While Baltimore offers a plethora of attractions, Maryland has fantastic birdwatching opportunities beyond the city. From Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic, Maryland boasts excellent birdwatching destinations with a wide variety of bird species. When planning your trip to Maryland, make sure to include these must-visit birdwatching spots in your itinerary.
Worcester County
Worcester County, with its vast Atlantic shoreline, is perfect for spotting native flora and fauna. Assateague Island in this county is a great spot to encounter a diverse range of animals, from glossy ibises and black-crowned night-herons in salt marshes to Baltimore orioles, American goldfinches, and cedar waxwings in the forests. Visitors can also see the free-roaming horses that have been part of the island for centuries.
After exploring the island, head to Ocean City for a night’s stay. This vibrant resort town offers beautiful beaches and a bustling boardwalk filled with dining options. Enjoy seafood at The Shark on the Harbor followed by tapas and wine at Spain Wine Bar for a delightful evening.
Talbot County
With over 1,200 square kilometers to explore, Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Poplar Island is a highlight for birdwatching, offering tidal wetlands and ponds teeming with bird species like northern gannets, horned grebes, and American bitterns. For those preferring land-based birding, the Pickering Creek Audubon Center is a serene place filled with native wetland birds and insects.
Head to Saint Michaels, just twenty minutes away, for a picturesque evening by the Miles River. Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for a historical insight and savor seafood at Stars Restaurant. The Wildset Hotel offers cozy accommodations in this charming town.
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County, named after a 17th-century English noblewoman, boasts a vast shoreline and close proximity to the nation’s capital. Davidsonville Park is popular among birdwatchers for its diverse range of native species like indigo buntings, common loons, and American kestrels. Sandy Point State Park, at the county’s easternmost point, is a great spot to observe sea ducks such as red-breasted mergansers and buffleheads.
Just a short drive from Sandy Point State Park is the state capital, Annapolis, offering a wealth of attractions. Explore Black history at the Banneker-Douglass Museum, delve into naval history at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, and enjoy high-end wine at The Vineyards at Dodon located beyond the city limits.
