The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) is pleased to present this online guide to the best birding sites in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Active birders throughout the state have contributed site descriptions to create this guide.
Maryland is a state of great natural beauty and diverse habitats, offering some of the best birding on the East Coast, with 463 bird species recorded in Maryland and 347 in Washington, D.C. Use this guide to start exploring the great birding that Maryland and DC have to offer!
Special Note Regarding Driving in the Greater Baltimore Area
Traffic patterns in and around the City of Baltimore have been severely disrupted by the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, when it was struck by a cargo ship. Along with all of Maryland, MOS mourns with the families and friends of the six bridge workers killed in the disaster. The Key Bridge was an essential component of the Baltimore Beltway/I-695 and was heavily used by commercial traffic and private cars. Because of the loss of this important connector, traffic on roadways in the area is now more congested than usual. It will be several years before the bridge can be re-built. Meanwhile, for up-to-date directions to birding sites throughout the Baltimore area, including adjoining counties, consult an interactive navigational aid such as Google Maps, Waze, or MapQuest. The Maryland Transportation Authority website has a helpful map showing alternate routes.
Top eBird Hotspots in Maryland & DC
As of May 2021
Contact Us
The Birder’s Guide to Maryland & DC is a project of the Maryland Ornithological Society.
MOS Mailing Address:
Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc.
Cylburn Mansion
4915 Greenspring Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21209