Forest birding habitat

Leesylvania State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Leesylvania State Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Canvasback, and Greater Scaup 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

Canada Goose

26/3/2026

Mallard

16/3/2026

Mourning Dove

36/3/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/3/2026

Black Vulture

16/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

66/3/2026

Osprey

86/3/2026

Bald Eagle

26/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

26/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Northern Flicker

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

46/3/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

56/3/2026

Blue Jay

36/3/2026

American Crow

16/3/2026

Fish Crow

66/3/2026

Carolina Chickadee

56/3/2026

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 Leesylvania State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Leesylvania State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Leesylvania State Park?
Notable species at Leesylvania State Park include Canada Goose, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leesylvania State Park?
Birding at Leesylvania State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Leesylvania State Park?
Leesylvania State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.