Machicomoco State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

3/5/2026Colonial Parkway--College Creek7 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/5/2026Matoaka Lake and Woods1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

3/4/2026Creekway Drive Boardwalk (Private)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/3/2026Beckwith Farms1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/3/2026I-64 E, Williamsburg US-VA (37.2607,-76.6485)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/2/2026Greensprings Interpretive Trail1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/2/20266734 Cox Ave, Gloucester US-VA 37.41638, -76.522361 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Hickory Hill2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/1/2026US-Virginia-Gloucester Courthouse-4849 Rosewell Dr - 37.337x-76.591 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

2/28/2026Messick Point2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

23/1/2026

American Crow

23/1/2026

Fish Crow

13/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/1/2026

Hermit Thrush

13/1/2026

Common Grackle

13/1/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/1/2026

Bald Eagle

12/24/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/24/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

12/24/2026

Eastern Bluebird

32/24/2026

Cedar Waxwing

182/24/2026

Bufflehead

22/24/2026

Hooded Merganser

42/24/2026

Ruddy Duck

52/24/2026

Rock Pigeon

602/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/24/2026

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.