Lake birding habitat

Burke Lake Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
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

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

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/3/20266223 Driftwood Dr, Alexandria US-VA 38.78161, -77.107681 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/3/2026Occoquan Bay NWR1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/2/2026Middlesex Drive Pond1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/2/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area3 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/2/2026Bull Run Marina Regional Park10 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/2/2026Backyard1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026Senate Parks and Taft Memorial1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/1/2026**HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK4 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/1/2026Middlesex Drive Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

56/3/2026

Wood Duck

146/3/2026

Mallard

66/3/2026

Green Heron

26/3/2026

Osprey

26/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/3/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Fish Crow

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

16/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

36/1/2026

Barn Swallow

56/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/1/2026

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.