Lake birding habitat

Beaverdam Reservoir

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Beaverdam Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Merganser, and Mourning Dove 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

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/17/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/17/2026McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area Trail System, Poolesville US-MD 39.08358, -77.405141 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/17/2026Private Residence (Berryland)1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/16/20263101 Fox Den Ln, Oakton US-VA 38.88990, -77.338611 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/16/2026Offutt Road @ Mt. Nebo Road1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/16/2026Hughes Hollow - McKee Beshers WMA1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/2026Sycamore Landing Rd. fields1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/15/2026Bazil Newman Riverfront Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/15/2026

Wild Turkey

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

14/15/2026

Fish Crow

14/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Carolina Wren

24/15/2026

American Goldfinch

24/15/2026

Field Sparrow

14/15/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

14/15/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/15/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/12/2026

American Robin

54/12/2026

Mallard

14/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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