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

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/3/20266223 Driftwood Dr, Alexandria US-VA 38.78161, -77.107681 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/3/2026Occoquan Bay NWR1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/2/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area3 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/2/2026Bull Run Marina Regional Park10 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/2/2026Backyard1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/1/2026**HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK4 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/1/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Mason District Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

55/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Fish Crow

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/31/2026

Purple Martin

15/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

American Robin

45/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

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.