Forest birding habitat

Mason Neck State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mason Neck State Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

4/18/2026Melwood2 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/18/2026Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck NWR1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Myrtle Grove WMA--Millards Mill Access1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/18/2026Myrtle Grove WMA--Millards Mill Access1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/20262600 Crest Street, Alexandria, Virginia, US (38.828, -77.081)1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Prince William Forest Park--South1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/18/2026Occoquan Bay NWR1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

4/18/2026Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck NWR--Great Marsh Trail1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/18/2026Meadowood Recreation Area--Mustang Trailhead1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/18/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

4/18/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/17/20264128 Doveville Ln, Fairfax US-VA 38.83282, -77.260501 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

124/17/2026

Mourning Dove

24/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/17/2026

Osprey

24/17/2026

Bald Eagle

14/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/17/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

24/17/2026

Fish Crow

24/17/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

104/17/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/17/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

54/17/2026

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 Mason Neck State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Mason Neck State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mason Neck State Park?
Notable species at Mason Neck State Park include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mason Neck State Park?
Birding at Mason Neck State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Mason Neck State Park?
Mason Neck State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.