River/Riparian birding habitat

James River Park - The Wetlands

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

James River Park - The Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Bufflehead, Ring-billed Gull, and Double-crested Cormorant 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 Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/22/2026Montgomery yard1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/20/2026Dutch Gap Conservation Area/Henricus Historical Park1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

7/12/2026R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/12/2026James River Park--Belle Isle1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/12/2026James River, Richmond, 37.5278,-77.43681 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Fish Crow

47/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

37/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/20/2026

Carolina Wren

27/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/20/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

487/20/2026

Wood Duck

67/20/2026

Mallard

167/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/20/2026

Black Vulture

57/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/20/2026

Osprey

127/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

American Crow

77/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/19/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

27/19/2026

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 James River Park - The Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit James River Park - The Wetlands for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at James River Park - The Wetlands?
Notable species at James River Park - The Wetlands include Bufflehead, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at James River Park - The Wetlands?
Birding at James River Park - The Wetlands is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at James River Park - The Wetlands?
James River Park - The Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.