Lake Fairfax Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Fairfax Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, 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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026Sligo Middle School1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1003/5/2026

Gadwall

33/5/2026

Mallard

63/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

53/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

103/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

133/5/2026

American Crow

83/5/2026

Fish Crow

43/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

73/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

83/5/2026

Carolina Wren

23/5/2026

European Starling

23/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

43/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Fairfax Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Fairfax Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Fairfax Park?
Notable species at Lake Fairfax Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Fairfax Park?
Birding at Lake Fairfax Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lake Fairfax Park?
Lake Fairfax Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.