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

Loading map...

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Northern)

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026Indian Walk Lane2 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/17/2026Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (Northampton Co.)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/17/2026Lankford Hwy, Cape Charles3 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/17/2026The Scrape1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end56 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end20 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end2 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/13/2026CBBT--North Chesapeake Island (#4)4 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/11/2026Cape Charles Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Chimney Swift

17/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/20/2026

Laughing Gull

87/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

37/20/2026

Great Egret

17/20/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

American Crow

47/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

67/20/2026

Purple Martin

187/20/2026

Barn Swallow

47/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/20/2026

Carolina Wren

87/20/2026

European Starling

67/20/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/20/2026

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 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.