Howard County Bird Club
Woodstock Road
Patapsco Valley State Park
Woodstock Road, Woodstock Maryland 21163
Size: The bridge where Woodstock Road crosses the Patapsco River provides access to a section of the 14,000-acre Patapsco Valley State Park (PVSP). The river in this area is the boundary between Howard County and Baltimore County.
Habitat: Floodplain and upland deciduous woods adjacent to the Patapsco River. Open area along railroad tracks.
Best Months: April and May; late spring or early summer for breeding Neotropical species; September.
Coverage Time: Several hours to a half day.
Trails/Paths: Trails lead upstream after initial travel along active railroad tracks. Downstream travel is along the railroad tracks.
Notable Birds: Wild Turkey, Rough-legged Hawk, Common Moorhen, Yellow-throated Vireo, Veery, Golden-winged Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Hooded Warbler.
Amenities: Large parking lot and two picnic tables. No facilities.
Handicapped Access: Limited. Level gravel parking. River access from the parking lot is down a steep gully. Travel in either direction beyond the parking lot is initially along railroad tracks. Not a place for the mobility impaired.
Operation and Hours: State park hours are 8:00 a.m. till dusk or as posted.
Special Attractions: High river bank offers mid-level looks into floodplain trees. A wide variety of warblers, including Yellow-throated Warbler, can be found here in the appropriate season.
Bow Hunting: There may be a deer hunting season in the fall and winter. Check with the Department of Natural Resources at http://www.dnr.state.md.us for seasonal hunting dates.
Nearby Sites: Mount Pleasant, Alpha Ridge Park.
Compiler: Scott Berglund