Bird Watching

Discover the Coastal Beauty of Ocean City & Assateague Island Through Birdwatching

For those who love nature, photography, or simply the peaceful serenity of the great outdoors, Ocean City Saltwater’s Birdwatching Adventures offers a truly immersive experience. Our guided tours take you through the inland waterways of Ocean City, Maryland, and the breathtaking surroundings of Assateague Island National Seashore and State Park, where the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Flyway comes to life.

Sunset/Dinner Fishing Trip

Birdwatching Adventures with Ocean City Saltwater

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise on the Water

Step aboard our custom-built 25-foot center console boat, the “Kashmir,” for a guided excursion through some of the most pristine and wildlife-rich habitats on the East Coast. Unlike land-based birding, our boat allows for up-close experiences with nesting areas, marshlands, and sandbars—giving birdwatchers and photographers an unparalleled view of their feathered subjects.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder looking to add rare sightings to your life list or a casual nature enthusiast eager to learn about coastal bird species, our tours offer a tranquil yet exciting way to connect with the natural world.

Why Birdwatch in Ocean City?

Ocean City, Maryland, is one of the best birdwatching destinations on the Eastern Seaboard, thanks to its strategic location along the Atlantic Flyway. This major migratory route brings thousands of birds through the region each year, offering a spectacular display of seasonal bird activity.

The surrounding landscapes provide diverse ecosystems, including:

  • Salt Marshes & Wetlands – Prime feeding grounds for wading birds like herons, egrets, and ibis.
  • Sandy Shores & Dunes – Nesting and foraging areas for shorebirds such as plovers, oystercatchers, and sandpipers.
  • Open Bays & Coastal Waters – Home to pelicans, terns, ducks, and seabirds.
  • Maritime Forests – A refuge for songbirds, raptors, and woodpeckers.

Each season brings different opportunities to witness unique bird behaviors, from courtship displays in the spring to large flocks of migrating waterfowl in the fall.

What You’ll Experience on Our Birdwatching Tour

Our guided birdwatching excursions provide a well-rounded experience tailored to bird lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Explore Diverse Habitats

Our route takes us through protected estuaries, tidal marshes, and remote areas of Assateague Island that are home to some of the region’s most fascinating bird species.

A Photographer’s Dream

For bird photographers, this trip is an incredible opportunity to capture stunning images. The boat provides an advantage over land-based birding, allowing for stable, close-up shots of birds in flight, perching, or feeding in natural settings. Golden hour tours are available for those looking for the perfect lighting conditions.

Up-Close Encounters

Unlike traditional birdwatching, our boat allows us to get closer to birds without disturbing their natural behavior. Our experienced guides know the best spots to observe nesting colonies, roosting areas, and prime feeding locations.

Opportunities to Explore On Foot

We offer unique stop-offs on sandbars and designated areas of Assateague Island National Seashore, where you can:
✔️ Walk along untouched coastal landscapes
✔️ Observe wading birds feeding in the shallows
✔️ Watch shorebirds darting along the water’s edge
✔️ Take in breathtaking panoramic views

Notable Birds You May See

Our tours provide an opportunity to see a remarkable variety of coastal bird species throughout the year. 
Assateague Island Bird List

Coastal Birds & Shorebirds

  • Brown Pelican – Watch these large, graceful birds dive dramatically into the water for fish.
  • American Oystercatcher – Easily recognized by its long, bright-orange bill and striking black-and-white plumage.
  • Willet & Sandpipers – Often seen darting along the shoreline in search of small invertebrates.
  • Royal & Common Terns – Sleek seabirds that hover and plunge into the water to catch fish.

Waterfowl & Ducks (Seasonal)

  • Bufflehead & Hooded Merganser – Small diving ducks with striking plumage and acrobatic feeding behavior.
  • Black Scoter & Surf Scoter – Sea ducks that migrate through the region in large numbers.
  • Tundra Swans (Winter) – Majestic white swans that rest in coastal waters during migration.

Birds of Prey (Raptors)

  • Bald Eagle – America’s national bird, often seen soaring over the bay or perched on tall trees.
  • Osprey – A common sight, especially in spring and summer, building nests on platforms and poles.
  • Peregrine Falcon – The world’s fastest bird, sometimes spotted hunting over open water.

Wading Birds & Marsh Birds

  • Great Blue Heron – A large, majestic wader that moves slowly through the shallows hunting fish.
  • Snowy Egret & Great Egret – Elegant white wading birds with long, slender legs.
  • Glossy Ibis – Recognizable by its iridescent dark feathers and curved bill.

Seasons & Best Times for Birdwatching

Each season offers something unique for birdwatchers in Ocean City and Assateague:

Spring (March – May)

✔️ Migratory songbirds return
✔️ Nesting season begins for many species
✔️ Ospreys arrive and begin rebuilding their nests

Summer (June – August)

✔️ Prime time for pelicans, egrets, and herons
✔️ Shorebirds in full nesting season
✔️ Excellent for photographers

Fall (September – November)

✔️ Large flocks of migratory ducks and geese pass through
✔️ Raptors begin their migration south
✔️ Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds

Winter (December – February)

✔️ Best season for sea ducks and tundra swans
✔️ Bald eagles are active
✔️ Peaceful and serene birding

Book Your Birdwatching Adventure Today!

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ocean City’s coastal wilderness. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning on the water, an afternoon of photography, or an unforgettable wildlife experience, our Birdwatching Adventures are designed to inspire and captivate.

4-5 people max

$350 – 2 Hour Trip
4:00 – 6:00 PM Only

$450 – 3 Hour Trip
Trips starting at 6:30 AM