Witness a Warbler Wonderland at New Germany State Park

A Blackburnian warbler.

Matt Felperin

Nestled between Big Savage and Meadow Mountains along the Continental Divide, New Germany State Park has been called the “best kept secret” in western Maryland. This is not only true for the general public, but especially true for birders and other wildlife enthusiasts. Home to a mountain lake, swimming beach, rental kayaks, 10 miles of mixed-use trails, ranger-guided tours, nature center, snack bar and cabins for rent, New Germany is a great all-in-one weekend destination and also happens to be a magical warbler wonderland! 

When spring migration begins to wind down in late May around the DC/Baltimore area, it’s time to head to the mountains! Not only is it a great way to escape the inevitable summer heat, but it’s the best way to see a variety of neotropical migrants settling in to breed that you won’t find down in the coastal plain. The high elevation and precipitation levels of the Allegheny Mountains provide the right climate and conditions for habitats that closely resemble those found hundreds of miles farther north—providing birders an opportunity to observe a myriad of nesting species typically found in New England and Canada. 

New Germany State Park is located within the much larger Savage River State Forest. Made up of mixed conifer/deciduous woodlands, one of the dominant species is Eastern hemlock, an old-growth species that is critical for carbon sequestration and providing shaded cover to the habitat. The stream side along Poplar Lick Run is also dotted with rhododendrons, so be sure to take the Turnpike Trail. There are also a variety of salamanders that can be found under rocks and logs in the delightfully spongy, mossy soil. However, be sure to limit your impact on the landscape if you intend on looking for any. 

In May and June, the forest is buzzing with the territorial and courtship songs of dozens of species…take the time to immerse yourself in this multi-sensory experience. It is absolutely magical, but can be overwhelming to try to identify all of the singing birds. It can be incredibly helpful to use the sound ID tool on the free Merlin app, developed by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology. While not 100% accurate for reporting all observed species, Merlin is excellent at providing real-time identification of singing birds. 

Perhaps the most sought after bird at New Germany State Park is the fan favorite Blackburnian warbler (pictured in main image above), a mostly white- and black-streaked bird with a brilliant flame-colored throat and face. Listen closely for a series of high, thin, ascending notes tsi tsi tsi tsi tsi ti ti ti ti ti seeeeee. This bird spends most of its time in the canopy, so be sure to look up if you hear it. Also be on the lookout for the Magnolia warbler, a brilliant yellow, black and white warbler with a jet black mask. Note that this bird is not actually associated with magnolias, one of many species stuck with an inaccurate name. Don’t even get me started! The Canada warbler is another target bird, primarily gray, yellow and white with a signature black necklace that helps separate it from other yellow warblers. One of the best spots for Canada warblers is a small bridge that crosses Poplar Lick Run close to the Turnpike trailhead. Throughout the park, you will also more than likely observe some combination of black-throated green warbler, black-throated blue Warbler, ovenbird, Louisiana waterthrush, veery, red-breasted nuthatch, and rose-breasted grosbeak. Red crossbills, a nomadic finch, occasionally frequent the pines around the lake. 

This is an abridged article originally written by Matt Felperin.