Birding Howard County, Maryland
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
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Most of the following migration records are based on data from the early 1950s through the most recent complete year, sometimes the most recent season. Time periods listed are the most likely periods for sighting a species and generally do not encompass all extreme dates unless so stated. The May Count, Fall Count, and Midwinter Count are countywide and held annually. Species described are those on the Howard County Checklist. Seasons are those used in seasonal summaries by the Maryland Ornithological Society: Spring (March–May); Summer (June–July); Fall (August–November); Winter (December–February). The following abundance categories are used: Abundant, Common, Fairly Common, Uncommon, and Rare. These designations are admittedly imprecise as a species that would appear uncommon or rare to a beginning birder may actually be quite common if one knows the song and special habitat it frequents. Judgments were made with the moderately skilled birder in mind. The designation "Rare" is the one category that has been quantified. Any species for which there are fewer than 20 records in the last 50 years OR which has been seen two or fewer times in the last 10 years is designated as Rare. Abbreviations: BBA – Breeding Bird Atlas (for an explanation of this project and comparison maps, go to howardbirds.org and click on Atlas Results under Overview) Three atlases have been completed in the county. They are referred to as follows: 70s atlas (1973–1975), 80s atlas (1983–1987), 2000 atlas or recent atlas (2002–2006). MD/DCRC – Maryland/DC Records Committee. USNM – United States National Museum. WSSC – Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. The sequence in the following "Species Accounts" follows the phylogenetic order of the most recent Check-list of the American Ornithologists' Union, progressing from the least to the more advanced families and genera and species of birds. |
Table of Contents |
 Click icon to see a photo of the bird.  Click icon to see Breeding Bird Atlas map. |
| Greater White-fronted Goose – Turkey Vulture | ||
| Greater White-fronted Goose |
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| Rare. Three records. March 16 to April 1, 1985, February 1, 1997, and November 13–28, 2000. Centennial Park, Wilde Lake, and two ponds. | ||
| Snow Goose |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Late September (earliest arrival September 20) to early April. Migrating flocks are not often detected in this county. Wintering birds usually associate with large flocks of Canada Geese. | ||
| Cackling Goose |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Usually with large Canada Goose flocks. Most records are November through February. | ||
| Canada Goose |
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| Common breeder; abundant migrant; abundant in winter. Early March to early April; late September and October. Often difficult to distinguish year-round residents from migrants. The most recent BBA shows breeding in all parts of the county. Midwinter Count numbers are routinely in the 7,000 to 9,000 range. They are a pest species in many locations. |
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| Brant |
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| Rare. Two records. October 27, 1957, (six birds), and November 8, 1959, (three birds), both from Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Mute Swan |
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| Year-round resident. Currently, there are no resident, "countable," free-flying Mute Swans in the county. For years one resided at Lake Elkhorn with brief forays to other Columbia lakes. During the summer of 2007 it moved to Wilde Lake, then eventually settled at Centennial Park for several months before returning to Lake Elkhorn. It was found dead there on November 15, 2007. Mute Swans at Fulton Pond, Turf Valley Golf Course, Beaverbrook, and other sites were purchased and placed for decoration. |
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| Tundra Swan |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Late February to late March (peak usually mid-March); early October into December (peak mid to late November). Numbers and sightings vary widely from year to year. Reservoirs and large lakes; occasionally rests on small farm ponds. | ||
| Wood Duck |
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| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. March and early April; mid-September through October. During the breeding season present on or near secluded ponds, rivers, floodplains, and wetlands; in migration may also appear on reservoirs and large lakes. High of 74 on Triadelphia Reservoir, March 19, 1994. By mid-May, broods are seen along the Patapsco River and at the Race Road wetlands; one or more may be present at the shallow end of Centennial Lake in late July. |
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| Gadwall |
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| Rare breeder, uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. March and early April; October to mid-December. Appears a few times each year at one of the central county lakes, Triadelphia Reservoir, or a farm pond. In recent years, Race Road wetlands have been a consistent location. One breeding record from the early 1970s. High of 28 at Race Road wetlands, February 27, 2008. |
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| Eurasian Wigeon |
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| Rare. Four records: three from March 3 to April 11; one on December 21. Records from Triadelphia Reservoir, Centennial Park, and western farm ponds. | ||
| American Wigeon |
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| Common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Mostly March and April, occasionally into May; September to December; one summer record. Reservoirs, lakes, and farm ponds. Flocks of 25 to 70 birds are usual. High of 121 on March 18, 1982, at a pond on Union Chapel Road A pair spent the summer of 2006 at Centennial Lake. |
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| American Black Duck |
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| Rare breeder; fairly common migrant; fairly common in winter. October into December; February to mid-March. One or two are frequently seen on local lakes and ponds in association with Mallards; large single-species flocks may be present on reservoirs. Highest numbers have been recorded the first half of February. High of 375 on Triadelphia Reservoir, February 1, 1992. |
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| Mallard |
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| Common to abundant year-round. Semi-domesticated species present on all lakes and reservoirs. As small ponds freeze, dozens to hundreds of Mallards congregate at ice holes on the larger lakes and reservoirs. Wild Mallards do pass through the county and sometimes large flocks of them are detected. These migrants are wary and take flight easily. The north end of Triadelphia Reservoir is a favorite stopping point. |
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| Blue-winged Teal |
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| Uncommon migrant. Mid-March into early May; mid-August to early October with a few records as late as December. Generally six or fewer reports annually. At least one record each year at Centennial Park or at one of the Columbia lakes. High of 114 on September 14, 1995, at Centennial Park. |
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| Northern Shoveler |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Early March to early May (peak mid-March to mid-April); late August to early October with a scattering of records into late December; a few February sightings. Records from Centennial Park, Triadelphia Reservoir's coves (such as Pigtail), farm ponds, Wilde Lake, Lake Kittamaqundi, Western Regional Park, and Forebay Pond. High of 15 on August 30, 2001, flying over Schooley Mill Park. | ||
| Northern Pintail |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Mid-February to early April (a few later records); late September through November; one summer record. Highs of 100 on March 28, 1964, on Triadelphia Reservoir and 29 on December 14, 2002, flying over Triadelphia Road Sometimes one or two move among the Columbia lakes and Centennial Park for extended periods. | ||
| Green-winged Teal |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter; rare in summer. Early March to mid-April (stragglers into May); late August to mid-November (a few records through December); a few mid-February records; one summer record. Centennial Park, Triadelphia Reservoir, and farm ponds all have numerous records. Highs of 47 on October 27, 2007, on Triadelphia Reservoir and 35 on October 10, 1995, at a pond on Roxbury Road. | ||
| Canvasback |
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| Common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Late February to late March (a few into late April); mostly November into December; three summer records. Most consistent at Wilde Lake and Centennial Park. High of 100 on March 27, 1988, on a Highland lake. Normally 10 or fewer in a flock. | ||
| Redhead |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Usually six or fewer reports annually. February into mid-March; late November and December; a few January records. Farm ponds, Wilde Lake, Lake Elkhorn, and Centennial Park. Usually one or two birds; flocks of more than 20 recorded only a few times. High of 75 on March 14–21, 1964, on Triadelphia Reservoir. |
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| Ring-necked Duck |
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| Common migrant; uncommon but regular in winter (ice cover affects numbers and locations); rare in summer. Late February through March (peak February 26 to March 18); mid-October through mid-December; at least seven summer records. Highs of 380 on March 11, 1994, at Browns Bridge* and 365 on December 30, 2006, at Big Branch. Flocks of 50+ occur almost annually. Reservoirs, lakes, and farm ponds. |
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| Greater Scaup |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-March through mid-April, early November to early December (fewer fall records); a few January/February records. Reported in six of the last 10 years (2007 rev.). Usually one or two birds. Mixed flock of 150 Lesser and Greater scaup on April 5, 1996, on Triadelphia Reservoir. Single species flock high of 12 on April 7, 1990, on Triadelphia Reservoir. Mostly reservoirs and lakes. | ||
| Lesser Scaup |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter; rare in summer. March through early April; late October through November; a few January and February records; one summer record. Usually 10 or fewer birds with a few records of 10 to 50. High was a mixed flock—see Greater Scaup; single species flock of 92 on March 22, 1989, on Triadelphia Reservoir. Reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. | ||
| Surf Scoter |
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| Rare migrant. Ten records: two in spring (March 19 and April 22); six in fall (October 23 [two records: 1996, 2003] to November 22); two in winter (January 4 and 5). Triadelphia Reservoir, Centennial Park, and Lake Elkhorn. High of 10 on October 28, 1958, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| White-winged Scoter |
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| Rare migrant. Ten records: three in spring (March 31 to April 8); four in fall (October 13 to November 23 [two records: 1957, 2007]); three in winter (December 4 to January 8). One record from Centennial Park; all others Triadelphia Reservoir. Highs of five on January 8, 2004, and April 5, 1996, both at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Black Scoter |
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| Rare migrant. Eight records: one in spring (April 15); seven in fall (October 29 [two records: 1966, 1961] to November 27). High of 30 on October 29, 1966, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Triadelphia Reservoir, Centennial Park, Wilde Lake, and Lake Elkhorn. | ||
| Long-tailed Duck |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-March to mid-April (none after April 15 except for one oiled bird); November and December (a few October records); one January 1 and one February 1 record. Mostly one to five birds. Highs: 135 on December 5, 1987, and 71 on November 15, 1992, both at Triadelphia Reservoir. Although most sightings from Triadelphia Reservoir, species occasionally appears at Centennial Park; single records from Wilde Lake and Alpha Ridge Landfill. Birds mostly stay a few hours, less frequently a few days. | ||
| Bufflehead |
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| Common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Late February through early April (occasional stragglers into May); late October through early December (a few earlier and later); three summer records. Highs of 200 on November 6, 1957, 110 on November 23, 2007, 100 on November 8, 1990, and 100 on November 8, 1991, all at Triadelphia Reservoir. Flocks of up to 25 are usual. Reservoirs, lakes, and large ponds. | ||
| Common Goldeneye |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Late February through mid-March (latest record April 18); mid-November and December; scattered but consistent January and February records. One to three birds is the norm. High of 42 on December 12, 1997, on the Quarry Pond along Brighton Dam Road Most frequent at Triadelphia Reservoir, Centennial Park, and Lake Elkhorn. | ||
| Hooded Merganser |
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| Rare breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-February to early April (a few lingering non-breeders may stay later); late October to mid-December; a few winter records. The 2000 BBA confirmed nesting in two county locations: one in the Race Road wetlands, the other on private property in the Cattail Creek watershed. High of 90 on November 2, 1996, on a farm pond. Reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. |
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| Common Merganser |
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| Fairly common migrant; common in winter on reservoirs; rare in summer. Mid-February through mid-March (rapidly declining numbers into May); early December (a few earlier) into mid-January; two summer records. High of 1,800+ on January 5, 2008 at Triadelphia Reservoir. Much lower numbers reported from Duckett Reservoir. Occasionally a few birds stop at Centennial Park; scattered records elsewhere. | ||
| Red-breasted Merganser |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Mostly mid-March to late April (a few into May); mid-November through winter. Often a few winter with the large flock of Common Mergansers on Triadelphia Reservoir. Mostly reservoirs, but more likely to appear on lakes than Common Mergansers. High of 100 on March 28, 1994, at Pigtail. | ||
| Ruddy Duck |
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| Common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Mid-March to mid-April (a few later); October through mid-December (a few August/September records); at least five June and July records. High of 400 on October 28, 1958, on Triadelphia Reservoir; next highest number was 106 which stayed at Centennial Park from October 30 to November 11, 1997, an unusually long period for such a large flock. Usually fewer than 25. Reservoirs, lakes, and large ponds. |
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| Ring-necked Pheasant |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon year-round (declining population). Recorded in nine of last 10 years with single sightings in four of those years (2007 rev.). Numbers have dropped dramatically in the last 20 years. Most of the recent records are west of MD 32 and north of Dayton. No confirmed nesting in most recent BBA. In 2007, an individual released pheasants south of the Howard County Fairgrounds. |
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| Wild Turkey |
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| Uncommon breeder; uncommon year-round (gradually increasing numbers and range). A decade ago, almost all reports came from upper portions of the Patapsco River, Patuxent River State Park, and WSSC property at the north end of Triadelphia Reservoir. Sightings now come from almost any part of the county with the fewest in the central and southern areas. For a large bird, they are surprisingly difficult to glimpse. |
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| Northern Bobwhite |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon year-round (declining population). Dramatic drop in numbers in last 20 years. In the 80s BBA, bobwhites were recorded in all 34 blocks and confirmed in 13. In contrast, the 2000 BBA recorded them in 12 blocks (mostly single observations) and confirmed them as nesting in just one! There is no consistent location in the county where this species can be found, although southern and western parts of the county are the most likely. In 2007, an individual released bobwhites south of the Howard County Fairgrounds. |
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| Red-throated Loon |
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| Rare migrant. Ten records. April to early May; October 20 to mid-December. Only record in last 10 years was one bird on January 24, 1999, at Triadelphia Reservoir. High of three on October 21, 1989, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Most records are from that location. | ||
| Common Loon |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter; rare in summer. Late March to mid-May (some earlier); October (a few records in September) to early December; occasional winter and summer records. Highs of 310+ on April 20, 2002, flying over Schooley Mill Park and 186 on April 19, 1991, flying over David Force Park. Single birds often rest on lakes and reservoirs. Most flocks are migrants seen in flight from dawn to mid-morning. | ||
| Pied-billed Grebe |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Late February into May; August into December; more than a dozen summer records. High of 13 on November 11, 1991, at Centennial Park. All major lakes and reservoirs as well as farm ponds. |
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| Horned Grebe |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Late February well into May; late September into December. High of 225 on April 5, 1996, next highest 30+ on March 27, 2001, both at Triadelphia Reservoir. Mostly reservoirs and lakes, ponds occasionally. | ||
| Red-necked Grebe |
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| Rare migrant. Nineteen records. Late February through April; one fall record on October 23. Most records from reservoirs, but also recorded at Lake Elkhorn, Lake Kittamaqundi, and Stone Lake (a quarry lake in a gated community). Highs of 23 on March 13, 1959, and eight on March 14–21, 1996, both Triadelphia Reservoir. Highly episodic; may be years between sightings. | ||
| Eared Grebe |
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| Rare migrant. One record from Centennial Park, March 30 to April 4, 1994. | ||
| Western Grebe |
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| Rare vagrant. One record from Triadelphia Reservoir, November 23, 1959, to January 1960. | ||
| Double-crested Cormorant |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter; uncommon in summer. Mid-March to mid-May; late August to late November; an increasing number of winter records; summer records not quite annual. Reservoirs and large lakes. High of 101 on April 9, 2004, at Triadelphia Reservoir and 90 on October 20, 2002, in flight south of Ellicott City. |
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| Anhinga |
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| Rare vagrant. One modern record; one historical record. Five immatures or females flying over the Columbia Mall on April 22, 2006. Accepted by the MD/DCRC. Historical record. Stewart and Robbins in Birds of Maryland 1958, p. 51 states that a specimen in the old Peale collection was reported to have been shot prior to 1805 at Elkridge Landing [now Elkridge] on the Patapsco River. | ||
| American Bittern |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter; rare in summer. Late March to mid-May; late September through early November; one mid-February and two July records. All records are of single birds. Multiple sightings at Meadowbrook Park and the University of Maryland Farm. |
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| Least Bittern |
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| Rare migrant; rare in summer. Twelve records. Early May to mid-June (one April 7 record); three fall records September 14–24. Although breeding has not been confirmed, there have been four summer records: one breeding season sighting from 1973 in a marsh on the Patapsco River, a June 2, 1981, record at Lake Elkhorn, and two sightings the first week of June 2003 at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Associated with wetlands where there is tall, dense, emergent vegetation, especially cattails. Has been recorded at Centennial Park, Pigtail, Hugg-Thomas Wildlife Management Area, and the University of Maryland Central Farm. |
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| Great Blue Heron |
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| Uncommon breeder; fairly common much of the year; uncommon in winter. Mid-February through March; September into November. Increasing as a breeding species. Within the last 10 years, colonies have been established at Lake Kittamaqundi/Vantage Point (20 active nests in 2007), adjacent to the Patuxent River north of Haviland Mill Road, and Carroll Mill Road in the Middle Patuxent River floodplain. This is a dramatic change from the occasional one or two nests that were the norm through the mid-1990s. Reservoirs, lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands. |
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| Great Egret |
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| Uncommon but regular wanderer. Mid-March into late November with peak in mid to late summer; late date December 27, 2003, at Lake Elkhorn. Sightings and numbers have increased in last 10 years. Highs of 18 on March 19, 1997, and 17 on July 10,1991, both at Centennial Park. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. |
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| Snowy Egret |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Early May to mid-October (one mid-April and one mid-November report). Records in four of last 10 years with single sightings in three of those years (2007 rev.). Highs of four on August 1, 1964, at Triadelphia Reservoir and four on May 8, 1993, at Plumtree Path. Mostly on larger lakes and reservoirs, occasionally on ponds. Lake Elkhorn has the most records in the last decade. | ||
| Little Blue Heron |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Late March to mid-October (one mid-November record). Mostly three or fewer sighting per year. Records in eight of last 10 years (2007 rev.). Recent records mostly from Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond, Race Road wetlands, and Meadowbrook Park. High of three on July 30, 1994, at Browns Bridge. Wetlands; all major reservoirs and lake edges; sometimes ponds and rivers. | ||
| Tricolored Heron |
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| Rare wanderer. Three records. August 25, 1991, and late September/October 1992 at Triadelphia Reservoir; July 22, 1994, at Browns Bridge. | ||
| Cattle Egret |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Early April to mid-November (one mid-March record). Seen eight times in six of last 10 years (2007 rev.). Highs of nine on July 29, 1982, at Triadelphia Reservoir and nine on May 7, 1986, in a pasture (which no longer exists) on Highland Road. Pastures or barnyards with cattle or other animals; shallow ponds, wetlands, and lake edges. Four of last eight records at Fulton (2007 rev.); others at Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond, Gateway, and the University of Maryland Central Farm. First record on May 18, 1961. | ||
| Green Heron |
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| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant; rare in winter. April to late October (extremes of February 25 and November 26). Widespread along all major rivers as well as lake and pond edges. |
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| Black-crowned Night-Heron |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Late March to late October; one December 8 record. High of six on June 15, 1981, flying over Oakland Mills. Lake Kittamaqundi, Wilde Lake, and Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond are consistent locations in late spring and summer. Shallow portions of lakes and pond edges. |
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| Yellow-crowned Night-Heron |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Early April to early October. Records in nine of last 10 years with several records each year (2007 rev.). Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond in June and July has been the most consistent location. Shallow edges of lakes and reservoirs. |
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| White Ibis |
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| Rare vagrant. Four records. July 3, 1977, on north side of Patuxent River (now High Ridge Park); August 13, September 6 and 9, 1980, on Jackson Pond, Long Reach, Columbia; July 30, 1984, south of Middle Patuxent River near US 29 and Johns Hopkins Road; and August 18– 20, 2007, along the river in the Orange Grove/Glen Artney section of Patapsco Valley State Park. | ||
| Glossy Ibis |
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| Rare wanderer. Seventeen records. First week of April through mid-May (most in spring); four of five fall sightings August 5 to September 18; one unusually late sighting November 25. Records in six of last 10 years (2007 rev.). Wide variety of damp locations from reservoir and pond edges to shallow pools in fields. First record May 8, 1967. |
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| Black Vulture |
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| Fairly common year-round. Formerly mostly in western Howard County; however, 2000 BBA found probable or confirmed breeding widespread, although majority in northern and western sections. |
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| Turkey Vulture |
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| Common year-round countywide. Roosts of 50–100 birds often contain both species. Road-killed deer probably provide ample food for both vulture species. |
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| Osprey – Yellow-billed Cuckoo | ||
| Osprey |
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| Fairly common migrant; rare in winter; uncommon in summer. March into December (as early as February 25 and as late as December 25). Summer records in seven of last 10 years (2007 rev.). No county breeding site verified, although in 1993 a pair nested on a platform (no longer present) on the Montgomery County side of Triadelphia Reservoir at Greenbridge. In 1994, one bird was seen in that location during the breeding season, but there was no evidence of nesting. High of 17 on April 16, 1999, south of Ellicott City. Lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. |
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| Mississippi Kite |
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| Rare vagrant. Five records. April 11 to July 2. One was a perched bird, the others were flyovers. First record was May 31, 1993, most recent July 2, 2005. | ||
| Bald Eagle |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Bald Eagles have become a local success story. The Chesapeake Bay population has rebounded so dramatically that nesting pairs have moved into the county. A pair has nested at Triadelphia Reservoir since 1993 and at Duckett Reservoir since 2003. Two nests on private property in the central and western parts of the county have also been verified—one in 2006 and one in early 2007 (which was never used). There also are several established nests in adjoining counties near the eastern part of Howard County. As a result, Bald Eagle sightings are no longer rare anywhere in the county. |
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| Northern Harrier |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. April to mid-May (a few in March); late August into November. Mostly reported from the western part of the county where it hunts low over fields, wet meadows, and extensive open areas; may also be seen as a high flyover during migration. |
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| Sharp-shinned Hawk |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mostly late March into May; September into November (more common in fall). This used to be the expected migrant and wintering accipiter. Because Cooper's Hawks have increased so dramatically in the last decades, either of those accipiters can be anticipated during migration or in winter. The 2007 Midwinter Count tallied equal numbers of both species. |
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| Cooper's Hawk |
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| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Early March to early May; early September into November. Dramatic increase in breeding population in last 20 years. In both the 70s and 80s atlases, the species was confirmed in one block; in the recent atlas it was confirmed in 23 of 34 blocks and was undetected in only two. |
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| Northern Goshawk |
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| Rare migrant; rare in winter. Mid-October to late March. Reported in four of last 10 years (2008 rev.) An immature bird wintered in the vicinity of Centennial Park from December 31, 1993, to March 31, 1994. An immature at the University of Maryland Central Farm December 15, 2007 was photographed. | ||
| Red-shouldered Hawk |
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| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Early March through mid-April; mid-October to late November. This species continues to do well in the county. It nests in mature, mostly deciduous woods along major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Extensive floodplains and wetlands may be its preference, but nests are found regularly along small streams in residential neighborhoods and at lake edges near human habitations. |
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| Broad-winged Hawk |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon to common migrant (on a few fall days it may be abundant). Mid-April to mid-May; early September to mid-October (more in fall). Peak numbers usually September 15–25. Although this species has never been a common or widespread breeder in the county, in the 70s BBA it was found in a total of 23 of 34 blocks and confirmed in five. The situation has changed dramatically. In the 2000 BBA, it was found in four blocks and confirmed in just one. This crash in breeding pairs is not unique to Howard County, although no cause has been determined. The highest recorded numbers in migration were on September 20, 1993, when 6,363 were counted over Burleigh Manor, 2,500 were noted a few miles south of Ellicott City, and 210 were spotted over Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. There have been three other dates on which 2,000 or more have been tallied. Spring numbers do not approach these figures with a high of 317 on April 13, 2001, south of Ellicott City. Breeds in extensive deciduous woods, recently only along northern sections of the Patapsco River. |
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| Red-tailed Hawk |
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| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant; fairly common in winter. March into April; late October into December. Based on recent BBA results, more widespread in the county during the breeding season than 20 years ago despite declining number of farm fields for hunting. Has adapted to power line and highway rights-of-way. High of 101 over Sanner Road on November 11, 1994. Upland woods and fields; major highways. |
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| Rough-legged Hawk | ||
| Uncommon to rare migrant; rare in winter. Mid-February through March; late October into December. Not seen every year. At one time a consistent winter resident at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Records in six of last 10 years (2008 rev.). Two of the three most recent sightings were from Brighton Dam in March. | ||
| Golden Eagle |
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| Rare migrant. Ten records. Nine have been in fall (five between October 28 and November 2); lone spring record was April 17. Spring and fall records at Centennial Park. | ||
| American Kestrel |
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| Uncommon breeder; fairly common to uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-March to mid-April; mid-September to mid-October. This species has become increasingly more difficult to locate in the last 10 years. Midwinter Count data show that from 1986 through 1992 only one year tallied fewer than 20 birds, all other totals were 35 or more with a high of 53 in 1989. In contrast, since 2000 each year has been below 20; totals the last five years have been below 10 (2007 rev.). Frequently perches on power lines near fields. |
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| Merlin |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter; rare in summer. March into early May; late August through November. A few winter records; one summer record. | ||
| Peregrine Falcon |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter; rare in summer. Mostly April; late September into early November. Primarily lakes, reservoirs, and extensive open areas. | ||
| King Rail |
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| Rare wanderer. Mid-April to mid-July; no fall records. Schooley Mill Park and Centennial Park have the most records. |
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| Virginia Rail |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to early June (peak first half of May); September 1 to November 4 (three fall records). Three breeding records (young seen) in 1974, 1992, and 2004 with two other records possible—all at different sites. Undoubtedly, more common as a migrant than records indicate. Open marshy situations or shallow pond edges with dense emergent vegetation. University of Maryland Central Farm, Centennial Park, Schooley Mill Park, and Plumtree Path. |
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| Sora |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Early April to mid-May; mid-August to late October. One breeding record in 1992 at a Savage pond that no longer exists. Possible breeding at University of Maryland Central Farm in 2002. Certainly more common in migration than records indicate. Lakes, ponds, and marshes with shallow muddy edges and cattails or other emergent vegetation. One bird was observed on a mudflat at Centennial Park from April 5 to May 14, 1989. Meadowbrook Park, Race Road wetlands, and University of Maryland Central Farm are prime sites. |
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| Common Moorhen |
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| Rare breeder; rare migrant. Sixteen records. Late April to early June (most in spring); three fall sightings all between September 17–22. Known to have bred in 1981, 1983, and 1992 at a Savage pond that no longer exists. Wetlands, ponds, and lakes with dense emergent vegetation, especially spatterdock or water lilies. Centennial Park, Lake Elkhorn, Warfields Pond Park, Font Hill Wetland Park, and Woodstock (Patapsco River State Park) all have records. When detected, this elusive species is often recorded for several consecutive days. First record May 1, 1972. |
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| American Coot |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Late February through April (a few into May); late September to mid-December; six summer records. Highs of 45 on October 23, 1949, and 41 on November 23, 1957, both at Triadelphia Reservoir, and 32 on November 11, 1995, at Centennial Park. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Numbers fluctuate widely from year to year. |
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| Limpkin |
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| Rare wanderer. One record of a bird on lawns and in a pasture on Lakeway Drive in the Benson Branch watershed May 26 to June 10, 1985. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Sandhill Crane |
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| Rare migrant. Four records. March 28, 1986, May 8, 1997, April 29, 2000, and January 6, 2008; the first three in central or western Howard County, most recent at Brighton Dam. | ||
| Black-bellied Plover |
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| Rare migrant. Nineteen records. May (four records); late August through late October. Although most records are from mudflats at Triadelphia Reservoir, this species has also been found at pools on turf farms, on mud at a construction site, and along muddy pond edges at several locations. High of five on October 3, 1988, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| American Golden-Plover |
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| Rare migrant. Fifteen records. Late August to early October (fall records only). Mostly on extensive short grass or damp mud. High of 14 on October 1, 1989, at a turf farm on MD 32 and 11 on September 18, 1993, at a Jennings Chapel Road turf farm. Most records are from turf farms, a few from Triadelphia Reservoir and Fulton Pond, and one from Western Regional Park. This species and the Black-bellied Plover are often noted after heavy rains. | ||
| Semipalmated Plover |
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| Uncommon migrant. End of April through May; late July to early October. Number of sightings varies widely depending on rainfall and availability of mud. Mudflats, muddy pond and lake edges, turf farms, and shallow puddles in plowed fields. High of 15 on May 21, 2001, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Western Regional Park is a consistent location. | ||
| Piping Plover |
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| Rare migrant. One record from Wilde Lake on April 29, 1994. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Killdeer |
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| Common breeder; common migrant; uncommon in winter. Late February to early April; mid-July through October. Mudflats and muddy edges of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, extensive short-grass areas and plowed fields; gravel areas (especially for breeding). The two high counts of 150+ on October 18, 1997, and April 1, 1990, were at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Spring and fall sightings of 30 to 50 birds are expected. |
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| Black-necked Stilt |
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| Rare. One record. September 3, 1991, of a bird flying over a home near Wilde Lake. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| American Avocet |
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| Rare migrant. Five records. One March 15 record (state record early date); all others August 6 to October 7. Lake Elkhorn, Fulton Pond, Triadelphia Reservoir (two), and a MD 94 farm pond. | ||
| Spotted Sandpiper |
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| Rare breeder; fairly common migrant; rare in summer; rare in winter. Mid-April to early June; mid-July through October (two November and one December 8 record); one July 1 record. First nest record on May 3, 2002, (nest with eggs) at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Reservoirs; river, pond, and lake edges. Highs of 30 on August 22, 1992, at Duckett Reservoir and 20 on May 1, 1995, at Triadelphia Reservoir. |
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| Solitary Sandpiper |
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| Fairly common migrant. Mid-April to late May; mid-July to late October. River, pond, and lake edges, reservoir mudflats, and damp grassy areas. High of 42 on April 25, 1999, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | ||
| Greater Yellowlegs |
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| Uncommon migrant. Early March to late May (one June 9 record); late July well into November. Mostly edges and shallows of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, occasionally observed in flooded fields. Highs of 31 on October 25, 2007, flying over Brighton Dam and 22 on September 9, 1997, at Lake Elkhorn. Pigtail and Big Branch on Triadelphia Reservoir, Browns Bridge, and Western Regional Park all Ehave frequent records. | ||
| Lesser Yellowlegs |
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| Uncommon migrant. March through May; mid-July to mid-November. Mudflats and muddy edges of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Highs of 25 on August 3, 1957, at Triadelphia Reservoir and 24 on April 29, 2000, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Browns Bridge, Columbia lakes, and Western Regional Park all have numerous records. | ||
| Upland Sandpiper |
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| Rare migrant. Nineteen records. April 10 to May 12; July 6 to September 15. Turf farms, pastures, hay and alfalfa fields. Highs of four on April 18, 1993, at the University of Maryland Central Farm and three on August 20, 1966, in a Dayton farm field. A single sighting in five of the last 10 years (2007 rev.). |
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| Whimbrel |
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| Rare migrant. One record. A flock of 70 was observed May 21, 2003, flying over the University of Maryland Central Farm during a light rain. | ||
| Ruddy Turnstone |
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| Rare migrant. One record. A juvenile was present September 4–5, 2001, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Red Knot |
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| Rare migrant. One record. A juvenile was on mudflats August 27–30, 1988, at Pigtail, Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Sanderling |
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| Rare migrant. Eleven records. One spring record on May 6; all others August 17 to October 20. Ten records from Triadelphia Reservoir; one at Wilde Lake (after it was drained) on September 11, 1994. | ||
| Semipalmated Sandpiper |
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| Uncommon migrant. Late April to early June; mid-July to early November. Annually on reservoir mudflats, along muddy lake and pond edges, and in flooded fields. High of 80–100 on August 6, 2002, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Western Sandpiper |
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| Rare migrant. Nine records. August 9 to September 18 (fall records only). All records from Browns Bridge or Triadelphia Reservoir. Mudflats. Observed in three of last 10 years (2007 rev.). | ||
| Least Sandpiper |
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| Fairly common migrant. Mid-April through May; mid-July to early November. Reservoir mudflats, muddy edges of lakes and ponds, shallow wet areas in fields. Highs of 45 on August 28, 2005, at Browns Bridge and 42 on May 22, 2001, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | ||
| White-rumpted Sandpiper |
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| Rare migrant. At least nine records. May 27 to June 3; August 6 to October 22 (fall records predominate). Mudflats; shallow pond edges. All records from Triadelphia Reservoir and Western Regional Park. Highs of four on September 8, 2005, at Western Regional Park and three on September 26, 2001, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Observed in four of last 10 years (2007 rev.). | ||
| Baird's Sandpiper |
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| Rare migrant. Two records. September 12, 1982, at Triadelphia Reservoir and September 12–13, 2004, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | ||
| Pectoral Sandpiper |
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| Uncommon migrant. Late March to late May (as early as March 3); mid-July through October (as late as November 8). Recorded annually on mudflats of reservoirs and lakes, at edges of shallow ponds, and in flooded fields. High of 15 on August 16, 1992, at Browns Bridge. | ||
| Dunlin |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter; rare in summer. Early April to late May; early September to early November (one late December record); one highly unusual July 25 sighting at Browns Bridge. Reservoir mudflats provide most records, but several other locations have records including four ponds (each contained sizeable mudflats). High of seven on October 28, 1995, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Recorded in five of last 10 years; four of those years had multiple sightings (2007 rev.). | ||
| Stilt Sandpiper |
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| Rare migrant. Five records. July 21 (one), August 31 to September 25 (four). All sightings at Browns Bridge, Triadelphia Reservoir, and Western Regional Park. High of eight on August 31, 2005, at Browns Bridge. | ||
| Buff-breasted Sandpiper |
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| Rare migrant. At least six records. August 31 to September 23 (fall records only). Four records at turf farms, two at Western Regional Park. Extensive short-grass locations. | ||
| Short-billed Dowitcher |
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| Rare migrant. Eleven records. May 11–19; July 19 to October 24. One valid spring record (not included is an undocumented report of 12 on May 3, 1975). Mudflats of reservoirs, lakes, and ponds; also temporary pools at turf farms. Only observation in last 10 years was May 11–19, 2005, at Western Regional Park. | ||
| Long-billed Dowitcher |
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| Rare migrant. Three records. September 28, 2003 (University of Maryland Central Farm), October 24, 1980 (Fulton Pond), and October 28, 1951 (Triadelphia Reservoir). One record in the last 10 years (2007 rev.). | ||
| Wilson's Snipe |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-February to late May; late August to mid-December. Muddy pond edges, wet swales, and wet pastures. High of 142 on March 27, 1999, at the University of Maryland Central Farm; in five other years 60–100 were at the same location during spring migration. Cryptic coloration of the birds and the vegetated muddy areas where they rest and feed enable this species to escape easy detection. | ||
| American Woodcock |
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| Uncommon breeder, uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mostly mid-February into April; October into December. Secluded wet woods with leaf litter; damp second-growth. Dawn and sunset courtship flights in late winter and early spring in fallow fields or open areas near rivers or streams. Breeding numbers have declined in the county in the last 30 years. The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is being actively managed to bring back breeding woodcock. |
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| Wilson's Phalarope | ||
| Rare migrant. Four records. May 6, 1978, August 11, 1991, September 4, 1987, and September 8, 1947. Triadelphia Reservoir and a farm pond near Jennings Chapel Road. | ||
| Red Phalarope |
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| Rare migrant. Two records. October 1–12, 1982, and October 21, 1989. Lake Kittamaqundi and Centennial Park. | ||
| Laughing Gull |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Early April well into May; July to mid-December. Mostly on or over reservoirs, lakes, ponds, and landfills. The first edition of Birding Howard County, Maryland (1995) noted a dramatic and continuing increase in this species. That is no longer true. The last 10 years (2007 rev.) have seen a sustained drop in sightings and numbers. The closing of the active landfill after 1997 has been a major factor in this change. The all-time one-location high was 3,500 on September 17, 1990, at Alpha Ridge Landfill. By 2002, there were no reports anywhere in the county; in 2006, there was a single sighting of one gull. Since 2000, the maximum number reported has been one flock of 150 in 2004, all other numbers have been 14 or fewer. | ||
| Bonaparte's Gull |
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| Uncommon migrant (briefly in spring it may be common over a few lakes or reservoirs); rare in winter. Mid-March to early May; early August to late December; six January records. Highest numbers in spring. High of 250 on April 2, 1989, at Centennial Park. Historically, Wilde Lake has been the most consistent location for sizeable flocks. All local lakes and reservoirs have records, but numbers can fluctuate dramatically from year to year, e.g., 2006 had two sightings—each was a single bird—while 2007 had a minimum of a dozen reports in the spring season alone. These gulls rarely spend more than a few hours at any location. | ||
| Ring-billed Gull |
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| Common wanderer, few to absent in midsummer. Lakes, reservoirs, shopping center parking lots, fields. | ||
| Herring Gull |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Mostly September to May. Most frequent at reservoirs; occasionally a few appear at Centennial Park or one of the Columbia lakes. | ||
| Thayer's Gull | ||
| Rare in winter. Four records. December 20 to February 20, all at Alpha Ridge Landfill (when it was still an active landfill). First record 1982; most recent record 1997. | ||
| Iceland Gull |
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| Rare in winter. Ten records. One at Triadelphia Reservoir on December 8, all others at Alpha Ridge Landfill December 20 to March 3. First record 1982; most recent sighting 1997. | ||
| Lesser Black-backed Gull |
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| Uncommon. November 12 to April 23. High of four at Alpha Ridge Landfill on December 20, 1982. Most records were between 1982 (when the species was first recorded) and 1997 (when the landfill closed). Most other records are from Triadelphia Reservoir. The four records since 1997 are all from Brighton Dam. Often in large flocks of Ring-billed Gulls and/or Herring Gulls. | ||
| Glaucous Gull |
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| Rare. Fourteen records. December 24 to April 1; May 15–24 (Maryland late date). The preponderance of records are from Alpha Ridge Landfill and Triadelphia Reservoir; Centennial Park and Wilde Lake each have single sightings. The latter bird stayed from May 15–24, 1997, and was seen by numerous observers. First record 1982. | ||
| Great-Black-backed Gull |
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| Uncommon. End of September (one August 29 record) to early May. Usually at reservoirs and lakes. Used to be seen in large numbers in winter at Alpha Ridge Landfill; the 2006 and 2007 Midwinter Counts recorded none. High of 400 on February 1, 1997, at the landfill. Still an occasional visitor at lakes (especially Wilde Lake) or reservoirs; seldom more than one or two birds. | ||
| Caspian Tern |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in summer. Late March through May; early July to early October; one June 20 record. Recorded annually over lakes, reservoirs, and ponds; also on sandbars. Sometimes birds are present for several consecutive weeks, especially in late summer/fall. High of 117 on April 22, 1995, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Flocks mostly 25 or fewer. First record April 18, 1984. | ||
| Least Tern | ||
| Rare. One record. July 10, 2006, at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Pond. Currently under review by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Black Tern |
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| Rare migrant; rare in summer. Eighteen records. May 1 to May 19; August 2 to September 21; one June 22 record. Recorded in three of last 10 years (2007 rev.). High of nine on August 2, 1986, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Records from Triadelphia Reservoir, Wilde Lake, Centennial Park, Lake Elkhorn, Fulton Pond, Rocky Gorge Dam, and Browns Bridge. Views of this species are typically brief; only occasionally will they feed in a location for several hours. | ||
| Common Tern |
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| Rare migrant. Six records. April 21, May 23, August 21, August 22, September 10, and October 8. One record in last 10 years (2007 rev.). High of nine on May 23, 1958, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Three records from Triadelphia Reservoir, one from Browns Bridge, one from Lake Elkhorn, and one a flyover south of Ellicott City. | ||
| Forster's Tern |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in summer. April to mid-May; August through September (one October 30–31 record); two June records. Recorded almost annually in small numbers over reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. High of seven on September 20, 2001, at Larriland Farm (MD 94). Majority of records from Triadelphia Reservoir (where they often rest on buoy markers visible from Brighton Dam) and Centennial Park. | ||
| Rock Pigeon |
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| Common to abundant year-round. As farm buildings in the county have declined, this species has adapted to nesting under bridges and highway overpasses. |
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| Mourning Dove |
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| Abundant year-round. Frequents fields, wood edges, suburban areas. Highs of 1,106 on October 27, 1991, and 800+ on August 9,1995, both south of Gorman Road, west of I-95. |
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| Yellow-billed Cuckoo |
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| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April into June; August through mid-October; one November 4 record. Deciduous woods, wood edges, second-growth. |
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| Black-billed Cuckoo |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April into June; August through early October. Wood edges; shrubby second-growth. Undoubtedly has nested, but no BBA confirmed breeding. Of five blocks in which they were recorded during the 2000 atlas, one had probable nesting. |
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| Barn Owl – Blue-gray Gnatcatcher | ||
| Barn Owl |
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| Rare breeder; rare migrant. Was once an uncommon but regular nester in silos, barns, and abandoned buildings in the county. At best, owls are underrepresented in atlas surveys, but the dwindling number of farms, abandoned buildings, and damp meadows have almost eliminated breeding Barn Owls locally. In the 70s BBA, the species was confirmed as breeding in 10 blocks of the 12 in which they were found; in the 80s BBA, the confirmations had dropped to six of a dozen blocks .By the 2000 BBA, they were found nesting in just one block of the three where they were verified during the breeding season. |
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| Eastern Screech-Owl |
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| Uncommon year-round. Widespread in deciduous woodlots and suburban yards wherever there are adequate cavities and prey. Occasionally, roosts and nests in boxes designed for them. Their call does not carry far nor does it sound like what people perceive as a typical owl, so their presence is frequently overlooked. Patapsco Valley State Park (Daniels), Rockburn Branch Park, Western Regional Park, and the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area all have recent records. |
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| Great Horned Owl |
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| Uncommon year-round. Mature deciduous and coniferous woods. 2000 BBA found the species in 32 of 34 blocks. Uses old hawk, crow, or squirrel nests in a major cro | ||