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

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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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/3/2026Featherbed Road1 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

6/2/2026G.R. Thompson WMA--Trillium Trail1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/2/2026G.R. Thompson WMA--Trillium Trail2 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/1/2026Golden Rock to Indian Ford on river1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/30/2026Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve (Frederick Co.)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/29/2026Sky Meadows State Park1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

5/29/2026G.R. Thompson WMA--Thompson Lake Area1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/28/2026Friendship Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/25/2026Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve (City of Winchester)1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/25/2026On the Shores of Shenandoah (private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green Heron

16/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/3/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

26/3/2026

Northern Flicker

26/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/3/2026

Blue Jay

16/3/2026

Carolina Chickadee

16/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/3/2026

Tree Swallow

36/3/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/3/2026

Barn Swallow

36/3/2026

European Starling

26/3/2026

Gray Catbird

16/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

16/3/2026

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.