Grabbing your binoculars and heading to a nearby wildlife refuge or nature reserve to find some beautiful birds is a fantastic activity and a great way to recharge your batteries after a long week. If you are thinking of going on a road trip in your brand new 2023 Kia Rio and are searching for the best birdwatching destinations near Owings Mills, MD, here are three places you should explore.
1. Centennial Park
Surrounding a manmade reservoir near Ellicott City, Centennial Park is a beautiful green area that welcomes nature lovers from all over the Baltimore metropolitan area. This park encompasses about 340 acres and features a series of paved trails, nature paths, boat rental opportunities, and picnic spots. Located just 20 miles south of downtown Owings Mills, it can be reached in about 25 minutes by car via route I-695.
Providing habitat to different local and migratory birds, Centennial Park is a magnet for wildlife watchers and birders. Some of the species you can find while exploring the different sections of this lakeside park include Canada geese, northern shovelers, blue-winged teals, American wigeons, northern pintails, American black ducks, ring-necked pheasants, and common nighthawks.
2. Patuxent Research Refuge
Home to over 270 different bird species, Patuxent Research Refuge is a well-known destination for birding near Owings Mills. Created in 1936 and featuring wetlands, forests, and meadows, this place is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the objective of preserving the biological diversity of the region and providing habitat to native and migratory birds.
Encompassing an area of nearly 13,000 acres, Patuxent Research Refuge is located about 35 miles south of the Owing Mills city center, making it possible to reach it in just 45 minutes via route I-695. This nature reserve is home to large populations of mourning doves, wild turkeys, wood ducks, mallards, blue-wing teals, ring-necked pheasants, and prairie warblers.
3. Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park
Located about 75 miles west of downtown Owing Mills, Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park is another well-known spot among birders and wildlife photographers from the region. Featuring winding nature trails, thick wooded areas, and scenic views of the Potomac River, this regional park provides habitat to several bird species including black vultures, turkey vultures, bald eagles, great blue herons, and Canada geese.
Before you hit the road and explore these wonderful birding destinations, visit us at Koons Kia of Owings Mills! Serving our customers with exceptional service and the largest inventory of Kia vehicles in town, we have become the trusted dealership of customers from all over Maryland.
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