Birds

Patterson Park offers an oasis in the middle of some of the densest residential development in Baltimore for all kinds of birds, ducks, and geese. While fewer than 20 different bird species are normally found in this part of the city, local bird watchers have identified at least 47 different species within the park, with one quarter of them breeding there.

The two predominant habitats of these birds are the many trees located throughout the park, and the Boat Lake. The lawn and trees attract many of the common “edge” species usually found in urban and suburban areas, so-called because these species tend to be present in forest edges. The Boat Lake environment, rarely found in an urban area, provides a perfect habitat for some water birds that under other circumstances would not be found in the greater Baltimore area. For this reason, the number of different species that have been observed in the park are greater than the number of different species found in three-quarters of the city.

Most of the water birds observed pass through and do not breed in the park, however, three species do breed there annually. The Red-wing Blackbird enjoys breeding in the cattails while Mallards make their nests among the reeds. The most treasured of all are the Woodhead Ducks that breed in cavities of trees, and then stick around to raise their young.
Some abundant species that have been observed by resident bird watchers include the American Robin, American Crow, Blue Jay, Chimney Swift, European Starling, House Swallow, Mourning Dove, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird and the Rock Dove.

Less common species include the Barn Swallow, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, House Wren, and the Northern Flicker.
Uncommon species observed are the Eastern Kingbird, American Goldfinch, Kildeer, Wood Thrush and the Chipping Sparrow.

Rare species observed include the Black-Crowned Night Heron, Black Duck, Canvasback Duck, Laughing Gull, Marsh Wren, Purple Finch, Ring-billed Gull, Peregrine Falcon, and the Ruddy Duck. The rarest species observed include the American Bittern, American Coot, Brown Creeper, Canada Goose, Swamp Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Great Egret, March Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Green Backed Heron, Little Blue Heron, Ring-necked Duck, Marsh Hen and the Pied-billed Grebe.

Of all of the birds in Patterson Park, songbirds have the greatest population.

Check out the list of birds seen in Patterson Park.