Pelicans in Maryland in July

Yes, July is one of the best months to see pelicans in Maryland. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 95 of the 842 sightings logged across the year (11.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

American White Pelican photographed in MarylandAmerican White Pelican photographed in MarylandBrown Pelican photographed in Maryland
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for pelicans in Maryland

11.3%

of yearly sightings

95

records in July

#2

busiest month of 12

842

verified records a year

June 10.3%, July 11.3%, August 11.4%. Busiest month is August at 11.4%.

Best months: August, July, JunePeak season right now

842 verified observations of pelicans in Maryland, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When pelicans are recorded in Maryland

Peak month

August

96 records (11.4% of the year)

Quietest month

March

39 records

MonthObservationsShare
January597%
February425%
March394.6%
April698.2%
May769%
Junepeak8710.3%
Julypeak9511.3%
Augustpeak9611.4%
September708.3%
October8510.1%
November819.6%
December435.1%

Pelicans you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Brown Pelican638
American White Pelican204

In Maryland, July carries 11.3% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity holds steady between June and July, and it heads toward August (11.4%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so July is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The pelicans most often recorded in Maryland are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a July split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in July itself.

Which pelicans you are most likely to see

  • Brown Pelican638 records
  • American White Pelican204 records
Plan your tripAntietam National Battlefield

Plan your pelican trip in Maryland

Start with live tours near Antietam National Battlefield, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see pelicans in Maryland in July?+

Yes. July accounts for 95 of the 842 verified pelicans sightings logged in Maryland across the year, which is 11.3% of the annual total.

Is July a good time to see pelicans in Maryland?+

July is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of August, July and June.

What month is best for pelicans in Maryland?+

August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, July and June, based on 842 verified observations.

Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Maryland?+

The most-recorded species in Maryland are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.