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

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

8/22/2026Piscataway Creek--Farmington Landing (Wharf Rd.)5 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

8/22/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

8/22/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

8/22/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

8/22/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park2 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

8/22/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

28/22/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

18/22/2026

Killdeer

28/22/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

18/22/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

58/22/2026

Least Sandpiper

128/22/2026

Great Egret

18/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

38/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/22/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

18/22/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

18/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

38/22/2026

Eastern Phoebe

18/22/2026

American Crow

38/22/2026

Carolina Chickadee

28/22/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

28/22/2026

Barn Swallow

88/22/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

18/22/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

18/22/2026

Carolina Wren

18/22/2026

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.