Lake birding habitat

Claytor Lake State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Claytor Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, and Long-tailed Duck 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/3/2026Strobles Mill, Blacksburg, VA, my yard1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Fairway Drive2 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

5/30/2026River Trail--McCoy to Eggleston1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/30/2026New River Valley Fairgrounds1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/30/2026New River Valley Fairgrounds1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/29/2026Kent Farm Road1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

5/29/2026Forest Service Road 708 (Poverty Hollow)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/28/2026162–178 SR-627, Max Meadows US-VA 36.92562, -80.914531 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/26/20265229 Highland Rd WWDSO II1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/25/2026129–161 SR-627, Max Meadows US-VA 36.92578, -80.914812 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

Chimney Swift

15/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Northern Flicker

25/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

25/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/29/2026

Blue Jay

25/29/2026

American Crow

15/29/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/29/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/29/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/29/2026

European Starling

25/29/2026

Gray Catbird

15/29/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/29/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/29/2026

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 Claytor Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Claytor Lake State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Claytor Lake State Park?
Notable species at Claytor Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Claytor Lake State Park?
Birding at Claytor Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Claytor Lake State Park?
Claytor Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.