Birds fly in formation over a grassy field.

HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler 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

6/15/2026Heurich Park2 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/14/2026Bull Run Marina Regional Park3 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/14/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/14/2026Glencarlyn Park1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/13/2026Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

6/12/2026Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/11/2026Neabsco Boardwalk1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

36/15/2026

Wood Duck

46/15/2026

Mallard

96/15/2026

Chimney Swift

76/15/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/15/2026

Great Egret

26/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/15/2026

Osprey

16/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/15/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/15/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/15/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/15/2026

American Crow

16/15/2026

Fish Crow

16/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK for birding?
The best months to visit HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK?
Notable species at HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, American Woodcock, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Tundra Swan. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK?
Birding at HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK?
There is no entrance fee at HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK?
HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.