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

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

6/3/2026Machicomoco State Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Wilhelm1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/30/2026Chippokes Plantation State Park1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/30/2026Greensprings Interpretive Trail2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/29/2026Guinea Marsh--Maryus Road1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/28/2026Mariners' Museum Park/The Noland Trail1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026Personal location, Yorktown1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/28/2026Blackwater Creek, Mathews County, VA1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/27/2026Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

5/27/2026Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/27/2026Hog Island WMA2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/26/2026Greensprings

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/26/2026Ditch Bank Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

76/3/2026

Northern Bobwhite

46/3/2026

Wild Turkey

46/3/2026

Rock Pigeon

66/3/2026

Mourning Dove

66/3/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/3/2026

Clapper Rail

26/3/2026

Killdeer

36/3/2026

Royal Tern

16/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

136/3/2026

Green Heron

26/3/2026

Great Egret

176/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/3/2026

Black Vulture

16/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/3/2026

Osprey

66/3/2026

Bald Eagle

16/3/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/3/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/3/2026

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 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.