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

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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

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

4/9/2026Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/4/20267514 Property1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

4/4/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end120 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/4/2026Smith Island1 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich)

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/2/2026Gull Marsh2 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/1/2026Kiptopeke SP--Fishing Pier1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hudsonian Whimbrel

234/3/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

124/3/2026

Willet

304/3/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/3/2026

Laughing Gull

64/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/3/2026

Northern Flicker

14/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

24/3/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

24/3/2026

Pine Warbler

14/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/3/2026

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.