Coastal birding habitat

Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/2/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area3 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/2/2026Bull Run Marina Regional Park10 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/2/2026Backyard1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026Senate Parks and Taft Memorial1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/1/2026**HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK4 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/1/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Mason District Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

125/29/2026

Mallard

45/29/2026

Mourning Dove

65/29/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

25/29/2026

Chimney Swift

45/29/2026

Great Egret

305/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

65/29/2026

Osprey

105/29/2026

Bald Eagle

25/29/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/29/2026

American Crow

45/29/2026

Fish Crow

45/29/2026

Carolina Chickadee

45/29/2026

Tree Swallow

25/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/29/2026

Barn Swallow

25/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/29/2026

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.