Wetland birding habitat

Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, and American Robin 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 Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/22/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.5 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

7/22/2026Belle Haven Park--Picnic Area1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/20/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/18/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/18/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/15/2026Mattawoman Creek--Mattingly Park1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/14/202614701 Bayview Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia, US (38.633, -77.248)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Carolina Chickadee

17/11/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

17/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Tundra Swan. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.