Lake birding habitat

Lake Frederick

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Frederick is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Hooded Merganser, and Ring-billed Gull 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

4/18/2026878–1000 Smith Run Rd, Bentonville US-VA (38.8105,-78.2166)1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/16/2026Fork, Virginia, US (38.899, -78.311)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/16/2026Fir/Res/Pub/Civ Eng1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/16/2026Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve (City of Winchester)2 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/15/2026Oxbow Farm (PRIVATE)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/15/2026G.R. Thompson WMA--Upper Ted Lake Trail1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/13/2026Home1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/12/2026Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/11/2026Unnamed Road, Virginia, US (38.904, -78.315)1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/9/2026Lake Frederick1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/8/2026Lake Frederick1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/8/2026Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve (City of Winchester)1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/7/2026Blandy Experimental Farm/State Arboretum of Virginia2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/15/2026

Mourning Dove

44/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/15/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

24/15/2026

Fish Crow

14/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

24/15/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/15/2026

Barn Swallow

14/15/2026

Carolina Wren

14/15/2026

American Robin

14/15/2026

American Goldfinch

24/15/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

44/15/2026

Wood Duck

44/14/2026

Mallard

14/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

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 Frederick for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Frederick for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Frederick?
Notable species at Lake Frederick include Canada Goose, Hooded Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, American Crow, Wood Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Frederick?
Birding at Lake Frederick is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Frederick?
Lake Frederick offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.