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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/14/2026Shuey Road (Swoope)1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/14/2026Quillen's Pond1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/14/2026Route 610--Back Creek1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/14/2026Route 610--Parallel to Blue Ridge Parkway2 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

4/13/2026Braley Pond1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/13/2026Braley Pond2 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/12/2026Livick Road, Swoope, Virginia, US (38.145, -79.196)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/12/2026Swoope--North Mountain Road1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/11/2026598 Lake Road, Stuarts Draft, Virginia, US (37.99, -79.031)1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/11/2026Smith Lake/McCune's Pond (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

14/13/2026

American Crow

24/13/2026

Tree Swallow

74/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/13/2026

Carolina Wren

14/13/2026

European Starling

24/13/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/13/2026

American Robin

34/13/2026

House Finch

24/13/2026

American Goldfinch

14/13/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/13/2026

Field Sparrow

24/13/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/13/2026

Song Sparrow

14/13/2026

Eastern Towhee

64/13/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

24/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/13/2026

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.