Forest birding habitat

Magotha Road

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Magotha Road is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, and Mourning Dove 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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group)

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/30/2026Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

5/25/2026Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow (Interior)

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/24/2026Box Tree Marsh1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

5/22/2026Box Tree Marsh5 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/21/2026Sunset Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Scoter

16/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/2/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

26/2/2026

Forster's Tern

16/2/2026

Common Tern

26/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

46/2/2026

Brown Pelican

106/2/2026

Black Vulture

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Pine Warbler

16/2/2026

Northern Bobwhite

46/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

American Crow

46/2/2026

Purple Martin

66/2/2026

Barn Swallow

36/2/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

26/2/2026

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 Magotha Road for birding?
The best months to visit Magotha Road for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Magotha Road?
Notable species at Magotha Road include Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Black-bellied Plover, Sanderling. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Magotha Road?
Birding at Magotha Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Magotha Road?
Magotha Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.