Forest birding habitat

Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Mallard 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

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/3/20266223 Driftwood Dr, Alexandria US-VA 38.78161, -77.107681 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/3/2026Occoquan Bay NWR1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/2/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area3 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/2/2026Bull Run Marina Regional Park10 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/1/2026**HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK4 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/1/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Mason District Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Bald Eagle

25/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

45/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

45/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

65/30/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/30/2026

Carolina Wren

15/30/2026

Brown Thrasher

25/30/2026

American Robin

65/30/2026

American Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/30/2026

Common Grackle

35/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

65/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank for birding?
The best months to visit Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank?
Notable species at Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Sharp-shinned Hawk. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank?
Birding at Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank?
Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.