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

Loading map...

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

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/18/2026Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve--Raven Road Access (woodland trails)2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/18/2026Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve--Brooke Road Access (boardwalk/canoe launch)1 observed

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

4/18/2026Melwood2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Myrtle Grove WMA--Millards Mill Access1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/18/2026Myrtle Grove WMA--Millards Mill Access1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Prince William Forest Park--South1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Occoquan Bay NWR1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/18/2026Occoquan Bay NWR1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

4/18/2026Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck NWR--Great Marsh Trail1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/18/2026Meadowood Recreation Area--Mustang Trailhead1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

4/18/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/17/20264128 Doveville Ln, Fairfax US-VA 38.83282, -77.260501 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/17/2026Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve--Raven Road Access (woodland trails)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/13/2026

Mallard

14/13/2026

Mourning Dove

34/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Osprey

24/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/13/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

34/13/2026

American Crow

14/13/2026

Carolina Chickadee

64/13/2026

Tree Swallow

14/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

34/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

34/13/2026

Carolina Wren

24/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/13/2026

American Robin

24/13/2026

American Goldfinch

14/13/2026

White-throated Sparrow

94/13/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/13/2026

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.