Wetland birding habitat

Box Tree Marsh

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Box Tree Marsh is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Greater Yellowlegs, and Bald Eagle among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Northern)

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026Indian Walk Lane2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/19/2026Coastal Forest WMA--Tract #96 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/17/2026Lankford Hwy, Cape Charles3 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/17/2026The Scrape1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end56 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end20 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/11/2026Cape Charles Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

27/20/2026

Canada Goose

187/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/20/2026

Killdeer

27/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

American Crow

27/20/2026

Barn Swallow

47/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/20/2026

European Starling

807/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/20/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

17/20/2026

Field Sparrow

87/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

127/20/2026

Common Grackle

17/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/20/2026

Blue Grosbeak

47/20/2026

Indigo Bunting

117/20/2026

Purple Martin

67/18/2026

Black Vulture

17/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Box Tree Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Box Tree Marsh for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Box Tree Marsh?
Notable species at Box Tree Marsh include Hooded Merganser, Greater Yellowlegs, Bald Eagle, American Crow, Brown-headed Nuthatch. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Box Tree Marsh?
Birding at Box Tree Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Box Tree Marsh?
Box Tree Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.