Forest birding habitat

Bells Lane

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Bells Lane is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/1/2026Braley Pond1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

6/1/2026White Hill Rd . Christians creek1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/1/2026318 Trimbles Mill Road, Swoope, Virginia, US (38.139, -79.217)1 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

5/31/2026Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail (Nelson Co.)1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/29/2026Gypsy Hill Park Lake Tams (fishing pond), Staunton US-VA 38.15885, -79.081962 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

5/28/2026Leading Ridge Rd (Broad Run to Todd Lake)1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/26/2026200–212 Timber Ridge Rd, Mount Solon US-VA 38.37598, -79.087571 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/26/2026200–212 Timber Ridge Rd, Mount Solon US-VA 38.37598, -79.087571 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/26/2026Private home - Barrenridge Rd, Staunton US-VA 38.18148, -78.958171 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/26/2026Sunset Lake (Private)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/27/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/27/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/27/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/27/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

65/27/2026

Barn Swallow

25/27/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/27/2026

Carolina Wren

25/27/2026

European Starling

755/27/2026

Gray Catbird

165/27/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

45/27/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/27/2026

American Robin

65/27/2026

Cedar Waxwing

45/27/2026

American Goldfinch

65/27/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

25/27/2026

Field Sparrow

25/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bells Lane for birding?
The best months to visit Bells Lane for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bells Lane?
Notable species at Bells Lane include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bells Lane?
Birding at Bells Lane is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bells Lane?
Bells Lane offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.