HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

903/5/2026

Gadwall

33/5/2026

Mallard

83/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/5/2026

Great Horned Owl

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Crow

43/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

Wood Duck

83/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

23/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

53/5/2026

Mourning Dove

3/5/2026

American Coot

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

63/5/2026

Bald Eagle

23/5/2026

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.