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

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

6/3/2026Tuckahoe Creek Park1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

6/3/2026Little Creek new home

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

6/3/2026Little Creek new home

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

6/1/2026James River Park--Floodwall Section1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

5/31/2026Gregory's Pond1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/30/2026Dutch Gap Conservation Area/Henricus Historical Park1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/29/2026Pump House Park1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026Cheswick Park1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/27/202664 west1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/23/2026Chamberlayne Swamp1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/2/2026

Chimney Swift

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

16/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

Barred Owl

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

46/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

66/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

56/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

36/2/2026

Carolina Wren

26/2/2026

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.