Where to See Pelican in Maryland
Yes, pelicans are found in Maryland, primarily along the Atlantic coast and increasingly inside the Chesapeake Bay. The brown pelican is the species you're most likely to spot, especially during summer and early fall, when they congregate near Ocean City and Assateague Island and nest on low bay islands. The American white pelican appears only as a rare migrant. The best places to see pelicans line up where habitat, season, and public access intersect, starting with coastal reserves and bay waterways during the warmer months.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
- 2
- species recorded
- August, July, June
- peak months
Where to see them, source eBird
Where pelicans are being seen in Maryland
These are public birding hotspots in Maryland where pelicans were reported in the last month, most recent first. Each links to its eBird page, where you can see the full checklist and plan a visit.
- Ocean City--Sunset ParkBrown Pelicanseen Jul 19, 2026
- Patuxent River Naval Air Station (restricted access)Brown Pelicanseen Jul 19, 2026
- North Ocean City (beach)Brown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Assateague I. NS--Ferry LandingBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- West Ocean City--Hooper's Restaurant (private)Brown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Tilghman Island--Harris Creek areaBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Piney PointBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Martin NWRBrown Pelicanseen Jul 17, 2026
Sightings from eBird, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Wildlife moves, so treat these as recent activity, not a guarantee.
More on pelicans in Maryland:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
842 verified observations on iNaturalist of pelican have been recorded in Maryland, most often in August, July, June.
When pelican are recorded in Maryland
Yes, pelicans are found in Maryland, primarily along the Atlantic coast and increasingly inside the Chesapeake Bay. The brown pelican is the species you're most likely to spot, especially during summer and early fall, when they congregate near Ocean City and Assateague Island and nest on low bay islands. The American white pelican appears only as a rare migrant. The best places to see pelicans line up where habitat, season, and public access intersect, starting with coastal reserves and bay waterways during the warmer months.
Where in Maryland are pelicans most active?
Brown pelicans concentrate along Maryland's Atlantic coast near Ocean City and throughout Assateague Island from June through September. Inside the Chesapeake Bay, they've expanded their range northward over recent decades and now nest on low, shallow bay islands. The warmest months align with peak nesting and foraging activity. If you're planning a trip, the July through September window offers the highest chance of sightings. Coastal routes and bay islands are where pelicans are most reliable.
1. Assateague Island
Assateague Island is Maryland's premier pelican spot. The 37-mile barrier island runs along the Atlantic coast in Worcester County, with sandy beaches, salt marshes, and shallow bay waters that attract foraging brown pelicans. Visit the Maryland section of Assateague Island National Seashore or the state park area to scan the water from bay overlooks and beach access points. Peak season runs June through September. The shallow water on the bay side is where pelicans dive for fish. Bring binoculars and arrive early in the day for the best light and most active feeding behavior.
2. Ocean City
Ocean City serves as the hub for coastal pelican watching. The boardwalk, pier, and inlet areas offer quick access to open water where brown pelicans hunt. The Ocean City Inlet and nearby Sinepuxent Bay are productive spots. Visit during summer and early fall when pelicans are most numerous. The waterfront restaurants and public piers give you places to scan while relaxing. Early morning or late afternoon tends to produce the most activity, though pelicans can appear throughout the day.
3. Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay has become increasingly important for Maryland's pelican population. Brown pelicans have expanded their breeding range northward and now maintain nesting colonies on low islands in the central and upper bay. The Eastern Shore of the bay, accessible from routes like Maryland 33 and various public boat launches, offers viewing opportunities. The bay's shallow waters and abundance of fish attract pelicans year-round, though late spring through early fall is when you'll see the most birds. A boat is ideal for reaching islands where pelicans nest, though you can scan from shore at public landings.
4. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County sits on the Eastern Shore and protects thousands of acres of tidal marsh and open water. Though less famous for pelicans than coastal sites, brown pelicans do forage here during summer and early fall. The refuge roads and observation platforms let you scan vast stretches of shallow water. Waterfowl, raptors, and wading birds are abundant here too, making it a rewarding full-day trip. Visit during calm mornings when pelicans are most active in the shallows.
5. Patuxent River Refuge
Patuxent River refuge on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay offers habitat where pelicans have been sighted, though they are less common here than at coastal or open bay locations. The refuge protects freshwater and brackish marshes, woodlands, and grasslands. Visitor facilities and hiking trails let you explore multiple habitats. Pelicans appear here during warm months when they venture inland to forage. Combine a pelican search with watching herons, egrets, and other wading birds.
What pelican species live in Maryland?
Two pelican species occur in Maryland. The brown pelican is the common one, a large waterbird with a dark body, white head, and massive bill pouch. Brown pelicans are present in Maryland from spring through fall, breeding on low bay islands and foraging along the coast and Chesapeake Bay. The American white pelican is the second species, a much larger bird with white plumage and black wing tips, but it's a rare migrant in Maryland. American white pelicans pass through during migration seasons but do not nest or stay year-round. If you spot a pelican in Maryland during summer, it is almost certainly a brown pelican.
How do you tell a brown pelican from an American white pelican?
Brown pelicans are smaller, around 45 inches long, with dark gray-brown bodies, white heads, and yellowish throats. Their bill pouch is darker. American white pelicans are much larger, around 60 inches long, with mostly white plumage, black wing tips (visible in flight), and a huge pale bill pouch. American white pelicans also have a knob on their bill during breeding season. In Maryland, you're unlikely to encounter an American white pelican, but if you do, its large size and white coloring will make it unmistakable. Brown pelicans blend into coastal settings and favor diving for fish in open water.
When are you most likely to see pelicans in Maryland?
Summer and early fall are peak pelican season in Maryland. June through September offers the highest encounter rates, especially July and August when brown pelicans are actively nesting and feeding young. Water temperature, fish availability, and breeding activity all peak during these months. Late spring (May) and early autumn (October) can also produce sightings as pelicans move between northern and southern ranges. Winter visits are rare. If you're planning a dedicated pelican-watching trip, mark your calendar for mid-summer. Early mornings usually offer the best light and behavior.
Are pelicans protected in Maryland?
Yes, both brown pelicans and American white pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You can observe and photograph them, but you cannot capture, harm, or collect feathers. Many of the best pelican-watching spots in Maryland, including Assateague Island and Blackwater Refuge, are protected reserves where disturbance is prohibited. Keep a safe distance (at least 50 yards) when viewing nesting colonies to avoid stress that could cause adults to leave eggs or chicks unattended. Respect refuge rules and stay on marked paths. Your patience and distance protect these birds and ensure healthy populations for future generations.
Frequently asked questions
Where in Maryland are pelicans most active?+
Brown pelicans concentrate along Maryland's Atlantic coast near Ocean City and throughout Assateague Island from June through September. Inside the Chesapeake Bay, they've expanded their range northward over recent decades and now nest on low, shallow bay islands. The warmest months align with peak nesting and foraging activity. If you're planning a trip, the July through September window offers the highest chance of sightings. Coastal routes and bay islands are where pelicans are most reliable.
What pelican species live in Maryland?+
Two pelican species occur in Maryland. The brown pelican is the common one, a large waterbird with a dark body, white head, and massive bill pouch. Brown pelicans are present in Maryland from spring through fall, breeding on low bay islands and foraging along the coast and Chesapeake Bay. The American white pelican is the second species, a much larger bird with white plumage and black wing tips, but it's a rare migrant in Maryland. American white pelicans pass through during migration seasons but do not nest or stay year-round. If you spot a pelican in Maryland during summer, it is almost certainly a brown pelican.
How do you tell a brown pelican from an American white pelican?+
Brown pelicans are smaller, around 45 inches long, with dark gray-brown bodies, white heads, and yellowish throats. Their bill pouch is darker. American white pelicans are much larger, around 60 inches long, with mostly white plumage, black wing tips (visible in flight), and a huge pale bill pouch. American white pelicans also have a knob on their bill during breeding season. In Maryland, you're unlikely to encounter an American white pelican, but if you do, its large size and white coloring will make it unmistakable. Brown pelicans blend into coastal settings and favor diving for fish in open water.
When are you most likely to see pelicans in Maryland?+
Summer and early fall are peak pelican season in Maryland. June through September offers the highest encounter rates, especially July and August when brown pelicans are actively nesting and feeding young. Water temperature, fish availability, and breeding activity all peak during these months. Late spring (May) and early autumn (October) can also produce sightings as pelicans move between northern and southern ranges. Winter visits are rare. If you're planning a dedicated pelican-watching trip, mark your calendar for mid-summer. Early mornings usually offer the best light and behavior.
Are pelicans protected in Maryland?+
Yes, both brown pelicans and American white pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You can observe and photograph them, but you cannot capture, harm, or collect feathers. Many of the best pelican-watching spots in Maryland, including Assateague Island and Blackwater Refuge, are protected reserves where disturbance is prohibited. Keep a safe distance (at least 50 yards) when viewing nesting colonies to avoid stress that could cause adults to leave eggs or chicks unattended. Respect refuge rules and stay on marked paths. Your patience and distance protect these birds and ensure healthy populations for future generations.
Keep exploring
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