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

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/20/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/18/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/18/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/15/2026Mattawoman Creek--Mattingly Park1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/14/202614701 Bayview Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia, US (38.633, -77.248)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

257/19/2026

Wood Duck

37/19/2026

Mallard

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Laughing Gull

17/19/2026

Caspian Tern

37/19/2026

Great Egret

337/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/19/2026

Black Vulture

97/19/2026

Osprey

147/19/2026

American Crow

37/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

37/19/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

127/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/19/2026

American Robin

27/19/2026

House Sparrow

17/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/15/2026

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.