Among North Beach’s many attractions is a small wetlands park located in a residential neighborhood where the water tower and public works building are located. If you enjoy bird watching or photography, you should add this to your North Beach itinerary. It’s worth spending a little time there, even when it’s not a prime time for bird migration. Just be sure to bring binoculars and a powerful zoom lens.
There is a small gravel parking lot just outside the park entrance on 11th Street. Once you walk through the gate to get into the park, you’ll find two small gazebos and a pier overlooking the wetlands. Patio chairs are available so you can relax and enjoy the scenery for as long as you like (between dawn and dusk, anyway).
Don’t expect it to be quiet here, however. While you will hear the sounds of nature, Bay Avenue is just on the other side of the wetlands. There was quite enough traffic on the Sunday afternoon that I was there.
The traffic doesn’t seem to deter the birds, though. I saw several snowy egrets, some of them little white specks in the distance (until I looked at them with my Bushnells). A couple of great blue herons were hanging out there as well, and one osprey circled around for a few minutes.
But it’s not just the birds – there were beautiful wildflowers blooming around the edge of the wetlands. I saw many dragonflies and butterflies, as well as songbirds.
Wetlands Overlook Park is dog friendly. There is a Mutt Mitt dispenser next to the Visitor Center (which has restrooms and a soda vending machine). Just be sure to keep your dog leashed while you’re in the park.
North Beach Wetlands Overlook Park
http://www.ci.north-beach.md.us/Pages/NorthBeachMD_WebDocs/wetlandspark