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

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

4/21/2026Potomac Palisades Conservation Park, Bethesda1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/21/2026Potomac Palisades Conservation Park, Bethesda1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/21/2026Potomac Palisades Conservation Park, Bethesda1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/21/2026Golf course1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/20/2026Houston-Sligo Creek Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/20/2026U. S. Capitol Grounds1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/20/2026Bolling AFB riverfront1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/20/2026Home1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/20/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/19/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-winged Blackbird

44/21/2026

Canada Goose

44/21/2026

Wood Duck

54/21/2026

Mallard

64/21/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/21/2026

American Bittern

14/21/2026

Osprey

14/21/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/21/2026

American Crow

34/21/2026

Fish Crow

14/21/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

64/21/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

44/21/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/21/2026

Swamp Sparrow

24/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

24/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/21/2026

Great Egret

114/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/21/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/21/2026

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.