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

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/13/2026Orchard View1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/13/2026Westview Cemetery1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/13/2026Riverview Park2 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/13/2026Forest Service Road 708 (Poverty Hollow)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/13/2026Forest Service Road 708 (Poverty Hollow)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/12/2026Skipwillow Farm1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/11/2026Kent Farm Road1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

4/5/2026Parrott River Road2 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/4/2026Jefferson NF--Deerfield Trail1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/4/2026Westhill Community1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/4/2026Jefferson NF--Gateway Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Blue Jay

14/11/2026

American Crow

34/11/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/11/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/11/2026

American Goldfinch

34/11/2026

Chipping Sparrow

34/11/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/11/2026

Song Sparrow

14/11/2026

Eastern Towhee

34/11/2026

Northern Parula

14/11/2026

Pine Warbler

14/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/11/2026

American Coot

64/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/11/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/11/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/11/2026

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.