Updated Sep 28
Pictured: Blackwater Refuge · typical peak lookMarylandwinter wildlife
When does migrating and wintering wildlife peak in Maryland?
Migrating and wintering wildlife usually peaks from September to March.
Updated Sep 28.
Places by state
Maryland
- Eastern Neck RefugeStarts in ~7 weeks
Local timing: Nov 15–Mar 31
- Blackwater RefugeSeason over
Local timing: Jan 1–Feb 28
Official reports
Dated and linked
- Sep 28Park ServiceSeasonal wildlife calendar: tundra swans from mid- to late November to the end of March, eagle nesting, ospreys, butterflies, songbirdsSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastern Neck NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceHours, directions, trail rules, activities and the October 2026 hunt closure daysSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastern Neck NWR: Visit Us in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceThe seven trails and boardwalks, with parking, length and seasonal wildlife for Boxes Point and Duck InnSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastern Neck NWR: Trails in a new tab)
Questions people ask
Where can I see winter wildlife in Maryland?
We track 2 places: Blackwater Refuge (its season: Jan 1–Feb 28) and Eastern Neck Refuge (its season: Nov 15–Mar 31).
How do you track winter wildlife?
Each place moves through 4 stages: Birds arriving, Numbers building, Peak numbers and Birds departing. Every stage we show comes from a dated report with its source, and every forecast lists its sources.