Burke Lake Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Burke Lake Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard 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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Wood Duck

63/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

83/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

123/5/2026

Common Merganser

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

43/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2003/5/2026

American Herring Gull

43/5/2026

Horned Grebe

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

3/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

83/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Blue Jay

103/5/2026

Fish Crow

503/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/5/2026

American Robin

3/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Burke Lake Park for birding?
The best months to visit Burke Lake Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Burke Lake Park?
Notable species at Burke Lake Park include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, American Black Duck, Redhead. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Burke Lake Park?
Birding at Burke Lake Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Burke Lake Park?
Burke Lake Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.