Ocean City

Outside the summer hustle and bustle, Ocean City is a quiet, slow-paced town. With inexpensive hotel rooms and waterfront views, the resort is a great place to bird in the off-season. Few places in Maryland rival the Ocean City Inlet for rare early spring, winter, and late fall birds. These include eiders, Harlequin Ducks, Purple Sandpipers, Brant, and sporadic irruptions of alcids including razorbills and dovekies.

Two blocks from the inlet is Sunset Park, now famous for its often odd assortment of spring and fall migrants, including Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher and Rock Wren. Some 214 species have been seen there. And just a short drive away lies 30miles of unspoiled marsh and beach at Assateague Island National Seashore.

Birds, mild winter temps, great restaurant deals, and affordable accommodations make Ocean City an ideal birder’s getaway.