Pelicans in Maryland in October
Yes, October is a good month to see pelicans in Maryland. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 85 of the 842 sightings logged across the year (10.1%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in Maryland
10.1%
of yearly sightings
85
records in October
#4
busiest month of 12
842
verified records a year
September 8.3%, October 10.1%, November 9.6%. Busiest month is August at 11.4%.
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)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 59 | 7% |
| February | 42 | 5% |
| March | 39 | 4.6% |
| April | 69 | 8.2% |
| May | 76 | 9% |
| Junepeak | 87 | 10.3% |
| Julypeak | 95 | 11.3% |
| Augustpeak | 96 | 11.4% |
| September | 70 | 8.3% |
| October | 85 | 10.1% |
| November | 81 | 9.6% |
| December | 43 | 5.1% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 638 |
| American White Pelican | 204 |
In Maryland, October carries 10.1% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 1.8 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from September (8.3%) into October, and it heads toward November (9.6%) after. The busiest month is August (11.4%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in Maryland are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- Brown Pelican638 records
- American White Pelican204 records
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.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Antietam National Battlefield
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Antietam National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Maryland.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Maryland
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in Maryland in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 85 of the 842 verified pelicans sightings logged in Maryland across the year, which is 10.1% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see pelicans in Maryland?+
October is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though August and July is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
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.
See pelicans in Maryland in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Maryland