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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/21/2026Forest Service Road 708 (Poverty Hollow)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/19/2026Kent Farm Road1 observed

Red Crossbill (Appalachian or type 1)

Loxia curvirostra

7/17/2026Forest Service Road 708 (Poverty Hollow)1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/13/2026New River Valley Fairgrounds2 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/13/2026New River Valley Fairgrounds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

137/19/2026

Mallard

47/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/19/2026

Tree Swallow

17/19/2026

Carolina Wren

37/19/2026

Gray Catbird

17/19/2026

American Robin

37/19/2026

American Goldfinch

47/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/17/2026

Green Heron

17/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/17/2026

Blue Jay

17/17/2026

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.