your senses to the Maryland’s natural wonderland
From its western mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and onward to the Atlantic coast, Maryland boasts a wide variety of habitats that attract an impressive array of bird species. In this article, we’ll explore the vibrant world of birdwatching in Maryland, including the essential equipment needed and the thriving birdwatching communities that make the experience even more enjoyable. Birdwatching is a popular and rewarding hobby for nature enthusiasts and bird lovers alike. To get started with birdwatching, you don’t need an extensive array of expensive equipment or in-depth scientific knowledge. In fact, the basics are quite simple, making it accessible to anyone interested in observing and appreciating the avian world.
The tundra swan population winters on the Atlantic Coast in the Chesapeake Bay of Maryland and North Carolina. By summer, the swans will travel to the Arctic tundra areas from the Seward Peninsula of Alaska, east to Hudson Bay and Baffin Island to nest.
A mature male Bald Eagle perching on a snow fence along the beach at Assateague Island National Seashore looking out to sea.
First up are binoculars; a good pair of binoculars is the most essential tool for birdwatching. They allow you to get a closer look at birds without disturbing them. When selecting binoculars, consider factors like magnification and field of view. A magnification of 8x to 10x is generally suitable, and a wider field of view is helpful for tracking birds in flight. In addition to binoculars, you may want to invest in a spotting scope for long-distance observation, especially for waterfowl or birds in open habitats. Tripods can also be helpful for stabilizing your optics.
Wherever you go, make sure to have a field guide. Field guides provide detailed information on bird species, including their plumage, behaviors, and habitats. These guides help you identify and learn about the birds you encounter. Keeping a birdwatching journal is a great way to document your observations. Note the date, location, weather conditions, and any interesting behavior or characteristics you observe. Over time, your notes can help you track bird migration patterns and changes in bird populations. While not strictly necessary, a smartphone or a camera with a decent zoom lens can be handy for capturing photos of birds. These images can serve as a visual record of your sightings and assist with identification. Remember to prioritize the welfare of the birds and avoid disturbing them for the sake of a photo.
Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain you’ll be exploring, especially during winter. Neutral-colored, heavyweight clothing (lightweight in warmer months) and comfortable, waterproof footwear are essential for prolonged birdwatching excursions. Wearing camouflage or earth-toned clothing can help you blend into the environment and minimize disturbance to the birds. A small backpack or field bag is useful for carrying your equipment, field guide, notebook, and snacks. Look for a bag with multiple pockets and compartments to keep your gear organized.
Finally, make sure to be patient and persistent. While not tangible, these qualities are perhaps the most important for successful birdwatching. Birds can be elusive and will likely require time and effort to locate. Patience and persistence are key to honing your observation skills and building your birdwatching expertise.
Mary Huebner is president of the Tri-County Bird Club, a chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society, which covers the lower Eastern Shore counties of Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset. She views birdwatching as an inclusive community of folks who are passionate about enjoying the beauty of, and being in, nature. “I think we are a special group because of our diversity,” Huebner says. “We have very experienced birders, as well as those just ‘getting their feet wet,’ so to speak, in becoming more knowledgeable about what we see, and what we hear.” Huebner says that club field trips generally begin early in the morning, at about 7:30 a.m., and last until mid-afternoon.
Hermit Thrush.
A male Northern Shoveler.
Birdwatching clubs play a vital role in fostering a sense of community among bird enthusiasts, providing opportunities for shared experiences, education, and conservation efforts. Maryland is home to several active birdwatching clubs that cater to both seasoned birders and beginners. These clubs offer a range of benefits, making them an integral part of the birdwatching scene in the state. Let’s meet a couple:
The Maryland Ornithological Society (mdbirds.org) is one of the most prominent birdwatching clubs in the state, with 15 local chapters (e.g. Tri-County Bird Club, The Anne Arundel Bird Club, The Patuxent Bird Club, The Kent County Bird Club). MOS serves as a hub for bird enthusiasts of all levels of expertise. They organize regular field trips, workshops, and meetings to facilitate learning and networking among members. MOS also maintains a comprehensive checklist of Maryland’s native bird species, supports important conservation initiatives, and publishes the quarterly journal, “Maryland Birdlife.”
Several local Audubon Society chapters (audubon.org/about/chapters) can be found throughout Maryland, including the Audubon Society of Central Maryland, Audubon Society of Maryland and D.C., and others. These chapters are part of the National Audubon Society network and focus on bird conservation, habitat restoration, and public education. They often host bird walks, bird counts, and educational programs.
In Maryland, we are fortunate to have a vast amount of both native and migratory bird species. “We go from the ocean to the Nanticoke River,” explains Huebner, of the region she personally enjoys birding within. “This affords us the opportunity to see Bald Eagles, Osprey, Kingfishers, and Great Blue Herons, all more or less in our back yards!
“We’ll also look for Hermit Thrushes, Junco, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Loons, Gannets, Northern Shovelers, Ruddy ducks, and the Brown Creeper, in addition to a wide variety of beautiful ducks that visit our area in the winter.”
A small group of Northern Pintail Ducks flying within Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
To catch of glimpse of these species, and many others, here are some of the top birdwatching locations in the state:
Assateague Island National Seashore
This pristine barrier island on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Known for its migratory birds, including waterfowl and shorebirds, Assateague is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA).
Patuxent Research Refuge
Located in Laurel, Maryland, this refuge offers over 12,800 acres of protected wildlife habitat. Birders can spot a variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors in this area.
Conowingo Dam
A few miles north of the Susquehanna River’s mouth sits the massive Conowingo Dam, opened in 1928 to provide hydroelectric power to the greater Baltimore region. Below the dam is the pool, full of fish and wildlife and especially popular for predatory species such as bald eagles—plus the birders who flock to the dam to observe them.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Just south of Rock Hall, the island refuge was established in 1962 as a sanctuary for migratory birds. The refuge offers wonderful wildlife viewing and expansive views of the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay along seven different trails. Over 240 bird species visit the refuge.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Situated on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, this 32,000-acre protected land and water is famous for its wintering population of bald eagles. It’s also home to a multitude of waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
Catoctin Mountain Park
This park, nestled in the Catoctin Mountain range, is a prime destination for forest birdwatching. Its diverse habitats support a range of woodland species, including warblers, thrushes, and woodpeckers.
Allegany County
The western mountains of Maryland are a great spot for observing mountain birds like the Blackburnian Warbler and the American Woodcock.
Maryland’s geographic diversity, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, provides a wide range of ecosystems, making our state excellent for birdwatching. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a novice, Maryland offers something for everyone.
