Pelicans in Maryland in September
Yes, September is a good month to see pelicans in Maryland. It is the 7th busiest month of the year, with 70 of the 842 sightings logged across the year (8.3%), 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
8.3%
of yearly sightings
70
records in September
#7
busiest month of 12
842
verified records a year
August 11.4%, September 8.3%, October 10.1%. 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, September carries 8.3% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 0 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 7th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from August (11.4%) into September, and it heads toward October (10.1%) 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 September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September 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 September?+
Yes. September accounts for 70 of the 842 verified pelicans sightings logged in Maryland across the year, which is 8.3% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see pelicans in Maryland?+
September is the 7th 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