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

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

7/19/2026500–572 Guthrie Rd, Staunton US-VA 38.05458, -79.068361 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/17/2026Dowells Draft Trail1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

7/16/2026Jones Run Trail, Crozet US-VA 38.23058, -78.725501 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/14/2026Westview School Rd . Rt 7731 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/14/2026Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/12/2026Western View Pond1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/11/2026Leonard's Pond2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/15/2026

Chimney Swift

37/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/15/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/15/2026

Blue Jay

37/15/2026

American Crow

27/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

37/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

Carolina Wren

27/15/2026

Gray Catbird

37/15/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

77/15/2026

American Robin

37/15/2026

House Finch

37/15/2026

Chipping Sparrow

37/15/2026

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.