Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Tundra Swan, Hooded Merganser, and Common Merganser among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Julie J. Metz Wetland Bank--Neabsco Boardwalk11 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Tundra Swan

33/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

53/1/2026

Common Merganser

523/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1603/1/2026

American Herring Gull

1203/1/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

13/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/1/2026

Osprey

13/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Bald Eagle

113/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/1/2026

Canada Goose

323/1/2026

American Wigeon

123/1/2026

American Black Duck

423/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

73/1/2026

Bufflehead

83/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

33/1/2026

Horned Grebe

33/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge include Tundra Swan, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.