Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Bufflehead among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

3/5/2026stakeout White-winged Dove, River Road (2023)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/5/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

Cackling Goose (Richardson's)

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

3/3/2026S Church landing1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/2/2026Lone Star Lakes2 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

3/1/2026@Naturegirl1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

2/28/2026Messick Point2 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

2/28/2026Dismal Swamp Canal Trail--Cornland Road Access1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

2/27/2026Huntington Park1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

2/27/2026Home1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

2/27/2026King-Lincoln Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

83/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

243/4/2026

Bufflehead

223/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

43/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/4/2026

Horned Grebe

33/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Black Vulture

23/4/2026

Osprey

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

33/4/2026

American Crow

23/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/4/2026

Carolina Wren

23/4/2026

Pine Warbler

23/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Redhead

42/21/2026

Hooded Merganser

22/21/2026

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 Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve?
Notable species at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve?
Birding at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve?
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.