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

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

4/18/2026Melwood2 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/18/2026Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck NWR1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Myrtle Grove WMA--Millards Mill Access1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/18/2026Myrtle Grove WMA--Millards Mill Access1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/20262600 Crest Street, Alexandria, Virginia, US (38.828, -77.081)1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Prince William Forest Park--South1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/18/2026Occoquan Bay NWR1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

4/18/2026Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck NWR--Great Marsh Trail1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/18/2026Meadowood Recreation Area--Mustang Trailhead1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/18/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

4/18/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/17/20264128 Doveville Ln, Fairfax US-VA 38.83282, -77.260501 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

44/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

24/18/2026

Blue Jay

34/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/18/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/18/2026

Wood Thrush

14/18/2026

American Robin

64/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

154/18/2026

Ovenbird

34/18/2026

Northern Parula

14/18/2026

Scarlet Tanager

14/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/18/2026

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.