Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Virginia · Southeast
Moderate
October-April
Free
Open daily, dawn to dusk
About This Location
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This wetland 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
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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
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Lesser Scaup
Aythya affinis
Blackpoll Warbler
Setophaga striata
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
Ring-billed Gull
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Red-eyed Vireo
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Carolina Wren
European Starling
American Robin
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
- 2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
- 4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- George Washington Memorial Parkway
- Belle Haven Marina
- Old Town Alexandria
More in Virginia
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia's iconic barrier island refuge with 320+ species, wild ponies, and Atlantic Flyway migrants.
Huntley Meadows Park
DC area's premier wetland with boardwalk access to nesting herons, rails, and diverse marsh birds.
Great Falls Park
Potomac gorge park with breeding Cerulean Warblers, dramatic river views, and rich spring migration.
Virginia Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Virginia →