Forest birding habitat

Machicomoco State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Machicomoco State Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, Horned Grebe, and American Crow 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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/20/2026Hog Island WMA

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

7/19/2026College Landing Park1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/19/2026Machicomoco State Park1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/18/2026Busch Gardens Williamsburg1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/17/2026Jamestown Island--Causeway1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

7/14/2026Hog Island WMA1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

7/12/2026Newport News Park--Campground Area1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/12/2026Greensprings Interpretive Trail1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/12/2026Chippokes Plantation State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Egret

17/20/2026

American Crow

37/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

European Starling

57/20/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

127/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/20/2026

Chipping Sparrow

57/20/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/20/2026

Northern Bobwhite

17/20/2026

Wild Turkey

17/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

167/20/2026

Mourning Dove

67/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

37/20/2026

Laughing Gull

17/20/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/20/2026

Green Heron

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

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 Machicomoco State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Machicomoco State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Machicomoco State Park?
Notable species at Machicomoco State Park include Ring-billed Gull, Horned Grebe, American Crow, Fish Crow, Carolina Chickadee. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Machicomoco State Park?
Birding at Machicomoco State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Machicomoco State Park?
Machicomoco State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.