River/Riparian birding habitat

Colonial Parkway - College Creek

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Colonial Parkway - College Creek is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Common Goldeneye, and Bufflehead 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

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

6/3/2026Machicomoco State Park1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

6/1/2026Camp Morrison1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Wilhelm1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/30/2026Chippokes Plantation State Park1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/30/2026Greensprings Interpretive Trail2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/29/2026Guinea Marsh--Maryus Road1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/28/2026Mariners' Museum Park/The Noland Trail1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026Personal location, Yorktown1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/28/2026MBR1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/27/2026Hog Island WMA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Royal Tern

55/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

American Crow

55/31/2026

Tree Swallow

155/31/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

25/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

45/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

American Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

35/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Common Grackle

65/31/2026

Pine Warbler

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

15/31/2026

Prairie Warbler

25/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/31/2026

European Starling

35/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Colonial Parkway - College Creek for birding?
The best months to visit Colonial Parkway - College Creek for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Colonial Parkway - College Creek?
Notable species at Colonial Parkway - College Creek include Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Canada Goose, Osprey. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Colonial Parkway - College Creek?
Birding at Colonial Parkway - College Creek is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Colonial Parkway - College Creek?
Colonial Parkway - College Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.